Located 35 miles east of Seattle and just south of North Bend, this breathtaking 111-acre lake is part of a recreation area that includes the nearby Rattlesnake Ledge Trail, and picnic facilities. It also provides access to the Snoqualmie Valley Trail and the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail. The recreation area is especially popularContinue reading “Rattlesnake Lake”
Author Archives: aihoon
Idylwood Beach Park
We stumbled upon this park while looking for a trail a few days ago and were very glad we decided to explore this 18-acre park that opens up to a wide vista of Lake Sammamish. It is autumn and no one is swimming, so we just walk along the 250-feet shoreline and take in theContinue reading “Idylwood Beach Park”
Hiram M Chittenden Locks
The Hiram M Chittenden Locks is one the favorite spots of tourists and Seattle residents alike to watch boats entering the locks and also wildlife in the area. Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the lock complex was the largest navigation facility in North America when it was dedicated on 4th July, 1917.Continue reading “Hiram M Chittenden Locks”
Cherry Blossoms at the University of Washington
The arrival of spring usually means one thing at the University of Washington – the eagerly awaited cherry blossom season. Students and visitors all over the Seattle suburbs flock to the university, and especially to the quadrangle, fondly known as the Quad, to view the blossoms. It is here that many spent their spring daysContinue reading “Cherry Blossoms at the University of Washington”
The Pacific Rhododendron
This time of the year the Pacific or Coast Rhododendron are in full bloom almost everywhere in Western Washington, and take centerstage along sidewalks, road dividers and in gardens and parks. The state flower of Washington, national flower of Nepal, provincial flower of Jiangxi, Rhododendron literally means ‘rose trees with big leaves.’ A mediumContinue reading “The Pacific Rhododendron”
Tulip Festival Skagit Valley
Every year, about 400,00 visitors come to Skagit Valley in April to soak in the stunning display of fields of blooming tulips. Located 60 miles north of Seattle, this area boasts hundreds of acres of blooming flowers scattered across farms throughout the valley. Hence the Tulip Festival is designed as a driving tour around farmsContinue reading “Tulip Festival Skagit Valley”
Washington Oaks State Park
Sometime this year, we were at sunny Florida, visiting one of our favorite beaches – the beach at the Washington Oaks State Park at Palm Coast. While many visit the adjacent garden with its beautiful roses, it is the coquina beach and rocks resembling a mini Grand Canyon that makes a walk here exhilarating. AlongContinue reading “Washington Oaks State Park”
Juanita Bay Park
With at least 2 miles of trail, this 110-acre urban wildlife habitat in Kirkland is popular with nature lovers and bird watchers. From any section of the park’s extensive boardwalk system, trails, or any three of the park’s observation platforms, you’ll likely see waterfowls, great blue herons, osprey, and amphibians such as salamanders and turtlesContinue reading “Juanita Bay Park”
Tumwater Dam Hydroelectric Project
We were on our way back from Leavenworth along US Highway 2 when we stumbled upon the Tumwater Dam Hydroelectric Project. Actually we heard the ferocious roar of the waters before we saw it crashing down from over 20 feet high. The source of the watercourse – The Wenatchee State Park. Constructed from 1907- 09Continue reading “Tumwater Dam Hydroelectric Project”
Bobcats
About twice the size of an average domestic cat, the bobcat can be found from Mexico to southern Canada. The most populous wildcat in the US, it is estimated a million bobcats call this region their home. Named for its tail, which looks like it is “bobbed”, the bobcat is often mistaken with its cousinContinue reading “Bobcats”
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