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.
I found myself daydreaming about Banks Lake fishing. For the past few years my family has taken summer vacation at Sunbanks Lake Resort. Though we do many activities together as a family, we also take individual time to pursue our own interests. Obviously, my interest is fishing.
Just out of curiosity, I checked the fishing forecast for Banks Lake. At sunrise the conditions were fair, they peaked at 9 a.m., and for most of the afternoon into early evening conditions were good. With conditions like those, summer can’t get here soon enough!
Adventurers who prefer to share camping with their pets can now do so in more places in Eastern Washington. More state park cabins and yurts will be made pet-friendly, according to the Eastern Washington Parks and Recreation Department. The department is already accepting reservations starting in January 2012.
In 2012 pet owners can reserve Eastern Washington cabins and yurts at 21 state parks, 10 percent of the system. Currently, only three percent of the system allows cats and dogs. There are some limitations; a $10 fee is applied per pet and you can have no more than two pets (cats and dogs only). Can’t get a reservation? You can still camp the traditional way with Eureka tents, a portable stove, and sturdy sleeping bags.
On my first trip to the Pacific Northwest years ago, my visit was contained to mostly the shoreline. The family and I spent the majority of time taking in the Seattle area before venturing to Port Townsend. We took a few stops along the way to photograph the scenery; it’s much greener in the Northwest than the part of the East coast where we lived.
This past summer, the family once again decided to take a trip to Washington. This time, we decided to rent a couple of cabins in central Washington. While there, we visited the Grand Coulee Dam, Steamboat Rock State Park, and a variety of other natural wonders. If you’re looking for an outdoor family getaway without having to schlep tents, I highly recommended booking central Washington cabins.
Niagara Falls has nothing on Dry Falls. The three and a half mile long precipice known as Dry Falls is ten times the size of Niagara. In fact, Dry Falls is thought to be the greatest waterfall that has ever existed. At the end of the last ice age, flooding on a tremendous scale rushed water at 65 miles per hour through the Upper Grand Coulee and over the 400-fot Dry Falls.
The flood covered parts of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho in hundreds of feet of water in a matter of days. Eventually, the ice sheets that blocked the Columbia River, creating the flood, melted and the river returned to its normal size and course. The Grand Coulee and Dry Falls have been left as geological evidence of the tremendous flood. Visitors to Eastern Washington resort areas often make the trip to witness fantastic views of the Dry Falls at Sun Lakes State Park. Admission is free.
This past summer I wanted to take our family on a vacation to Eastern Washington. I had visited Banks Lake a few years prior and thought it would be a great location to spend some quality time with the family before the hectic schedules of the fall began. Last time I visited, I had camped out, but with three kids, a husband, and a dog in tow, I felt it would be easier to stay in a cabin.
Fortunately, the resort complex we stayed in had waterfront cabins that sleep six comfortably and are pet friendly. The amenities offered in the Eastern Washington cabins suited our needs just fine and the views from the front porch were spectacular. A heated propane grill was provided, so we spent a lot of time grilling and eating outdoors, taking in all of nature’s beauty. During the day there were all sorts of water activities and hikes to be done. All in all, it was a memorable trip.
Few things are as rewarding as spending some time in the sun. Springtime is right around the corner so now’s the time to start planning our many and varied outdoor excursions. Once the holidays are over we’ll be able to find a lot of great deals on all the equipment we might need to get our fill of the outdoors. Whether it’s camping and hiking or boating and kayaking, everything we need will be on sale. Taking advantage of those sales might be a challenge if we’re not ready for them, so save your pennies.
One thing, however, may not go down in price. By scheduling your outdoor activities ahead of time you can save a lot of money on your next vacation. Planning now gives you all the time you need to get ready for your next adventure. From golfing to rowing and much more, take in the sites at unforgettable Banks Lake for a vacation you won’t soon forget. Banks Lake cabins are luxurious, convenient and offer all the amenities of home – and then some. Don’t wait for the seasonal rush and you could have your vacation paid off before you ever walk out the door.
Relive your honeymoon to rekindle your relationship. Plan a trip for you and your spouse even for just a weekend. Arrange for extended family to take care of the kids so you can have your mate all to yourself. Research resorts where you can enjoy each other’s company without many interruptions. Most people choose a tropical location without thinking twice, but an Eastern Washington resort will offer an assortment of outdoor activities and a distinctive atmosphere.
Read reviews of different types of resorts online. Browse brochures carefully and find out what the fine print says so you are prepared for what is covered during your trip. Ask friends and family to refer the best places they’ve recently been. Once you select your destination, make reservations, pack and whisk your spouse away for your romantic getaway.
We all need a week or at least a few days to relax now and then, and when choosing the location for relaxation, it’s important to features with cost. Most people can’t afford the ridiculous prices luxury hotels charge for suites, but with some good choices, people can find a great location for relaxation that doesn’t break the bank. First of all, avoid booking rooms in expensive hotels. While these rooms look beautiful and have all kinds of contemporary comforts, for the price of one night it’s possible to stay for three or four days elsewhere. Instead of hotels, look at resorts, lodges, and bed and breakfast locations. For example, Sunbanks Lake Resort offers first-rate accommodations and gives you access to a host of outdoor activities. When shelling out a lot of cash, make sure that the services the location provides at least match the needs for fun and relaxation. Just purchasing a place to sleep while intending to go elsewhere for relaxing activities doesn’t make much sense.
Time can also be a factor in choosing a getaway. Far fewer people will be traveling in the autumn and winter, and it’s possible to save a lot of money as resorts, lodges, and bed and breakfast locations discount their rates to attract customers.
Sometimes, it can be hard to plan for a vacation. If you are planning for the whole family, you need to find a vacation spot where everybody can enjoy. There has to be activities suited for every single person so nobody gets left out. And if you are planning for a romantic getaway, you need to find a place that is quiet and cozy.
If you love the water, look into Sun Banks, an Eastern Washington lake resort with first-class accommodations for families and couples alike. They have numerous outdoor activities that everybody can participate in. But there are resorts that are exclusively for adults only. They don’t want children running around the place. But wherever you want to go, you just have to research for the best place where you can enjoy.
