We all know it’s important to be prepared when we go hiking. I remember one time my wife and I went on an Eastern Washington hiking trip and we forgot to bring rain ponchos. Suffice it to say, it was one cold wet night we would never forget. Wearing and bringing the right hiking gear could spell the difference between a good hike and a disastrous one. Trust me, I’ve experienced it.

Here are a few must haves when going hiking:

1. A sufficient supply of water.
2. Rain gear, like waterproof ponchos or rain suits (especially in the Pacific Northwest)
3. First aid kits
4. Sunscreen and other toiletries
5. Extra batteries and flashlights

I grew up in the South and attended college only a few hours away from my hometown. When the local economy started to slip, I began to expand my career horizons by investigating opportunities outside the area. As luck would have it, I landed a job soon after graduation and relocated to the Pacific Northwest. Knowing the trip would take several days, I packed up my truck and headed out onto the highway.

I’ve always been an outdoorsy type, so I consulted a lodging directory to find campgrounds along the route. I managed to save money that otherwise would have been squandered on motel rooms. While some of the campgrounds were subpar, the facilities at the Banks Lake campgrounds stand out for their immaculate upkeep and the outdoor activities that were easily accessible. By roughing it, I arrived in town with a few extra tales to tell my new friends and co-workers.

Every since I was a little boy, my father and I would go on an annual fishing trip to some remote location in the Pacific Northwest. Over the years we’ve experience some of the best fishing that Washington, Oregon and Idaho have to offer, but my favorite place to go is still Eastern Washington. The variety of fish and abundance of lakes, streams and waterways sets Eastern Washington fishing apart from the rest.

Although we have dabbled in areas around Spokane and the Tri-Cities, we always seem to find our way back to Banks Lake. Few people know about this pristine body of water, and that is just the way that we like it. While we will experiment with other areas from time to time, Banks Lake has been a mainstay on our fishing itinerary.

During the 15 years that I’ve lived in Washington State, I have visited several resorts throughout the Pacific Northwest. While many travels and locals alike assume that the best resorts are located in the metropolitan areas of Seattle and Portland, in my experience the best accommodations come from resorts that are east of the Cascades. One of my favorite places to go to get away from it all is Eastern Washington.

My family and I love to go to lakefront hotels and cabins, and Eastern Washington lake resorts offer unparalleled amenities. We recently visited the Sunbanks Resort on the shores of Banks Lake, and their service is second to none. After traveling throughout Eastern Washington, I can say that we will definitely be frequenting Sunbanks Resort again.

While Eastern Washington may not boast a buzzing metropolis like the coastal side of the state, it makes up for what it lacks in urban entertainment with its exciting outdoor activities. There are several pristine skiing and snowboarding locations that are just a short drive from virtually anywhere on the eastern side of the state. Not to mention the ample opportunities for watersports.

One of my favorite Eastern Washington outdoor activities, however, is simply taking a hike through a secluded area. There is such an abundance of beautiful and exotic flora that you can easily spend a day—or two—exploring a single trail. While you really can’t go wrong no matter where venture, I prefer the scenic trails that surround Banks Lake.

When people think of major bodies of water in the Pacific Northwest, they generally conjure up images of the mighty Columbia River or the sea ports on Puget Sound. Natives of the area, however, know of the myriad of other idyllic bodies of water that are riddled throughout the picturesque landscape. One of my favorite spots to visit in the inland northwest is Banks Lake.

Every spring my family and I take a Banks Lake vacation to enjoy the landscape and unparalleled fishing. My son and I always take a day to enjoy the bass fishing, while my wife and daughter relax at the spa in the resort. We also love going on short kayaking trips around the banks of the lake, exploring the various wildlife that is native to the area.

When I first moved to Washington from Southern California, I was worried that I would have to give up my boating hobby. Ever since I was little my parents had owned a boat, and I had grownup waterskiing, wakeboarding and inner tubing. Although I was almost certain that I would never have a use for it, I decided to bring my Bayliner with me when I moved up north.

Much to my relief, I found that Washington State was riddled with lakes and provided ample boating opportunities. As a matter of fact, it is easier for me to find clear, open water here than it ever was in California. Whether it is Lake Sammamish in the west or Banks Lake in the east, there is always an idyllic spot for Washington watersports a short drive away.

Despite living in Western Washington for nearly my whole life, I decided to go to college in Spokane, on the eastern side of the state. Before I left for the first time, I heard horror stories about how Eastern Washington was a vast wasteland with nothing to do. Admittedly, I left for Spokane less than enthused over the prospects of entertainment.

During my four years in Spokane, I came to appreciate all of that Eastern Washington has to offer. While it may not have the urban life of the Seattle area, there are exquisite Eastern Washington camping sites and opportunities to experience the great outdoors. One of my favorite places to visit while I lived there was the majestic Banks Lake, just miles away from Grand Coulee.

Although the Grand Coulee Dam is a practical structure providing hydroelectric power throughout the Northwest, it is also a major attraction. It is both the largest electric power facility and biggest concrete structure in the United States. Named after FDR, the Dam was opened just months before the country entered WWII in 1942.

Today the Dam hosts tours and guided expeditions throughout the year. One of the most spectacular sights at the Dam is the acclaimed light shows that are accompanied by music: these shows run throughout the spring and summer. There are many Grand Coulee resort accommodations available for visitors, including campgrounds and RV parks.

One of the best things about Washington State is the diversity of its landscape and climate. Most people associate Washington, and the Pacific Northwest, with grey skies and constant showers. Although this is fairly common for cities on the ocean coast, the climate actually varies greatly throughout the state.

Washington is traversed by the Cascade Mountain range, which provides some of the best skiing in the country. The central and eastern portions of the state have vast plains and experience more extreme temperatures, reaching over 100°F in the summer and sub 0°F in the winter. To the south there is the mighty Columbia River and the Grand Coulee Dam. Despite the rain stereotype, there are many great Washington hiking trails and outdoor activities to take advantage of anytime of the year.