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Washington State

We started with Washington State, because, for most of us, if you are driving to Alaska, the adventure truly begins here! Washington is a wonderful, beautiful state, but even here, there are things you need to be aware of to make your stay more enjoyable. For one thing, the Indians have a saying, "If you can see Mount Rainier, it's going to rain. If you can't see Mount Rainier, it's raining." And for good reason. The weather can be pretty upredictable around here, and our fine weather forecasters have been the brunt of many a joke over the years as the capricious weather patterns prove them wrong yet again. It doesn't matter what time of the year it is--come prepared for rain!

It is our hope that you will find the following links of interest and use to you as you plan your adventure in our fair state. Enjoy your stay! :-)

Tourist, Hiking, Skiing and Camping Guides� | Road & Pass Conditions� | Summer/Seasonal Jobs  | Washington Humor� | Useful Links

Tourist, Hiking, Skiing and Camping Guides


Washington State Parks:  A Complete Recreation Guide Washington State Parks: A Complete Recreation Guide
Paperback 2nd edition (June, 1999) Thoroughly revised edition of the well-known, detailed guide to four-season activities and destinations for nearly 200 state recreation areas in Washington, featuring a new 16-page color photo insert.
100 Classic Hikes in Washington 100 Classic Hikes in Washington: North Cascades, Olympics, Mount Rainier & South Cascades, Alpine Lakes, Glacier Peak
Paperback (August, 1998) If you can overlook their orneriness over certain matters, you will find this a very useful guide to the trails in Washington State.
Accessible Trails in Washington's Backcountry:  A Guide to 85 Easy Outings Accessible Trails in Washington's Backcountry: A Guide to 85 Easy Outings
Paperback (September, 1995) An excellent guide to beautiful spots in the backcountry for those of us who cannot tackle the tough, mountain trails. Notes on how wide the trails are, how steep, and how easy it would be to get a wheelchair up them.
The Backcountry Horseman's Guide to Washington (Falcon Guide) The Backcountry Horseman's Guide To Washington (Falcon Guide)
Paperback (December, 1995) Chock-full of tips on the best trails for horses, where to park your rig, preparing yourself and your horse for the rigors of backcountry riding, and equine first aid. This exclusive guide contains detailed descriptions of horse camps and trails, maps, photos, and additional information on packstock regulations on public lands, camp cooking with Dutch ovens, and no-trace camping techniques.
Backcountry Ski Washington! Backcountry Ski Washington!: The Best Trails & Descents for Free-Heelers & Snowboarders
Paperback (November, 1998)
Snowshoe Routes:  Washington Snowshoe Routes: Washington
Paperback (December, 1998) Covering 81 routes ranging from beginner-level to hard-core backcountry, Nelson provides much-needed access information for finding the best winter trails. Introductory material discusses basic techniques, equipment and clothing, winter camping tips, route selection, safety, and maps.
Allen and Mike's Really Cool Backcountry Ski Book: Traveling and Camping Skills for a Winter
Paperback (November, 1996) Don't let the title of this book fool you. These guys know their stuff. You'll find their humorous, light-hearted style amusing as they provide vital information on snow camping most of us had to learn the hard way.
The Best Free Historic Attractions in Oregon and Washington
Paperback (October, 1995)
Best Easy Day Hikes Mount St. Helens (Falcon's Best Easy Day Hikes Series)
Paperback (May, 1999)
Best Easy Day Hikes: Mount Rainier (Falcon's Best Easy Day Hikes Series)
Paperback (June, 1999)
Best Easy Day Hikes Olympics Best Easy Day Hikes Olympics (Best Easy Day Hikes Series)
Paperback (May, 1998) Focuses on short strolls, nature trails and half-day hikes withing the Olympic National Park and the surrounding forest.
Best Hikes With Children in Western Washington (Best Hikes with Children Series, Vol 1) Best Hikes With Children in Western Washington (Best Hikes With Children Series, Vol 1)
Paperback 2nd edition Vol 1 (May, 1998)Skagit Valley Herald [About Volume 1:] "What makes Burton's summaries especially enlightening is that they are loaded with information that can help one choose whether the hike is best suited for their own family. Burton is always thinking of the child.
Best Hikes With Children:  Western Washington & the Cascades Best Hikes With Children: Western Washington & the Cascades
Paperback 2nd edition Vol 002 (April, 1999) Good information for families, seniors or anyone looking for a fun, easy outing. The day hikes and overnighters are described in detail. Focusing in on a child's special needs.


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Road & Pass Conditions


Washington State Traveler Information
You'll find most of the basic information you're looking for here. Especially if you're driving. Links to cams, pass reports, emergency road closures, current traffic conditions, and other useful information.

Puget Sound Traffic Cameras
Click on a camera link on the traffic map to see an image of the area you are interested in that is updated every 1.5 minutes. Down in the lower right hand corner is a menu with linkes to a few others cams in other parts of our state, including Snoqualmie and Steven's Pass.
As for the traffic map, itself, it is updated every 3 min. Most of the time, it is a fairly accurate way to check road congestion.


Pass Reports Home Page
Great links to pass and weather information

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Washington Humor

What fun would we be if we weren't big enough to laugh at ourselves now and again??

Seattle's Driver's Guide
Comic relief for those who have to drive in Seattle (Not to be taken seriously!). Be sure to check out the link to Driver's Etiquette at the bottom of the page.

Useful Links


Park Search
Nearly 900 National Parks and forests, State Parks and other great outdoor locales across the US.

USA Tourist Information
Information about the US for foreign visitors, including cool sites, photos and tips about food, lodging and travel in the US.

For in-depth information on US/Canadian Customs requirements, check The Milepost, or contact US/Canadian Customs at:
US Customs Service
PO Box 7407,
Washington, DC 20044
In Seattle, Phone (206) 553-4676
US Customs Website
Canadian Customs
Customs Border Services
Regional Information Unit
333 Dunsmuir St
Main Floor
Vancouver BC V6B 5R4
(604) 666-0545
Canadian customs and Revenue Agency


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