Beginning in summer and lasting well into fall is the salmon spawning season in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area. Many people enjoy watching wild salmon as they swim upriver or navigate fish ladders to lay their eggs. There are also spring salmon runs, when young salmon migrate downstream to their life at sea. But the … [Read more...] about Salmon spawning season in Western Washington
classes/talks & tours
Tours & Special Events at Seattle Japanese Garden
The Seattle Japanese Garden is located in Madison Valley within the Washington Park Arboretum. Over 100,000 people visit every year, including locals as well as visitors from around the world. It is one of the most highly regarded Japanese-style gardens in North America. About Japanese Gardens Gardens in Japan are … [Read more...] about Tours & Special Events at Seattle Japanese Garden
6 Jimi Hendrix memorials in Seattle & Renton
James Marshall “ Jimi” Hendrix was born on November 27, 1942 and died September 18, 1970. Originally named Johnny Allen by his parents Al and Lucille (Jeter), his father changed Jimi’s name to James Marshall. He is renowned as one of rock n’ roll’s best guitarists with a unique left-hand playing style on a right-hand … [Read more...] about 6 Jimi Hendrix memorials in Seattle & Renton
Sunflowers Fields & Festivals in Washington State
Like our tulip fields in spring, acres of beautiful blooming sunflowers are another unique and stunning photo opportunity. Sunflowers typically bloom August-September in Western Washington. Several farms hold festivals during the blooming season. Enjoy self-guided field trips and u-pick opportunities. Below you … [Read more...] about Sunflowers Fields & Festivals in Washington State
2022 Free guided low tide beach walks in summer
During summer, you can visit Puget Sound beaches during low tide and learn about the marine plants and animals. Biologists and volunteer guides will be on hand from the Seattle Aquarium and Harbor Wild Watch. Reservations are not needed. Just check the lists below and show up during low tide. Each year, dozens of … [Read more...] about 2022 Free guided low tide beach walks in summer
15 fish hatcheries you can visit in Washington State
You may not know there are many salmon fish hatcheries throughout Washington State. Fish hatcheries here and across the country help manage and restore America's fish populations. Supporting a variety of fish species and issues, including habitat conservation, endangered species recovery, tribal fishing rights, and … [Read more...] about 15 fish hatcheries you can visit in Washington State
Spectacular Asian gardens in the Puget Sound region
Here's a list of Japanese and Chinese gardens in the Puget Sound region. The Seattle Japanese Garden at the Washington Park Arboretum is the most well-known. However, there are at least 10 more you can visit, from Everett to Tacoma and Bellevue. Most offer FREE admission. They are arranged roughly north to south … [Read more...] about Spectacular Asian gardens in the Puget Sound region
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival April 1-30
The annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is one of THE destination events for the Pacific Northwest. Each year, the festival welcomes people from across the United States and from around the world, including all 50 states and 85+ foreign countries! For over three decades, every spring hundreds of thousands of people … [Read more...] about Skagit Valley Tulip Festival April 1-30
Where and when to see cherry blossom trees in Seattle
Flowering cherry trees burst into bloom, usually from mid-March through mid-April throughout the Pacific Northwest. Exactly when depends on the variety: early blooming versus late blooming. Seattle cherry blossom season begins with (red/pink) buds that burst into (pink/white) flower. As the flowers fade, the trees … [Read more...] about Where and when to see cherry blossom trees in Seattle
7 design ideas from NW Flower & Garden Show
Celebrating 30 years in 2018, the Northwest Flower & Garden Show featured inspirational, beautiful, educational, and fun garden design ideas. The designers and landscapers were asked to incorporate a garden party theme into their display. The garden designs embrace current trends in urban gardening, sustainability, … [Read more...] about 7 design ideas from NW Flower & Garden Show
Our big list of free & cheap tours (live and virtual)
We found a cache of free tours (and a few cheap ones at $15 or less) that visitors and residents alike will enjoy. Each tour is unique to Seattle, something you won't find anywhere else. We think that makes them priceless. But, we'll take free! The free tours included guided tours, self-guided tours, walking tours, … [Read more...] about Our big list of free & cheap tours (live and virtual)
Our big list of public gardens and garden tours
Listed below are arboretums and botanical gardens* in cities throughout the Puget Sound region. Most gardens specialize in one or more aspects of Pacific Northwest native plants. A few offer non-native varieties and some have exotic specimens from far flung corners of the globe. These public gardens are regularly … [Read more...] about Our big list of public gardens and garden tours
How (and why) to build a rain garden
Most Seattle rain is collected by gutters around your rooftop and flowing from your driveway and patio into the street. All of this runoff is diverted into the storm drain system that ultimately empties into the nearest body of water—namely Lake Washington or Puget Sound. Along the way, it collects oil, fertilizers, … [Read more...] about How (and why) to build a rain garden
Tours of Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park, Husky Stadium
Stadium tours of Seattle's professional and collegiate football, soccer, and baseball fields include exclusive back-of-house areas, press box, premier suites and club areas, dugouts, playing fields, and team areas. Bring your camera to capture stunning views of the Seattle skyline and sweeping vistas of … [Read more...] about Tours of Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park, Husky Stadium
Free events throughout the year at Seattle Center
Seattle Center is an arts, recreational, and civic center at the core of the city. Its roots reach back more than 100 years, as a site of Native American celebrations. Today, it is one of the nation’s best gathering places. A wide variety of events and activities are hosted throughout the year, including art & … [Read more...] about Free events throughout the year at Seattle Center
Video tours of lighthouses around Washington State
Washington State has many lighthouses guiding ships along treacherous shores--some historic and some still functioning. Let these YouTube videos whisk you away to these idyllic and secluded structures. (Listed roughly north to south) Video tour of 3 San Juan lighthouses This video gives a brief tour of several … [Read more...] about Video tours of lighthouses around Washington State
Video tours of Seattle’s best attractions
Here are fun, local videos on some of Seattle's best attractions: the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, CenturyLink Field, T-Mobile Park, Seattle Aquarium, MOHAI, Ballard Locks, Seattle Arboretum. Scroll down to view any of these tours from the comfort of your home. Even if you've visited these places several times, … [Read more...] about Video tours of Seattle’s best attractions
Nurseries & garden centers in the Puget Sound region
The following nurseries and garden centers offer supplies for fruit and vegetable gardening. Hardware stores and nurseries are considered essential services. Some are open for in-store shopping. Some offer online, phone, or email orders and curbside pickup. A few offer delivery on qualifying orders. Nurseries and … [Read more...] about Nurseries & garden centers in the Puget Sound region
Reserve a spot for owl night hike at Seward Park
Seward Park in south Seattle features an old-growth forest with beautiful, natural views of Lake Washington and Mount Rainier (on days the “mountain is out”). The Park is home to an environmental center, a partnership between National Audubon Society and Seattle Parks & Recreation. Check their calendar for … [Read more...] about Reserve a spot for owl night hike at Seward Park
93 Free attractions around the Puget Sound region
These are some of the Seattle-Tacoma metro area's best attractions. For any of these activities, you can easily spend an hour or two—and some the better part of a day. Best of all, they’re free and many are available year-around. Ballard Locks, officially named Hiram M. Chittenden Locks connects the (fresh) waters … [Read more...] about 93 Free attractions around the Puget Sound region
