I lived in Lakewood, WA (half way between Tacoma and Olympia before I retired from the service. If you get a chance to go a little early and spend time in Seattle, be SURE to look to the south at Mt. Ranier on the Horizon. When you see it keep in mind that it is over THREE horizons away (the earth curvature is about 20 miles)...about 70 miles away. At over 14,000 feet it the tallest mountain in the US (from base to peak) since it almost starts at sea level. Since there are no other mountains near it it appears even more spectacular. The best pict would be in the late afternoon from the Seattle area.
Taking ANY ferry in the Sound is enjoyable. The one hour ferry to Bremerton (Navy and Sub station) is very nice both there and back. The ultimate ferry trip is to Victoria, BC. That's a GREAT day walk around town and it hugs the little harbor there and the architecture and gardens are spectacular! Then catch the afternoon ferry back.
Around town just take the buses or trolleys. They're clean, efficient and cheap. The mononrail is ok, but it only goes from the Piers to the Space Needle...about 5 blocks (whooptydoo), but those blocks are UP hill! In fact, EVERYTHING is up hill from the Piers. It's sorta like a small San Francisco.
Here's some other cool stuff to possibly check out in Seattle as well. I hi-lighted in BOLD the ones I especially enjoyed...
Boeing Factory Tour
See 747, 767 and 777 airplanes in various stages of flight test and manufacture.
Chittenden Locks
Built in 1911 to link salty Puget Sound with fresh-water Lake Union and Lake Washington, the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, also known locally as the Ballard Locks, are a favorite with locals and visitors alike. This is free and you can even go down below to see the spawning salmon going up the stairs through large glass panes. If it's warm you can sometimes see many VERY expensive yachts making their way through the locks.
Cinerama Theater
A movie theater might not be on the list of sights to see in most places, but Seattle's Cinerama Theater is special. It preserves a uniquely American art form that reshaped the film industry and the public
Taking ANY ferry in the Sound is enjoyable. The one hour ferry to Bremerton (Navy and Sub station) is very nice both there and back. The ultimate ferry trip is to Victoria, BC. That's a GREAT day walk around town and it hugs the little harbor there and the architecture and gardens are spectacular! Then catch the afternoon ferry back.
Around town just take the buses or trolleys. They're clean, efficient and cheap. The mononrail is ok, but it only goes from the Piers to the Space Needle...about 5 blocks (whooptydoo), but those blocks are UP hill! In fact, EVERYTHING is up hill from the Piers. It's sorta like a small San Francisco.
Here's some other cool stuff to possibly check out in Seattle as well. I hi-lighted in BOLD the ones I especially enjoyed...
Boeing Factory Tour
See 747, 767 and 777 airplanes in various stages of flight test and manufacture.
Chittenden Locks
Built in 1911 to link salty Puget Sound with fresh-water Lake Union and Lake Washington, the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, also known locally as the Ballard Locks, are a favorite with locals and visitors alike. This is free and you can even go down below to see the spawning salmon going up the stairs through large glass panes. If it's warm you can sometimes see many VERY expensive yachts making their way through the locks.
Cinerama Theater
A movie theater might not be on the list of sights to see in most places, but Seattle's Cinerama Theater is special. It preserves a uniquely American art form that reshaped the film industry and the public
