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Washington State

WATER WONDERS

Washington has the longest stretch of wild coast outside Alaska, including some of the tallest peaks and longest sand spits in the world, including Dungeness Spit near Sequim, and the Long Beach Peninsula.

Clustered in the waters of Rosario Strait and Haro Strait, the popular San Juan Islandsbeckon nature-lovers. Orca whale pods, vibrant sunsets and clean sea air make the San Juans a “must do” experience for locals and visitors alike.

Torrent waters mark the spot known asDeception Pass, a breathtaking intersection where a180-foot-high bridge crosses over swirling seawaters, linking Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands. For a good palm-tingle, take a walk along the pedestrian path atop the bridge, and peek over the side. Not recommended for those with vertigo!

High above the mouth of the Columbia River, atop a granite perch, sits the majestic Cape Disappointment lighthouse. Constructed in 1856, a short, steep climb up to her grounds provides visitors with astounding views of the Columbia River and Pacific ocean. www.funbeaches.com.

Pacific beaches display large rock outcrops, monuments to winter weather watching. Rocks, islands and seastacks lie just off the rugged wilderness coast by Lake Ozette. Take a trip back in time by viewing 300-year-old petroglyph at the Wedding Rock headland, carved from bone by Makah Indians,www.northolympic.com/onp/ozette.html.

Thirty minutes east of Seattle, the Cascade glacial waters of the Snoqualmie River pour over a 258-foot drop to form Snoqualmie Falls. One of the most romantic spots in western Washington, visitors can get up close by staying at the upscale Salish Lodge at the top of the falls, www.salishlodge.com.