Bellingham is a moderately sized, tree-lined city that shoulders up to Bellingham Bay. Visitors who find the often wet but decidedly mild temperatures of Bellingham more to their liking can still enjoy views of the bay from waterfront parks, or catch the peak of Mt Baker rising above the lesser mountains to the east of the city. There are also regular services linking Bellingham to the San Juan Islands and Victoria B.C.

Jagged snow-dusted peaks, glaciers, waterfalls and shadowy valleys compete for attention in North Cascades National Park. Glacially cold Ross Lake spills over into Canada at the north end, a popular destination for canoers and kayakers. Lake Chelan noses into the south tail of the park, and visitors can connect by boat down to Chelan.

Traversed by 386 miles of hiking trails and dotted with designated backcountry campsites, North Cascades serves up solitude with mountain scenery.

Low tide in the San Juan Islands leaves 786 islands dry; few of that number are named and fewer still inhabited. San Juan Island, Orcas Island, and Lopez Island have the largest year-round populations and can be reached by ferry. Whales spouting offshore, orca-sightings and beautiful seascapes keep the area flush with visitors during the summer. The San Juan Islands offer protected inlets, islets and regular breezes, making the area popular with sailors and sea-kayakers alike.

Forests drop down to hidden coves, rocky beaches and steep cliffs at Whidbey Island's edges. Connected to the Washington mainland by a bridge spanning spectacular Deception Pass, this island is a popular Puget Sound getaway for visitors up on the ferry from Seattle, or down by road from the north. Despite the fact that the island is so easily accessible, Whidbey Island is a worthwhile stop, crowds or no.