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.

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.

Washington is a great state for fishing, and is well renowned amongst fishermen around the U.S. as one of the best. Perhaps the reason so many fishermen like Washington is because it offers such a wide range of fishing destinations. In Washington it’s possible to fish off a dock into the Puget Sound, fish off a boat right into Pacific Ocean, float down the Snake River with a rod and reel, or cast a line into Banks Lake. Washington fishing also offers an excellent assortment of different fish species. In Washington, there are salmon, cod, flounder, bass, trout, and much more.

For the ultimate fishing vacation, think about starting in Western Washington, and hitting the Puget Sound. In the Sound there are all kinds of fish, including the Northwest favorite, flatfish or flounder. Once done in Puget Sound, head east over the Cascade mountains, but don’t forget to hit a few of the rivers on the way there in search of trout and salmon. Once over the Cascade Mountains, head to Banks Lake where the bass fishing has never been better. Banks Lake is also quite deep, so trolling can also be a fun activity in the lake.

Washington is truly one of the most beautiful places to live in the United States. After all, there aren’t many states that can boast such an electric collection of physical landmarks. To that end, Washington offers mountains to climb, rainforests to hike through, lakes to kayak, and urban centers to stroll. The kayaking in particular is absolutely gorgeous. If you’re interested in Washington kayaking, one of the best places to go is Portage Bay.

Whether you launch from Agua Verde or some other launch point, you’ll have direct access to Lake Union as well as Lake Washington. This paddle will give you unparalleled view of the downtown skyline, which includes the iconic Space Needle. You can also head to the arboretum, which will potentially offer views of eagles, herons, grebes, and more. You’ll even have the thrill of kayaking under the freeway.