Five Best Summer Day Trips Here in the PNW
Most college students during the summer take up all their time working a seasonal job to make a little extra cash. Then when it comes to having a day off, students can be stuck trying to figure out where to go. If that has ever been you, grab a group of friends and on a day off and try out some of these summer trips that the PNW has to offer:
Flowing Lake County Park:
With a nice lake to swim, fish and go boating, you can also bring grills and cook up some food with a group of friends. The park also offers a playground, a volleyball net and cabins for weekend stays. This county park does have a fee of $10 to park as well as $28-70 a night for camping (depending on the campsite you reserve).
Flowing Lake Beach access area, the lake has a portion roped off where boats cannot enter making for a safer swim.
River Meadows County Park:
A state park offering both day use and camping options for your trip. This park is located at the South Fork Stillaguamish River in Arlington, WA. The river during the summer will have lower water levels to jump off large rocks in the middle, as well as a rope swing. The river does hold a current, but not too rigorous during summer season, which makes it perfect for inner tubing with a group of friends.
River Meadows River access and where the jumping rock and rope swing are.
Snoqualmie Falls:
Located in Snoqualmie, WA, visitors are able to park for the day for free and see the incredible view of this beauty’s namesake. This location also offers a mile hike round trip to the bottom of the falls where you can have multiple different sight seeing options. If you are someone who does not prefer to hike, you can follow the curving road down to 372nd Ave. At the end of this road, there is a place to swim, float or kayak.
Snoqualmie Falls lower level river access where locals are often relaxing and having fun in the sun.
Samish Overlook:
A hiking trip overlooking the San Juan Islands is a great place to pack a lunch, bring some friends and your dog and go see some great views.Located in the Chuckanut Mountains, WA, it’s a steep climb but at the top you can sit and overlook the North and South of the Salish Sea. This trail is not recommended when raining, so a nice, dry summer day would be perfect.
Jetty Island:
A summer-only day trip, as the island during the fall and winter months is submerged underwater. This island is located in the Port of Everett, where you take a small ferry for a five minute ride from the docks to the island across. The ferry ride is free and runs until different times depending on the week day. The ferry departs from the docks every 15 minutes until noon and then they begin longer times between each departure. On the island, you can walk the trails, set up your blankets and enjoy the views or do some splashing in the sandy, shallow waters. The ferry runs July 5 through Labor Day only.
If you are want more information on any of these locations, visit their websites for exact fees and specific times for day use. Except for Jetty Island, these locations allow pets so bring your animals along for the ride, and enjoy the summer sun.
