Summer is here! When the sun is around in the summer months it warms up quite a bit! This can sometimes be enough to discourage some from leaving home to explore. But the travel freaks and enthusiastic travelers never stop themselves from participating in adventurous activities because of a little heat. For you, we have brought together five great spots worth checking out on a warmer than normal day. Each location can be easily accessed on board your private Seattle yacht rental and they are sure to keep you cool enough so you don't melt!
Ape Cave – Don't get scared by the name. Make it clear that you won't run across any apes in this 2.5-mile long lava tube just south of Mt. Saint Helens. This cave came into existence some 2,000 years ago due to the powerful eruption of the nearby volcano. It's the longest of its type in the country and third longest in all of North America. The name Ape Cave is a popular attraction with visitors filling parking lots during the summer weekends. The cave stays chilly even when the outside temperature is 90 plus degrees. It is indeed an excellent way to escape the summer heat. Beware of mice, bats, and Bigfoot!
Fort Columbia State Historical Park – The United States is home to many coastal defense sites and one of them is Fort Columbia State Historical Park, situated at the Columbia River estuary in Chinook, Washington. It is home to 12 historical fort buildings, including the officer's house, artillery batteries, and two coastal artillery guns. The structures are dark, wet and quiet, thus keeping the visitors cool while they explore these underground labyrinth-like layouts. The temperature in the darkness filled corridors and rooms is welcoming on a warm day. The sounds of dripping water, though somewhat eerie, is relaxing to hear. The park provides three miles of trails, a museum, wildlife viewing opportunities, and two historic vacation houses for overnight stays.
Snoqualmie Tunnel – A portion of the Iron Horse State Park rails-to-trails project features the Snoqualmie Tunnel. This 2.3 miles abandoned train tunnel runs directly underneath the Cascade mountains. Although the last train passed from here in 1980, in the present, plenty of travel continues in this dark void by hikers, bikers and fearless explorers. This is another great way to stay cool while exploring the unknown. Being located deep underground, the temperature here is quite enjoyable. The sounds of dripping and sometimes running water combined with the pitch black darkness at the other end could make the backdrop for a horror movie.
Sky View Observatory – If you're not a big underground fan, no worries, you can rise 902' to the highest public observatory on the West Coast. From here you can take in the spectacular 360-degree views of Seattle, Pacific Northwest and all the close regions. On a clear day, one can see as far as the Olympic Mountains, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker, and much more. When viewed from this vantage point, the vehicles moving on the downtown streets, the ships in the Puget Sound, and the Seattle Great Wheel all look like miniature toys moving in slow motion. You will get the feeling as if you're on top of the world.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park – If both underground and heights aren't your cup of tea. Let's level it out a bit by visiting this wonderful national park. Located inside of the historic Cadillac Hotel building are one of the four units of the National Park Service's Klondike Gold Rush Historical Park. The other three units are located in Skagway, Alaska. The informative displays, activities, photos, and more will give you a deep insight into the Klondike Gold Rush. The entry to the park is free and kids will surely love the exhibits. It's a very cool place where you can have your photo taken next to a pile of gold bars!
The above enlisted places will surely keep you cool in the summer warmth of the Pacific Northwest. Visit these places on board your yacht charter in Seattle or by road and beat the heat while learning about the rich historical past of the Pacific Northwest.
