40 Before 40 #3: Visiting Seattle (and Portland)

A view of Seattle

A view of Seattle’s Space Needle and a sculpture by glass artist Dale Chihuly at the Chihuly Garden and Glass

The third checkmark on my 40 Before 40 List was #3, Visiting Seattle, Washington. I don’t generally post recommendations on things to see and do while on vacation, but I thought it was appropriate and might even be helpful in this instance.

Hubby and I started out our Pacific Northwest trip visiting friends and family outside Portland. Other than reconnecting with loved ones, the highlight for me was visiting Silver Falls State Park.

The weather was beautiful the day we visited and so the hike to South Falls was a bit crowded. We passed it and wandered on to Lower South Falls along Canyon Trail, which proved to be prettier and quieter. The return trip along Maple Ridge Trail—during which Brian and I were mostly alone—was a steep climb and a bit too much for my current energy levels but we persevered. Overall, a lovely walk in the woods.

Lower South Falls at Silver Falls State Park, Oregon

Lower South Falls at Silver Falls State Park, Oregon

The next day we drove north to Seattle, arriving just as rush hour began to see the locals biking, jogging, and using public transportation to make their way home and enjoy their long summer day. Via AirBNB, we arranged to stay in a cozy basement apartment in the Ballard neighborhood.

We had only one full day in town, so we crammed in as much as we could comfortably see. Among the highlights, a visit to Chihuly Garden and Glass, a stop by Centennial Park to escape the summer tourists crowding downtown, and an evening stroll along Ballard Avenue with an old friend from Los Angeles.

Inside the Glasshouse at Chihuly Garden and Glass, Seattle

Inside the Glasshouse at Chihuly Garden and Glass, Seattle

Seattle

Seattle’s Centennial Park

Had we both not been on doctor-supervised diets, we would have loved to partake of Seattle’s amazing culinary and microbrew scene. We’ve vowed to return to do just that but in winter next time, when most of the tourists have gone home.

After our short visit to Seattle, we headed back to Portland to stay with friends for a few more days. It had been a busy trip already and I was a bit worn out, but we still managed to make some more mischief. Highlights include:

If you can believe it (I can’t!), we hit several more scenic spots in our few days there, some of which you can see below:

A view of the creek at Tryon Creek State Park in Portland

Tryon Creek State Park in Portland

A zen garden at Portland Japanese Garden

A zen garden at Portland Japanese Garden

So that’s what I did on my summer vacation. What did you do on yours?

Cheers,

Kate Watson

 

Kate Watson - Thanks, Cassandra! You were a wonderful hostess and we so enjoyed seeing you in your new home.

Cassandra Rae - it was so fun hosting you and Brian! Please do come back when you can indulge in the awesome food and drink of Portland xoxo