Far Out Day Trips

The Pacific Northwest is filled with awesome places to visit, and there is no better time for a road trip this summer. Whether it is taking the family to the ocean, hiking in our beautiful mountains or taking in some of the sight and sounds of the big city, pack up the car and take off for an adventure!

Kayaking

Growing increasingly popular, paddling a kayak around your favorite lake, pond, river, stream or ocean bay is a great way to see a body of water. Kayaks range in size from short dagger models capable of cruising through the deepest rapids to long length dual seat models so two can paddle in the same kayak. It’s a good idea to take a safety course to learn how to right yourself if you flip over. Don’t forget to stretch out the arms, shoulders and back before and after as a day paddling will reintroduce you to muscles you might have forgotten you had.

Whitewater Rafting

Visitors from all over the world come to the west to experience our incredible whitewater rafting opportunities. Alberton Gorge, Lochsa River, Wenatchee, Farmlands of the White Salmon River and Hood River are just a handful of the incredible locations across the Northwest. Guide shops can recommend different rivers and routes based upon your skill level and whether kids are coming along. As water flow varies throughout the spring and summer, so does the ride. This is a perfect way to see our pristine forests and backcountry without a hot and grueling out and back hike. Book early as popular summer weekends fill up fast.

A Quaint Little Day Camp

Enjoy everything about camping except the sleeping on the ground part? Try a day camp at one of countless state parks. Pack up your cooler with drinks, barbecue necessities and snacks. Grab the swimsuits, tubes, hiking boots and folding chairs, and you’re in business. A day camped out on the water helps you unwind and unplug, even for a few hours without leaving on a weeklong trip. Spend the day how you want, drinking and eating, swimming and splashing, or hiking and exploring, and at the end, head home to your nice comfy bed for a relaxing night’s sleep.

Floatilla

Why hang out with friends and family in the backyard next to a kiddie pool when you can anchor and tie up in the middle of the lake? Get the boats together, tie up a few ropes, and you’ve got your own private island complete with swimming all around. Still saving up for your dream boat? Head to your local tire store or outdoor retailer and pick up a few inner tubes, tie your group together and enjoy a lazy float down the river. Don’t forget to grab an extra tube for the cooler and have a second vehicle to pick you back up at the end.

#adventure #local #sports