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Whether you plan ahead or have an unexpected day free, try a day trip to one of these Northwest gems.
Paddle or play pretend in Port Gamble
Nestled on the Kitsap peninsula, Port Gamble is dreamy in the summer, with sweeping ocean views and activities for the outdoorsy and indoorsy alike. Hop on the Edmonds-Kingston ferry and drive twenty minutes northwest to Port Gamble from Kingston.
If you’re cycling-inclined, Port Gamble’s got plenty of bike-friendly spaces and events; the Kitsap Peninsula is becoming a regional hub for cyclists. Check out the Kitsap County MapMyRide to plan your bike route.
Olympic Outdoor Center offers kayak rentals as well as mountain bike rentals; for more structured fun, check out their wildlife tours or private paddling classes! 32379 N Rainier Ave, Port Gamble, 98364
Kids will love the Port Gamble General Store & Cafe, a historic Port Gamble space with quaint shopping and a stellar menu at the Cafe. Go for breakfast between 8 am and 2 pm Friday through Sunday. Tucked behind the General Store is the tiny Port Gamble Historic Museum, a quaint space with historical information about the town. 32400 Rainier Ave NE, Port Gamble, 98364
Perfect your mini golf swing in Leavenworth
Nestled in the middle of the Cascades, Leavenworth is beautiful any time of year; however, summer is particular sweet in this mock-Bavarian town. Even if you’re not a Germanophile, Leavenworth’s got plenty of cool activities for kids and adults: horseback riding, paddle-boarding, and a sweet arcade!
If you’re the indoorsy type, hit up Bavarian-themed Icicle Junction Activity Center for mini golf on their 18-hole course or the gaming arcade. 565 US-2, Leavenworth, 98826
A few of Leavenworth’s ranches offer trail rides and guided tours around the mountains; Eagle Creek Ranch offers trail rides on the shorter end (40 minutes) for younger kids 6 and up as well as longer private rides led by a tour guide that run around two hours. Make reservations at 509-548-7798. 7951 Eagle Creek Rd, Leavenworth, 98826
Icicle Outfitters offers 1.5-hour rides as well as a wagon ride for groups of 8 or more. Make reservations at 509-669-1518. 7935 E Leavenworth Rd, Leavenworth, 98826
If you’re looking for aquatic thrills, visit one of Leavenworth’s many paddle rental shops to rent a stand up paddleboard to tool around Lake Wenatchee and the Wenatchee River.
Bike and pick berries in Snohomish
Summer is berry-picking season throughout Washington, and Snohomish has some of the best u-pick farms around. Farms in Snohomish offer strawberry u-picks earlier in the season as well as blueberry u-picks later on. Check out this master list of Seattle-area farms for the skinny on what's in season.
If you're looking to get moving after you fill your basket, don't miss Snohomish’s Centennial Trail, one of its coolest attractions. Kids can ride bikes easily on the wide, well-paved, very flat trail. Park your wheels near one of the picnic tables by the river for a well-deserved lunch break after a ride.
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