Late Summer Day Trips

Do you know why the early fall leaves are so gorgeous?

Leaves turn their brilliant-or their not so brilliant-colors in the fall, due to a combination of factors: light, temperature and water. The variations in these factors determine how vivid the colors are in any given year, in late summer or autumn. Head outdoors, either close to Mercer Island, or several hours away, to catch the beauty of the season.

If you are seeking a trip to fill the entire day, take the ferry to Orcas Island and hike to the top of Mt. Constitution, the highest point in the San Juan Islands. If the day is clear, you might be able to see whale pods, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker, Port Townsend and the turning leaves-all from one location!

For a spectacular late summer day trip take a drive north to the Mt. Baker Scenic Byway on State Route 542. Or, if you prefer a more active adventure, hike up to Artist Point, which is only typically open in August and September. You'll have stunning views of Mt. Shuksan and Mt. Baker and you can climb ever higher to view lava cliffs and the North Cascades in all their glory.

Head south to the Columbia River where you can view 70 waterfalls, gorgeous scenery and take countless hikes or long drives. For a truly unique experience, hop on the Mt. Hood train from Hood River — and enjoy a brunch or dinner tour-complete with outstanding vistas.

In less than twenty minutes, you could be walking footloose-and free from the urban jungle-along the trails of the Washington Park Arboretum. A wide variety of plants in the Japanese and Botanic gardens will surely delight you. If you wish to learn as you walk through the gardens, there are guided tours and audio tours as an added benefit.

So, get out and enjoy the last vestiges of summer with a friend or loved one. Winter will be here before you know it!