Must see views and places of interest

Spectacular must see's

Mt. Rainier
If you are looking for awe inspiring beauty and enjoy a good sightseeing trip, Mt. Rainier is one of the "Do Not Miss" places to visit. Whether you are cycling, running, hiking, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, or motoring there is more to see here then almost anywhere in Washington. With waterfalls, vistas, wildflowers, and winter wonderlands you will feel like you are in a mystical place. Remember our National Parks are precious and finite, please take care of them! Take pictures leave footprints.
www.nps.gov/mora

Mt. St. Helen
May 18, 1980 Mt. St. Helen erupted reducing the summit by 1300 feet, blasting and blowing down 230 square miles of forest. 38 years later recovery continues. Today you can see the before and after all from many view sites. Still covered with signs of the eruption but surrounded by a flourishing environment. It doesn't get any more interesting then this. www.fs.usda.gov
White Pass
White Pass scenic byway is a beautiful drive connecting Washington from west to east and east to west, but one of the best reasons to visit is for things to do. Whether you are into fly fishing the Tieton, hiking part of the Pacific Trail, snowmobiling, or downhill skiing at White Pass Ski Area, there is plenty to do! www.skiwhitepass.com
Crystal Mountain
Crystal features the only Gondola in the state offering some of the most unparalleled and breathtaking views anywhere. You see Mt. Rainier, St. Helen, and Adams to the south, Baker and glacier peak to the north, and the Olympics to the west. The Gondola is open to skiers (and of course boarders) in the winter for experiencing the World class ski resort (rated #7 in North America by skiing magazine), also the largest resort in Washington.Foot traffic is allowed Winter and summer. When you get to the top don't forget the Summit House Restaurant ( the highest restaurant in the state). Enjoy the panorama and a good meal at the same time.
www.crystalmountainresort.com

Attractions for the enthusiasts & adveturers

For the animal lovers

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park.

The Northwest's premier wildlife and adventure park. Get eye to eye with massive Bison, Elk, and many other Pacific Northwest animals as they roam the 435 acres of woodlands, meadows, and lakes.Walk the endless trails of spacious habitat enclosures for the Cougars, Lynx, Bears, Wolves, etc....

Not enough Excitement, Thrill yourself on one of the different expertise levels of the ZIPLINE deep forest challenge. www.nwtrek.org

Point Defiance Zoo and Park

Set in Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, Wa. You can experience elephants to tigers, sharks to penguins (just not all together). lol Afterwards meander on Five mile Dr. through Fort Nisqually, Owens Beach, trails, gardens, and view points including a great shot of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. www.pdza.org /

Train buffs

Mt. Rainier Railroad and Logging Museum brings the vibrant logging industry to life. Just minutes to Mt. Rainier, in Elbe, you catch a steam train ride that will roll you through misty forests on a 14 mile journey to Mineral. When you arrive you will have time to enjoy the Museum and view the world's largest collection of steam locomotives. Whether you choose a steam train excursion or one of the many special event trains you will be taking the very same tracks used by pioneers, loggers and settlers from over a century ago! www.mtrainierrailroad.com

Art worshipers

Ex-Nihilo Sculpture Park by Daniel Klennert. If you love Unusual but remarkable, even if you are not an art lover you owe it to yourself to visit this place! It WILL astound you. The sculpture park will inspire your imagination. Located on Hwy 706 east of Elbe, Wa. www.danielklennert.com

Asford Creek Gallery is a local gallery NW Ats museum/ gallery. A variety of art and pottery and prices, Exquisite. www.ashfordcreekgallery.com

Museum of Glass Tacoma. With live glassblowing and amazing art there are plenty of ways for all ages to explore glass. www.museumofglass.org

Tacoma Art Museum. Tacoma art's mission is to connect people through art.Join the conversation. www.tacomaartmuseum.org

Museum followers

There are museums for everyone. Car buffs, aviation, maritime locally we have Pioneer farms museum and Indian Village.Come see how they lived over a century ago. www.pioneerfarmmuseum.org

Site Content

Hiking

Mt. Rainier is in our backyard and has some of the most popular and beautiful hikes. There are hikes for the old and young, fit and not so fit @ all skill levels. There is Old Growth firs (example. The Grove of the Patriarchs in Ohanapacosh/ Stevens canyon area), alpine meadows, waterfalls (ex. Comet Falls-Van Trump Park), Lakes (ex. Mowich Lake ), and innumerable other terrains and views to explore.

Other areas of interest close to home are Eatonville, Pack Forest (Eatonville area), Chinook Pass, White Pass and Mt. St. Helens. There are some great books to get your hands on if you are making this a hiking trip. Your host can advise.

Mountaineering/ Climbing

If climbing is on your list Mt. Rainier is a unique Mountain and should be approached with caution. Unlike walk up peaks it requires mountaineering gear and glacier skills. Prepare, train, and be safe.

For information:www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/climbing .htm

Guides:

www.rmiguides.com www.alpineascents.com and www.mountainguides.com

Horsebackriding / Racing

Want some fresh air and love a good ride there are two local area guides.

www.eztimeshorserides.com

www.chinookpassoutfitters.com

Love the horses but not the riding.. www.emeralddowns.com

Casinos

The weather is wet and dreary... you don't want to go outdoors, why not see if Lady Luck is on your side. There are multitudes of Casinos in Washington State but here are a few of the local biggest and best.

www.emeraldqueen.com www.redwindcasino.com www.muckleshootcasino.com and www.snocasino.com

Endless gaming, top performers and entertainment, excellent food, and fun promo's

Shopping

Our favorite rainy day experience Shopping, shopping, Shopping!! Here are some options:

"Our neighborhood"

Holly Hut-a cottage fairyland full of an eclectic display of gifts. Find your own magical treasure.

Center Street Junction-new and used items. From clothes to tools,etc.

"Not so home town"

If your looking for a mall or big box store they are30-50 minutes north and the area is teaming with them. Ask your hosts for specifics.

Golf

There is a nice mix of golf courses in the area.

Lake Spanaway Golf Course- challenging yet fair. Made for all levels and ages. The course is recognized on a National Level so don't think it is going to be a cake walk. www.lakespanawaygc.com

The Classic Golf Course-This place is truly a hidden gem and best kept secret. Experience the course that PGA professional Ryan Moore calls home. www.theclassicgc.com

Tahoma Valley Golf Course- With views of Mt. Rainier at every hole. www.tahomavalleygolf.com