Since moving to the Pacific Northwest I have strived to take advantage of as many Washington outdoor activities as possible. Recently I decided to take a week long vacation to Banks Lake. After exploring the trails around Banks and the Grand Coulee Dam I decided to travel a bit further to Billy Clapp Lake.
Billy Clapp Lake is a stunning body of water located behind an earthen dam. The three mile long lake is home to many animals and native plants. On my hike around Billy Clapp I journeyed through basalt rock canyons covered in lichen and up onto bluffs overlooking the expanse of the lake. It was truly a breathtaking experience worth repeating.
Summer for many means hitting the shore. While most people think of the ocean, I prefer to head to the lake, Banks Lake, to be precise. The lake accommodates all sorts of water activities that are family friendly.
By far the best Eastern Washington boating site, Banks Lake accommodates party barges, fishing boats, jet skis and more. My kids love knee-boarding and wake-boarding day in and day out. Those who prefer to stay closer to shore can enjoy swimming or fishing from the lake shore. Even those who want to stay dry can appreciate the beauty of the lake from the many hiking and bike trails that ring the perimeter.
The holidays are here and that means it’s time to get our shopping done. If you’re like me then you have a long list of friends, family and loved ones to shop for. Sitting in traffic, navigating huge crowds and standing in line all come with the territory and they can make holiday shopping a real chore. Luckily, though, there are a lot of great ideas out there that don’t involve dealing with the standard holiday shopping fare.
Give the gift of a quality vacation and you’ll be giving the gift of fun and relaxation. When the warmer months arrive we’ll all be aching to get back outside and enjoy the warm weather, the bright sun and the fun of our normal outdoor activities. Banks Lake in Washington continues to be a favorite vacation spot for hikers, boaters and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Banks Lake boating is an exciting and rewarding experience for all those who take the time to enjoy it. Take the time to give a gift they’ll remember for the rest of their lives and you’ll be glad you did.
In the Pacific Northwest, we frequently have to wait until July for the weather to become favorable, but this year we have already experienced several days in the 80s. January saw record high temperatures and the heat wave appears to be continuing. And when the sun comes out in our neck of the woods, people move in droves in the nearest body of water. With dozens of lakes riddled throughout the landscape, there are many opportunities for Eastern Washington watersports.
Whether you enjoy fishing, kayaking, water skiing or just laying on the banks and basking in the sunshine, the summer climate in the Pacific Northwest is ideal for fun in the water. Unlike many areas of the country, there is little humidity and temperatures hover in the 80s, which is enjoyable for virtually everyone. And thanks to the incessant rainfall during the rest of the year, virtually ever body of water is surrounded by rich, lush flora.
The geographic differences between the west and east coast are mostly obvious. While the east coast has a stretch of mountains, known as the Appalachians, which run along the majority of the land, they are mere foothills in comparison to the mighty Rockies and other mountain ranges that tower over the west coast. And more specifically comparing the states of Georgia and Washington – both places I’ve lived – the differences continue, especially in terms of bodies of water. While Georgia has several lakes spread out across the state, such as Lake Lanier, Washington’s coastline (think the Seattle area) is engulfed by many more lakes and harbors.
Although I cherish different qualities about each location, the physical terrain of Washington has won my heart ten-fold. Not only is my mind set in a state of tranquility every time I step outside – the aesthetics of this area are wondrous – but the abundant water supply allows me to consistently enjoy one of my favorite outdoor activities: being on or in the water. Washington boating offers a variety of nautical sports and sun-seeking ventures. Lake Washington –or any other spot to boat in – is the place to be during the summer.
No trip to Grand Coulee would be complete without a stop at the Grand Coulee Dam. One of the summer highlights is the evening laser light show at Dam that is projected onto the dam’s wall.
The area around the dam has an abundance of camping options, including cabins, villas, resorts and setting up your own tent. Banks Lake campgrounds located around Banks Lake also offer many recreational options such as boating, fishing, kayaking as well..
