Top 8 Summer Spots In Washington

A+view+of+the+Deception+Pass+Bridge.%0ACredit%3A+Wikimedia.com

A view of the Deception Pass Bridge. Credit: Wikimedia.com

Lourdes Marmol. Kayla Wentland, Staff Writer

With our streak of rain and gloomy days from October to March, we all crave the sun and summer breeze. With summertime blues at an all-time high, we’ve put together the ultimate list of activities for the staycationers. Here are fun and cheap things to do in the Pacific Northwest this summer:

  1. Big Four Ice Caves

Off of the Mountain Loop Highway, you can discover the North Cascade Mountains with a two mile hike roundtrip to the beautiful ice caves. You can always find snow in July here. All you need is Northwest Forest Pass, which you can get at the ranger station for five dollars.  Pack a lunch and grab your friends for this amazing lookout into the Cascades.

  1. North Beach – Deception Pass State Park

Along the coast by Whidbey Island, you find three miles of bike trails, six miles of horse trails, and 38 miles of hiking trails at this popular destination. It cost five dollars to park and enter the park. Along with camping, you can also walk across the 976-foot bridge to an outlook point over the connections of Skagit Bay, part of Puget Sound, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This is definitely a day trip worthwhile for the summer.

  1. La Conner and the Swinomish Channel

For weekend getaway, try visiting La Conner, Washington. On any gorgeous day you can find First Street flooded with boutiques, pubs, antique shops, and family friendly activities. Located about 50 miles North of I-5, enjoy a boat tour along the Swinomish Channel into the Skagit Bay. The Rainbow Bridge is a fantastic photo opportunity at sunset.  Across the channel, you can visit the wonderful Swinomish tribes and the one of a kind potlach hat gazeboes. Don’t forget about the Swinomish Casino and Lodge for a great salmon dinner.

  1. Wenburg County Park

Lake Goodwin is home to many residents of Stanwood, but during the summer, it is home to all of Washington. With only a fee of seven dollars, spending all day there will for sure get you a tan, or a burn. A sandy beach lines the water for kids to play in by the shallow area and a playground above. Camping, boating, and picnicking are some of the many things to do here.  Have a summer party or family gathering.

  1. Evergreen State Fair Grounds

Starting in April, the Evergreen Speedway in Monroe offers a fun and exciting time. An entry fee of 12 dollars for general admission, and an extra 25 dollars for reserved seating. This is great way to spend Saturday nights with friends or family. The Fourth of July Bash is a good way to enjoy a night full of crashes, burnouts, and fireworks. Also, do not forget the summer concerts starting in late August. Special guest include for KING & COUNTRY, Josh Turner, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Kenny Loggins, and Trace Adkins. With a concert ticket, there is no need to pay for entry to the fair itself.  Carnival wristbands cost 35 dollars and sheets of tickets cost 25 to 70 dollars.  Entry fee to get in to the fair alone is Adults (16-61) 12 dollars and Youth (6-15) 8 dollars.

  1. Blue Fox Drive In Theater

In Oak Harbor, there is one of the few drive in theatres left in Washington State. Admissions for age 11 and over is 6.50 in cash and 7 dollars on a card. For children from five to 10 years old, it prices at 1 dollar in cash and 1.50 on card. Box Office opens at 4:00 p.m. and the first movie starts at Dusk, around 8:45 p.m. They have an arcade, go karts, and a snack bar.  For more tips on what to bring and what they have there for the entire family visit http://www.bluefoxdrivein.com/drive-in-tips.html.

  1. GameWorks of Seattle

Downtown in East Seattle, you can find a 20,000 square foot arcade containing 180 interactive video games and prizes. For all ages, you can book youth, corporate, and holiday parties. The prices ranges from five dollars to 52 dollars, depending on how many credits you want. Hours for GameWorks operate from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily. After 10 p.m., the facility becomes an 18 plus area.

  1. El Corazon/The Funhouse

Enjoy a fun night on the town at the El Corazon with local and national bands. The showroom is all ages, but the bar and lounge is 21 plus. A small venue with a packed night full of loud music and toxic vibrations. This place is for the music lover who can endure a night of intensity and one who does not mind having their eardrums busted for the next week. The El Corazon is a taste of what nightlife is all about, and an outlook onto what your future in Seattle might look like. Being in such an environment will make you want to go home and start your very own local band. All Age shows end at 11 P.M and the most admission will be is 12-15 dollars, but is sometimes surprisingly free.