Surroundings, Seattle

Half an hour's drive north of Seattle on U.S. 526, at Everett, is the factory of the Boeing Aircraft Company, with the largest aircraft construction hangar in the world. On a guided tour visitors are shown the latest high-tech aircraft (including the B 747) under construction. Some 20 min. drive south of Seattle is an older Boeing works where the Flying Fortresses of the Second World War were built. Nearby is the Red Barn in which W.E. Boeing constructed his first aircraft in 1916.

North-west of the Seattle Center is the Myrtle Edwards Park. Farther north are the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, one of the largest and busiest lock complexes in the United States. Beside the locks is a fish ladder that allows salmon and other fish to make their way upstream from the salt water of Puget Sound to the fresh water of Lake Union and Lake Washington.

To the south of Seattle, at 9404 Marginal Way, is the Museum of Flight, with over three dozen carefully restored historic aircraft, including one built by the Wright brothers.

Renton is a suburb of Seattle, located just south of the city.Jimi Hendrix was buried in Renton and there is a Jimi Hendrix Memorial in Greenwood Memorial Park.There are also some interesting museums in Renton, including the Renton Historical Museum and the Museum of Flight. The Spirit of Washington Dinner Train, which departs from the town, is a fun way to spend an evening.

The Washington Park Arboretum is owned by the city of Seattle but the plants are maintained by the University of Washington. The park covers 230 acres and includes mainly native trees and shrubs in a beautifully landscaped setting. April to October are the best months to visit the Washington Park Arboretum but the facility is open year round.

Auburn, population 40,000, is a suburb of Seattle. The town was originally named Slaughter, for William Slaughter. It was later renamed Auburn, after Auburn, New York but the name Slaughter persisted on many buildings and establishments for quite some time.The Green River and White River run through Auburn.

The little town of Black Diamond, named for the Black Diamond coal company that used to operate here, dates to the late 19th Century. Today, with a population of just under 4,000 this little town, less than an hours drive inland from Seattle, is still going strong. Many people now commute to the city for work.

Blake Island State Park accessible only by boat, is a marine park known largely for its beaches and shoreline. The area is very scenic with the Olympic Mountains visible in the background. Tillicum Village, located on Black Island, offers tradition Indian-style dinners and entertainment.

Located on Puget Sound, the seaside community of Edmonds is a beautiful and inspiring place. The waterfront boasts a marina and fishing pier, along with beaches and parks. Edmunds is also well known within the arts community, and hosts a number of festivals throughout the year.

Located on the shores of Port Gardner Bay, Everett has one of the largest marinas along this stretch of coast. The marina marketplace is a fun place to explore and the nearby waterfront hotel is worth seeing.The town has many historic buildings, some of which have been restored, making it a pleasant place to stroll through.

Issaquah is a growing town in the Seattle suburbs. The technology sector is growing here, with Microsoft building a large office facility here. In addition to business, Issaquah also prides itself on the many outdoor recreational opportunities available in the vicinity.

North Bend, located in the Snoqualmie Valley, is probably best known for being the filming location of the television series "Twin Peaks". The town is just east of Seattle in a scenic area along the foothills of the Cascade Mountains.

Marysville is a small city north of Seattle, near Everett. This is a pleasant place with parks, golfing facilities, and a sizeable downtown shopping district. The city has the nickname "Strawberry City" and holds an annual Strawberry Festival and Grand Parade in June.

Redmond is located just east of Seattle and is known for being home to the Microsoft corporate campus. The city offers many outdoor possibilities with trail systems for biking and walking. The downtown area offers a diverse range of shops and fine dining options.

The Plankhouse is a replica Chinookan-style cedar plankhouse. Lewis and Clark came upon the large Chinookan village that stood here in 1805. Through large donations of wood and time by volunteers the Plankhouse was completed in 2005. It stands on the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.

Bainbridge Island is a small town located just across the bay from Seattle. Visitors can access Bainbridge Island either by ferry (on foot or with a car), or by car via an extended route leading through Tacoma.

The city of Bellevue, on the outskirts of Seattle, is picturesquely situated in front of the Cascade Mountains. It is a prosperous and growing community that attracts workers from the surrounding areas.

Hoodsport, located on the shore of Hood Canal, and claims to be the " Gateway to the Olympics". There is always something going on in and Hoodsport, with festivals, derbys, and more. The area is also known for it's whale watching tours.

The Kubota Gardens, designed by Fujitaro Kubota who once owned the property, are Japanese style gardens created with plants native to the American Northwest. The property covers 20 acres, ecompassing hills, water, and bridges.

Bothel is a mill town with a pleasant historical downtown area. Bothel is the main center in the area, servicing the surround towns.

Located in Puget Sound in Gig Harbor Bay, opposite Tacoma, the town of Gig Harbor is a very scenic and pleasant spot.

The Puget Sound Vessel Traffic Service provides traffic information for vessels operating on Puget Sound.