For most people, if they’re traveling to Seattle for leisure, they’re coming here during summertime.
There’s really no secret to that: it’s a formula that just works. Compared to a lot of places in the U.S. (*cough* the South *cough*), our summer heat is fairly mild. Even better, there’s very little humidity, so you can meander to your heart’s content — and let’s be honest, if you’re on vacation in a city, you’re not here to relax for seven days by the pool — without feeling the intense urge to flee indoors where there’s shade and (maybe) artificial air. (Seattle hasn’t really needed to excel in that area before, although in recent years, thanks to climate change, us residents have begun to really FEEL the lack.)
After July 4th, the temperature at mid-day might climb up to 85 degrees in the sunshine. But by night, it’s cool enough to roll down the car windows on the way back to your hotel, maybe even don a light coat for a 9PM sunset on the beach. (Yes, we have those: 9PM sunsets and beaches, of a sort.)
And Seattle’s “ever-present” rain? Although I’ve seen it drizzle in the summer months, especially in the mountains, the lowlands are pretty dang dry this time of year. Look, just come prepared — think layers and maybe a raincoat — and, like everyone else, you’re ready for it all.
Seattle is also a great summer destination because it’s surrounded by both water and mountains. Here, many of the roads that lead into North Cascades and Mt. Rainier National Parks finally re-open to vehicle access in June, after being fully or partially closed since mid-November. (Like many places, the “winter season” here starts early — and ends late — in the mountains.)
Even if you aren’t outdoorsy, hate sweating, and would never call yourself a hiker, Mt. Rainier NP is a real treat in the summer. You don’t even need to hike very far from the parking lot — at Paradise OR Sunrise — to see the beauty of this mountain. As soon as you park, she’s just… THERE. In late August, Paradise, in particular, often comes alive with wildflowers. I’m talking blooms of pink, yellow, purple, white. There are waterfalls and paved pathways everywhere inside the park. Plus butterflies, marmots, chipmunks, deer.
When the “mountain’s out” — it’s kind of wild driving down I-5 with Tahoma looming in the distance, so crisp and distinct — the view is pretty dang incredible. But seeing Tahoma in the park itself? Mind-boggling.
So when I hear that people are traveling to this area in the summer, I’m more than enthusiastic: I know they’re going to get the best of what western WA has to offer. But until last year, I couldn’t fully appreciate how exceptional the PNW can be in late September, October, and early November, too. Last October, I made a last-minute day-trip to MRNP and witnessed literal CARPETS of fall foliage at Paradise. My camera stayed out the entire hike. I was stunned. Wildflower blooms in the mountains are gorgeous. But have you seen MRNP in Autumn??
If you remember my photos from last year, then yes — yes, you have (ha). Well, I would love to remind you.
These photos were taken sometime around the cusp of September/October, and to my utter surprise I discovered more than just fall color… I walked right into fresh snowfall. Talk about a clash of two seasons! Here’s something else I enjoyed: those parts of the trail bursting with fall color last year had moved to NEW spots, highlighting different aspects of the landscape that I had never really appreciated up close before. I found myself branching off onto side-routes, passing through new meadows like I was on an important side quest.
The best part is, the fall color here sometimes lasts well into November, in both the mountains and the city. If you’re okay with a little rain and a lot of overcast skies (which often enhance all that color in a way that’s truly magical), then avoid the summer crowds and consider visiting in late October. Not every day here is endless rain. There are spots of sunshine and magic all the time, if you know where to find them.
Besides… these pictures don’t even do the fall foliage at MRNP justice. I’m serious. It’s sub-par. You need to see it for yourself!
My goodness you make me miss Washington. Tahoma is such a presence and you capture her so well!