1. Visit the World’s Smallest Park

There are two different versions of how this park came to be. It’s founder, Fagan, claimed he looked out of his office window and to his amazement, saw a leprechaun in the middle of the street. He instantly ran outside to catch it and when he was successful in doing so, the leprechaun grudgingly granted Fagan his wish that a park be named after him.

However, as Fagan hadn’t specified a size, the leprechaun—or Patrick O’Toole as he became known—granted the small, 2-foot circle of land for Fagan.

The other, less fantastical version is that Mill Ends Park was originally intended to be the place for a streetlight but after the hole was dug, no light turned up. Therefore Fagan planted flowers in the hole, named it Mill Ends and announced it to be the World’s Smallest Park. In 1971 the Guinness Book of Records agreed and as a result, the park has been used for many unusual things such as a miniature Ferris Wheel and a swimming pool for butterflies.

The only challenge to its title came from the town of Burntwood who claimed their Prince’s Park should be known as the World’s smallest as it had a fence around it. Mill Ends devotees responded by erecting a tiny fence around the miniscule perimeter and no more was said on the matter.

So if this story doesn’t immediately make you fall in love with Portland, we’re really not sure what will.

2. Visit China

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If after your visit to Mill Ends, you’re more in the mood for an outside space you can actually walk around, then we suggest leaving the USA for a brief period and stepping into China.

Portland is twinned with Suzhou which lies in the beautiful Chinese province of Jiangsu. This region is known for having outstanding Dynasty Gardens and it seems like Portland wanted to echo that reputation in their own city. Therefore they created what is known as the most authentic Chinese Garden outside of China in the Lan Su garden. This loosely translates to the Garden of the Awakening Orchids and is said to be a little piece of Asia right in Oregon.

Nothing is required of you except to appreciate its authentic beauty, so why not take a moment out of hectic city life and experience a small slice of tranquillity?

3. Explore the Shanghai Tunnels

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Portland is currently known for its hippie, quirky vibe but did you know that between 1850 and 1941, it was considered one of the most dangerous places in America? This reputation could be based on the existence of the Old Portland Underground or as its otherwise known, the Shanghai Tunnels.

Built originally to move stock on and off ships, the tunnels were later rumored to be used by members of organized crime. But what they are really famous for was the part they played in “Shanghaiing” or rather kidnapping unsuspecting men in order to make them work for free on board ships. It is said that these unfortunate souls were dropped through trap doors or “Deadfalls” into the underground system and held in cells against their will before being sold to ship captains and made to set sail.

Now there is some evidence to suggest that the stories of the Shanghai Tunnels may not be entirely true or at the very least, have been exaggerated for the tourist trade. But we’re not so sure. Why not book yourself onto an Underground tour and find out for yourself?

4. Glow in the dark mini golf?

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Let’s lighten the mood now, quite literally with the happy knowledge that Glow in the Dark Mini Golf exists. Yes, that’s right. Ever wanted to play Minigolf but just been too blinded by that gosh darn sun? That’s not a problem at the basement located Glowing Greens miniature golf course where you can enjoy 18 holes of pure, neon colored, radiating fun. Go on your birthday and get a free round!

5. Take an ancient selfie

We all love a vintage filter but what if you could get that effect completely authentically? The folks at Ace Hotel have lovingly restored a vintage photobooth, plopped it in their hotel lobby and made it available for anyone to use. The 100-year-old technology means you’ll be stepping back in time in order to preserve the present moment.

Simply pop in $4, strike 4 poses and wait 4 minutes. You’ll have your very own strip of photos just like your recent ancestors would have done. Pro-tip, make sure to smell the photos afterward. Apparently, the rotten smell is a sign of authenticity. That’s what they tell us anyway.

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6. Take a Submarine Tour

Sadly or perhaps thankfully, the submarine on display at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry doesn’t actually go under the water anymore. But apart from that, it’s still a totally authentic navy experience.

Tour highlights include touching a torpedo, looking through a working periscope and visiting a completely restored and fully operational radio room. Although this submarine hasn’t been in active service since 1990, it’s still the closest thing to submarine living that any of us land lovers are likely to get.

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7. Skate your way to a trophy

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Finally, end on a high note and skip down to America’s largest roller skating rink. Oaks Park holds regular events for kids, couples and everyone in between. Even better, you can enter one of their many competitions and obviously it’s dependent on your skill level, but we really think you could win it!

If you somehow don’t manage to snag a prize, you can commiserate yourself by heading to the amusement rides, games and other family-friendly activities available at the park. What a brilliant end to your Portland trip.

Can you think of any more wonderful and weird things to do in Portland? Feel free to comment below!

Suggested next reading: 6 Things To Do That’ll Make You Fall In Love With Seattle

The post 7 Wonderful & Weird Things To Do In Portland appeared first on Modern Trekker.

1. Take a day trip

A lot of tourists when planning on things to do in Las Vegas will also usually try to plan a day trip to one of its surrounding areas. One of the closest places I highly recommend if you are tight for time is the Hoover Dam. This is also one of the most popular day trips and is typically included on the way to the Grand Canyon. There is an observation deck for people to walk along over the rim to get a good view of the gushing water.

Another day trip that is highly recommended is to the Grand Canyon. This is a full day activity as it is quite a drive to get to. You can either rent a car and go on your own or join a tour. There are all kinds of tours to the Grand Canyon; some that only go there or some that make other stops along the way. There are three main spots that tours will take you: West Rim, South Rim or the North Rim. The South Rim is probably the most popular with tourists. The West Rim is the closest and where you can find the Glass Skywalk over the canyon. The North Rim is a little more difficult to get to and the furthest away.

2. Take in a show

One of my favorite things to do when visiting Vegas is taking in a show. There are all kinds of shows depending on your interest. Some of the biggest names in music can be found performing here including Celine Dion, Elton John, JLo, Backstreet Boys and Boyz II Men. Maybe a mind-blowing magic show is more up your alley, so you can check out Penn and Teller, David Copperfield or Criss Angel. Other popular shows include Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man Group or Thunder From Down Under. There is a wide variety of shows geared towards all age groups and interests.

3. Go shopping

Las Vegas has to be one of the most amazing cities in the world for shopping. There are a number of shops located all along the strip and even some hotels have mini-malls attached to them. It is very easy to burn through your money here. Some of the famous hotel shopping includes the luxury shops of Crystals and Bellagio, Forum Shops at Caesars, Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, and the Grand Canal Shops at the Venetian. For more affordable shopping, you can find the Fashion Mall located at the north end of the strip, or the Premium Outlet malls located a bit further out from both north and south ends of the strip.

4. Gamble at the casinos

It’s obvious that one of the most famous things to do in Las Vegas is to gamble in casinos. Every hotel along the strip and outside the strip will have a casino. The largest casino can be found at the Venetian while other popular casinos along the strip include the Wynn, Mandalay Bay, Bellagio, MGM Grand, Caesars Palace, and the Mirage. Don’t forget to go off the strip to visit the downtown area where you will find the famous casino “The Golden Nugget”.

Please note: If gambling is on your list of things to do in Las Vegas, please do so responsibly and know when to call it a day.

5. Travel around the world through hotels

When in Vegas, you don’t have to go very far to get a taste of other cities from around the world. Most of the hotels tend to be based around a theme and many of them are exactly this. If you have ever wanted to go to Paris and see the Eiffel Tower, then you don’t have to go far; check out the Paris Hotel and Casino. Have you ever wanted to take a gondola ride through those famous Venetian canals? Book your stay at the Venetian Hotel. Take a stroll around the Big Apple and head to the New York New York Hotel to see the Statue of Liberty and ride the roller-coaster through the Manhattan Skyline. Transport over to Rome by visiting the Bellagio and check out the famous water fountain show every half hour. Other themed hotels include Egypt’s “Luxor”, the Roman-themed “Caesars Palace” and jump back in time to the Middle Age by checking out the Excalibur Hotel and Casino.

6. Venture through Downtown Vegas

 

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The Downtown Las Vegas happens to be the historic center of the city. Before the strip, the downtown area was the gambling hub and home of the mob. Today, it is a fascinating area to wander around with plenty to see and do. It is located north of the strip and is easily accessible by the bus. This is where you will find the Freemont Street Experience which occupies 5 blocks of the street and is filled with shops, bars and casinos. Be sure to step back into time by visiting the famous Golden Nugget Casino or brave your wilder side and zip line down the street with SlotZilla Zip Line.

7. Visit the Neon Graveyard

 

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This has to be one of the most unique things to do in Las Vegas for me. Just north of the downtown area, you will find the Neon Museum. Spread across 6 acres, you will find a massive collection of over 150 famous old casino, hotel and business signs. Take a walk through history on a guided tour of this remarkable collection. You need to book your time ahead of time (online or in person) as it has become quite popular and space runs out quickly. They offer tours seven days a week from 9:30am to 11pm (midnight on weekends). It is hard to suggest the best time to go as visiting in the day is a completely different experience than going at night. At night, you will see the signs all lit up and during the day you won’t. Some of the most popular signs you will see include La Concha, The Golden Nugget and the Stardust.

8. Brave the Stratosphere

 

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The Stratosphere Hotel and Casino is located at the very north of the strip. Here you can discover how brave you actually are by participating in one of the thrill rides on the very top of the tower. The Insanity ride is a mechanical arm that holds you 900 feet above ground as it spins you over the edge, The Big Shot will blast you 160 feet up in the air and lastly, The Scream shoots you headfirst 27 feet over the edge. These rides are not for the faint hearted or anyone who may be scared of heights but, for adrenalin junkies, they are definitely the most thrilling things to do in Las Vegas. If these aren’t for you, why not try leaping off the top off the tower and fall from the sky on the heart-pounding SkyJump?

9. Go back to the Mob Days

 

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Step back in time to old Vegas when it was run by the Mob. The Mob Museum, officially the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, is located in Downtown Las Vegas in the former Las Vegas Post Office and Courthouse. The museum is dedicated to organized crime, not only in Vegas but around the United States. You will get to see several artifacts, hear stories and learn all about the history of organized crime. Your experience will also provide you with more information about the first Casinos in the city, the origins of the FBI and all you need to know about Howard Hughes and Al Capone. This is one of those excellent things to do in Las Vegas if you’re a history and crime buff.

Know of any other tips or things to do in Las Vegas? Feel free to comment below!

Suggested next reading: How To Have The Best Birthday Ever In San Diego

The post 9 Non-Negotiable Things To Do In Las Vegas appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Tip: The best way to get into the city is to take the Link from the airport to one of the downtown stops. For about $3, you’ll be in the city center in 45 minutes.

Here are 6 things to do when you travel to Seattle:

1. Go people-watching at Pike Place Market

In the heart of downtown is the country’s largest farmers market which was founded in 1907. Year round, this market wakes up early and awaits the 10 million tourists that flock in each year. You’ll find vendors selling seafood, produce, comic books, flowers, “I love Seattle” shirts, and more. You can weave your way up the various staircases that bring together the local mom-and-pop shops. Just across the street from the famous Pike Place Market is the world’s—yes, WORLD’s—first Starbucks. As you’re tucked on the sidewalk in line trying to grab a fresh cup, you’ll have outstanding opportunities for people watching. “Who’s that wacky haired person? Cool piano man! Is that a clown? No, you can’t have $1 for weed, sorry!” You can stay preoccupied all day watching the fishmongers throw your next meal, getting hyped up on caffeine, and shopping. Once you need a breather from the chaos, grab a beer from Old Stove Brewing while basking in breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains just west of the Puget Sound.

2. Learn about Seattle’s history

Once you finish stuffing your face with delish piroshkis at Pike Place Market, walk it off during the Underground Tour in Pioneer Square. If you’re a first time Seattle exploring newb, you may have not yet heard about the great Seattle fire in 1889. Back in the day, a pot of glue spilled and caused flames to encapsulate the entire town. The pavement we are all stomping on today is built above the original and the Underground Tour takes you below the city into the “old” Seattle. This tour has a comical twist and goes into depth about the pre-fire era and how Seattle became the wonderful city it is today.

If you can’t get enough of Seattle history check out the Museum of History and Industry on Lake Union, the Museum of Pop Culture near the Space Needle, the Museum of Flight, the Seattle Art Museum, and the Seattle Asian Art Museum. Entrance is free on the first Thursday of every month!

3. Go on a bike and brew tour

If you’re feeling a bit hoppy, Seattle has more than 170 breweries for you to discover. A brew and bike tour is a wonderful pass time for local Seattle-ites. Some of my personal favorite breweries are the outdoorsy Fremont Brewing, the perfect-for-a-party Optimism Brewery, and the hidden Seapine Brewing Company. Get your tastebuds stoked with some unique and tasty ales. You can either rent a bike and map out your own destinations or you can hire a guide for Seattle’s Cycle Saloon! Just remember to be safe and download Lyft if you feel you maybe had too many brews to get back safely to your guesthouse.

Seattle’s eastside also offers great outdoorsy vibes among some larger venues. You can cycle along the Burke-Gilman Trail for about 20 miles and land at the front entrance of Chateau Ste. Michelle winery and Red Hook Brewing.

4. Kayak through Seattle’s picturesque neighborhoods

From Lake Washington lining Seattle’s eastern border you can leisurely paddle your way westward past the Washington Arboretum, University of Washington, and through the canal that spills into Lake Union. Along the way, it’ll be normal to feel a bit envious of those adorable floating houses that made their way into “Sleepless in Seattle.” While splashing through Lake Union you’ll be able to watch the seaplanes take off and land, watch giddy tourists on the duck tour, shout out hellos to neighboring boaters, and watch sunbathers relax at Gas Works Park. All of this will be provided with Seattle’s skyline as your stunning backdrop.

5. Picnic at one of the amazing parks

After your arms feel numb from kayaking around the blue Seattle waters, pop on over to Gas Works Park for a picnic overlooking the city. You’ll be able to wander around the vast hilly expanse that offers the postcard view of Seattle’s growing skyline. It’s a perfect place to bring a book, Frisbee, or just listen to music and lounge.

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Although Gas Works is my personal favorite, Seattle has tons of parks worth visiting. In fact, there are over 400 parks! Discovery Park makes you feel as if you have escaped the city. Seward Park in Columbia City is a peaceful getaway that offers little trails inside of a two and a half mile paved loop. On a clear day Mt. Rainier peaks out from down south. Closer to downtown is the Olympic Sculpture Park which is on the northern end of the city’s waterfront and just a quick jaunt from Pike Place Market. On Queen Anne is Kerry Park which is a perfect photo opp for the Insta-famous. Green Lake Park is excellent for jogging, walking, coffee-ing, volleyball-ing, and paddling around. You’ve got the picture, right? Seattle has GREAT parks and you should go play in them.

6. Watch the sunset on the beach

A Seattle summer sunset is something that you can’t miss. The sun stays up late and paints the Olympic mountains in beautiful colors. At even the height of summer it doesn’t get super dark until after 10pm. If you look at a map of Seattle, it’s lined with beaches on both the east and west sides. Whether you want to have a bonfire at Golden Gardens or check out the boardwalk and restaurants that parallel Alki beach you’ll have stunning views. You can also head to the east side to relax at the beaches near Magnuson Park, Madison Park, and Denny Blaine. Summer offers swimmable water throughout Lake Washington and plenty of chances for sun-bathing wherever you want to go.

Seattle is a perfect destination for those who love a mix of city vibes along with outdoorsy. You will have loads of vibrant views and find the people watching to be quite entertaining. There’s tons of great food, festivals year-round, and little-hidden gems you’ll have to go on and discover for yourself.

Suggested next reading: Amazing Outdoor Adventures In Washington State You Can’t Afford To Miss

The post 6 Things To Do That’ll Make You Fall In Love With Seattle appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Walk Around Downtown

When my friends and I first arrived in San Diego, we were a bit jet lagged from the 3 hour time difference and the early flight. We decided the only way to beat back that dreaded tired feeling was to take a stroll around Downtown near our hotel. Besides soaking in the warm California sun, we were surprised how much there was to do! We stumbled upon Little Italy and it’s Saturday farmer’s market. The food was fresh and local, mostly from farms within 150 miles/ 240 kilometers from San Diego. The apples we bought tasted like candy. Obviously, if you like Italian food, this is the neighborhood for you. They have tons of restaurants and trendy cocktail bars to choose from.

From Little Italy, we made our way to Embarcadero, a strip right on the water. It’s home to interesting museums about San Diego’s maritime history and even has a vintage Navy carrier in port called the USS Midway. The decommissioned warship is now a museum open to the public. It was one of the most unique museums I’ve ever been to. I especially enjoyed learning about how the crew lived while on tour on the ship. The ship’s bridge was also a highlight. You could imagine a Captain making preparations for a big mission or how he/ she handled the ship in a big storm. Tickets cost $20 for adults, but the USS Midway is well worth the price of admission.

Go Out In Gaslamp

When you’re celebrating any birthday, there is always at least one big night planned. San Diego’s Gaslamp district is the perfect area to go out and have a blast. A big section of Downtown, Gaslamp is a 16 block entertainment district that underwent a huge transformation in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s to attract more young professionals to live Downtown. The plan worked as Gaslamp is packed day and night with locals and visitors.

You can’t go wrong with any of the bars or clubs if that is your scene. Locals are friendly and know how to party. They introduced my friends and me to some sort of snake vodka. Interesting visually, but oddly tasted very good. If nightlife is what you are searching for in San Diego, Gaslamp has everything you need to have a great night.

Bike Around Coronado Island

A short ferry ride away from Downtown San Diego is an old, quaint island that is well worth a visit. Rent a bike and explore Coronado Island. There are 15 miles of bike paths on the island so it’s easy to see the entire island if you try hard enough. Be sure to visit Downtown Coronado filled with great shops and incredible restaurants. The surrounding neighborhoods are home to some of San Diego’s most expensive property and most extravagant gardens. It seems as if every house is competing to see who can have the biggest, most colorful garden. Pro tip: the neighborhood is the perfect backdrop to any Instagram photo shoot. Bring multiple outfits.

Next, head to Coronado Beach, one of the nicest beaches in the area. Perfect white sand and sun. It’s more of a family atmosphere, so if your group is looking for something more relaxed after a night in Gaslamp, Coronado Beach is the perfect place to hang out and take a nap. The beach is also one of the best places in the city to see the sunset. Right along the beach is the Hotel Del Coronado, a National Historic Landmark. The Victorian era style hotel was built in 1888 as a resort for the rich and famous. While it still has that reputation today—its $500 a night price tag might sway you against staying there and trying to catch a glimpse of a celebrity or the hotel’s resident ghost—you can always walk around the hotel and check out pictures of the hotel in its heyday. Whether you stay on the island for a day or a weekend, Coronado Island is the perfect place to relax and take life in at a slower pace.

Hike Torrey Pines

If you are a true adventurer and love to be outside for your birthday then Torrey Pines is where you need to go. A half-hour drive from Downtown San Diego, Torrey Pines Natural Reserve has 1,750 acres of protected land that is home to one of the rarest pine trees in the US and its namesake, Torrey Pines. It’s also home to one of the last salt marshes in California and has many rare bird species only found at the reserve. Torrey Pines has 8 miles/13 kilometers of hiking trails that offer stunning coastal views. The trails are not long so it’s possible to do more than one hike when you visit the reserve. The most popular trail is Razor Point. The hike takes you through the 3,000 or so Torrey Pines on the reserve and goes through some impressive scenery and along seaside cliffs. While Torrey Pines can be a bit difficult to reach and its best to arrive early to beat the crowds, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. There’s nothing that screams California more than that and will surely finish off a perfect birthday in San Diego.

Suggested next reading: The Perfect West American Road Trip For 2018

The post How To Have The Best Birthday Ever In San Diego appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Regardless of season, there’s plenty to enjoy during all twelve months of the year. Here are some adventures in Washington you can’t afford to miss:

1. Climb in the Cascade Mountain Range

Washington state has multiple summits that tower over 10,000 feet. Some of the world’s best mountaineers have used this area as their regular training base. The beauty and size of Mt. Rainier, one of the country’s highest peaks, offers stunning views from all parts of western Washington. You will not want to miss an opportunity to explore Mt. Rainier National Park while traveling in Washington. For those who prefer a mild hike, explore the area of Paradise. If you’re looking to sweat a bit, trek to Camp Muir. If you’ve got time to kill, hike the 93-mile Wonderland Trail around the mountain’s base. And if you have the stamina, throw on your crampons and reach the 14,411-foot summit of Mt. Rainier. To unwind after your mountainous adventures, treat yourself to Copper Creek’s amazing blackberry pie and relax in their cozy rental cabins.

Bonus tip: Why not climb Mt. Rainier while supporting a cause? Each summer, there is a charity climb through the Mitrata Foundation that supports education in Nepal for underprivileged children.

Yes, everyone must experience Mt. Rainier, but the adventures in Washington Cascades don’t stop there. You can ski at Mt. Baker, climb Mt. Adams, rock climb near Exit 38, and hike up Mt. St. Helens to check out the views of the half blown mountain.

2. Camp in the Olympic National Park

Green mossy trees and nature are densely packed in the Olympic National Park’s 1,442 square miles of rainforest. The mountains west of the Puget Sound are perfect for those who want to escape the crowds. You can take a ferry over to the peninsula and make your way through Port Angeles toward the Olympic National Park. There’s plenty of different options for beach or park camping. Third beach is a hidden destination just past the Olympic National Park. The beach is a simple mile and a half trek from the trailhead. You’ll love wandering around during low tide exploring the beach and rocky paths. Another beach campground is Mora, which is a bit more built up than Third Beach. You can also camp at Lake Crescent located just off of the main highway near Port Angeles or the Hoh Campground which is smack dab in the mountains. Regardless of where you camp, make sure to check out the trails and beaches. How many places offer bright green rainforests, snow-capped mountains, serene lakes, and not-so-crowded beaches all within one park?

Bonus tip: The majority of campgrounds don’t accept reservations and are first-come, first-served. If going to the Olympic National Park during the summer, try to camp during the week to escape running into crowds.

3. Raft near Leavenworth

Leavenworth is a Bavarian modeled town in the mountains just two hours east of Seattle. Although the population is just about 2,000, over 2 million tourists flock to this destination each year. It’s perfect for those who want to camp, hike in the Enchantments, or go white river rafting. This cutesy town is easily walkable and you’ll likely run into some live outdoor music. After a day of your favorite outdoor excursions, head to one of the many restaurants that offer German sausages or just relax and float down the river. Leavenworth is filled with activities year-round. Spring and summer are prime for hiking and rafting, fall has a huge event for Oktoberfest, and winter is brightened up with Christmas lights and loads of trails for cross-country skiing.

Bonus tip: Just a forty minute drive from Leavenworth is Stevens Pass. During the winter you can hit the slopes and in the summer you can go mountain biking.

4. Kayak in the Puget Sound

Imagine yourself out on the water while watching the sunset change colors over the mountains. You’ll have 360 degrees worth of snow-capped views from the Cascade and Olympic ranges. Mt. Baker pops out from up north and the gigantic Mt. Rainier down south will leave you breathless. Take advantage of those long summer days in the Pacific Northwest by kayaking in the Puget Sound. You have tons of starting points where you can paddle around. Tacoma has the beautiful Point Defiance Park, Alki Beach is an ideal spot in Seattle, Bainbridge Island starts your adventure on the west side, and up in the north are the San Juan Islands. You’ll be able to spot tons of wildlife such as seals, otters, eagles, jellyfish, and maybe even an orca. Kayaking tours are offered year round in the Puget Sound.

Bonus tip: Feeling a bit apprehensive at the idea of heading out in a tiny boat in big waters? Check out a sailing tour. Tours out of Seattle are affordable and convenient. Best of all, you can bring your own food and drinks and let the experts do all of the work!

5. Sip wine in central Washington

Drinking wine is definitely outdoorsy when it happens after your yoga class. Wine and yoga have become a big event in some of Washington’s prime vineyards. Overlooking the rolling hills nearby, you can relax and take in the beauty while enjoying a glass of your fermented grape of choice. After you get that last drop you can spend the day exploring the hilly trails or go for a swim in Lake Chelan or the Columbia River.

Bonus tip: If you want a mix of the outdoors and music, head to the Gorge Amphitheater during the summer for a concert. A concert at this outdoor sunset venue in central Washington is something that every Washingtonian takes part in.

6. Water-ski in Lake Roosevelt

If you’re lucky enough to get to the middle of nowhere eastern Washington, rent a boat (or find a friend), pop on your skis, and dive in. Lake Roosevelt is a hidden gem in Washington state that not many travelers know about. This 130 mile long lake has places for camping, fishing, hiking, cliff diving, swimming, boating, and all your lake loving needs. You can grab a group of friends and rent a houseboat on the lake if you can stay for a few days. You’ll be able to sleep under the massive stars, grill hot dogs over the fire, and light off fireworks nearby.

Bonus tip: If you’re a fan of ginormous concrete structures—which, we all are, you just might not know it—do a tour of the Grand Coulee Dam on the southwestern end of Lake Roosevelt. It powers about 2.3 million homes across eleven western states. It is one of the world’s largest concrete structures that was constructed in 1942. Check out its free laser light show in the summer for snippets of the history.

7. Bike the Centennial Trail

Eastern Washington’s Centennial Trail is perfect for a scenic and leisurely bike ride. It’s a forty mile paved path along the Spokane River that offers little adventures along the way. The bike path is not crowded which makes it easy to enjoy. On one end is Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, a fun and walkable lakeside town. From there you can bike to the Spokane Valley and sip a glass of wine on the hilltop of Arbor Crest Winery. Continue west weaving along the river toward downtown Spokane and grab lunch at any of the riverfront restaurants or have a picnic in Riverfront Park. Eventually, you can make your way to Riverside State Park where you will be back in nature.  

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Bonus tip: Lock up your bike near the Bowl and Pitcher in Riverside State Park. This area of the Spokane River has amazing views of the river and small hidden trails.

These are just a few of the many outdoor adventures in Washington state. These places won’t be packed with crowds and offer relaxation on top of your outdoor adventure of choice. What are you waiting for?! Rent a car, pack your hiking boots, and grab a friend for an ultimate road trip full of adventures in Washington state.

Suggested next reading: The Perfect West American Road Trip

The post Amazing Outdoor Adventures In Washington State You Can’t Afford To Miss appeared first on Modern Trekker.

What I figured out is the ultimate West American road trip, however, for time/money/whatever restraints you might have, it can be broken up into individual parts or trips. Me being from the metro New York area, I would love to see more of the west.

Leg 1

The beginning of Leg 1 is Seattle. This is a good starting point because you can fly into Seattle airport or rent a car/RV/camper and see the city for a few days before you start this journey. Things of note to visit in Washington: North Cascades National Park, Olympic National Park, Cape Flattery, Mount Rainier National Park, and Mt. Saint Helens (among much more). Going into Oregon is Portland, which is a fun stop for its artsy and hipster scene—great food and brews too.

Another fun spot is Astoria, which if you are a big fan of The Goonies, makes it a go-to destination. Also see Cannon Beach, where much of the movie was filmed too. Then make your way down the Oregon coast, great for both Instagram posts and camping. Not too far after you cross into California is the Redwoods area, which is a 100% must-see in my book. Just thinking about how old those trees are blows my mind!

Then going east to (optional stop in Sacramento, maybe trying to find Arnold Schwarzenegger) Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park, you’ll find lots of hiking, camping, and photo ops here. When you’ve had enough (if that’s possible), swinging back west out to San Francisco and spending a few days there is a good idea. After SF, heading down the famed Route 1 Pacific Coast Highway—through Monterrey, Big Sur, Santa Barbara, Malibu and then eventually into Los Angeles. Spending a few days here would be fun too—Hollywood, famous beaches like Santa Monica and Venice beach, and of course Disney Land!

After that, heading down to San Diego, seeing other fabulous beaches along the way. Spend a day or two here as well—the Gas Lamp quarter has great food, brews, shopping and is just generally very nice. This could be a great end to a trip as well, however, if you feel like you want to keep going, there’s still much more to see!

Leg 2

Starting on Leg 2 of the journey means leaving San Diego and either heading to Phoenix or Las Vegas. You can definitely do both, but if you go north, stop at Lake Havasu Falls, Hoover Dam, and Las Vegas (I don’t think I really have to suggest things to do there). Or head east and drive along the Mexican border to Phoenix, which is a fun city filled with great hiking and food. After either Phoenix or Las Vegas, head to Sedona, which is known for its incredible red rocks. Great hiking and camping there, it will make you feel like you’re in an old western movie. And of course, after that, going to the one and only Grand Canyon. The GC is like nothing you’ve ever imagined before, it makes you feel some kind of way, and it’s so overwhelmingly big.

After that, go up to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, and then Monument Valley. Continue seeing incredible rock formations as you cross into Utah and go to Arches National Park—again, lots of great hiking there! Then cross into Colorado and head east to Denver. You will be crossing through the Rockies seeing some breath-taking scenery. Spend a few days in Denver for great sights, food, brews, and more, while maybe also checking out Rocky Mountain National Park, which is a 1-hour and 30-minute drive away. You can finish Leg 2 of this trip in Denver, or if you still feel like trekking, head up to Wyoming!

Leg 3

From Denver, head northwest where you’ll essentially cross the entire state of Wyoming going to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Very convenient for travelers, the two parks are right next to each other, even though they are each very large. Incredible geysers, mountains, and wildlife to be seen. And since you’ve gone this far, you might as well go further into Montana and see some incredible scenery and the Missouri River (this is the Lewis & Clark region for the history geeks!) on your way to Helena, stopping for a minute in this small city. Then driving through Bitterroot National Forest and through the Mountains that border Idaho, then crossing into Idaho. From here heading down to Salt Lake City, Utah for the ending of your trip. Stay a day or two in SLC and then your 3 legged American road trip is complete!

A few other modifiers to this trip could be taking Highway 84 from Portland to Salt Lake City or cutting across Nevada on Highway 80 from Lake Tahoe/Reno to SLC—there are so many options in this region even though larger highways are somewhat limited, that’s why backroads are great.

So, if you have the opportunity to ever do a grand American road trip, what would you do?

Suggested next reading: 7 Stunning Locations You Need To Experience In North America

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