Didn't make it to Vancouver, BC for the Olympic Winter Games this February? We thought so. Pierce County is a popular Northwest destination for folks stopping over in Washington on the way to or from Canada. The same winter sports, rugged mountains, great resorts and inns, world-class cities teeming with arts and cultural attractions.
Watching the games is fun, but doing ‘em yourself is funner. Snowshoe Mount Rainier, ski Crystal Mountain,
and see the look on your friend’s face when you stare down that grizzly bear at
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. No, seriously...
The "Thanks, El Niño!" Outdoor Activity Roundup
Word
is out that it’s an El Niño year. That means the Pacific Northwest is the
perfect place to visit the next couple months: crowds are absent, prices are
low, and the delicious weather will paint a grin on your face.
Roundup-ready activities: feel free to borrow this list for your newspaper or magazine
Ski, snowboard or dogsled
Crystal Mountain on the Sunrise side of Mount Rainier
Snowshoe or Nordic ski from
hut-to-hut on the free groomed trail system at Mount Tahoma Trails
Snarf down some blackberry
pie at Copper Creek Inn, “one of the State’s greatest rural restaurants”
[Lonely Planet]
Attend services—or just
gawk—at historic Evangelische Lutheran Kirche, one of the smallest churches in
the U.S. Conveniently on the road to Paradise
The Paradise Inn is stately and warm. Bonus: no room phones means you are forced to unplug and RELAX. [NOTE: RE-OPENS MAY 21]
Sparse winter foliage at
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park will give you an unobstructed view of free-roaming
animals much bigger than you
Play a round of golf at
Chambers Bay! Sounds nutty, but winter greens fees are low and the reservations
relatively easy to book. Pick a clear day, and don’t sweat if it drizzles: the
sandy soil and fine fescue grass create excellent drainage and dry play
Do Northwesterners really spend the whole winter outdoors? Don't be silly. We love roofs and walls when it rains. Especially when it means catching the latest feature at the independent Grand Cinema, staring mesmerized at glassblowers at the Museum of Glass hot shop or buying your pals a round at the Harmon Pub + Brewery.
Sweetening the deal: Winter vacation packages in Tacoma + Pierce County
Baymont Inn + Suites: Romance for Two [Fife]
Courtyard by Marriott: Chambers Bay Golf
Crystal Mountain Hotels: Family Ski Getaway
Harmon Brewery: Barrels of Fun Brewcation
Hotel Murano: Hot Piece of Glass Package
The INN at Gig Harbor: Winter Warmth Getaway Package
Maritime Inn : Harbor Getaway Package [Gig Harbor]
Best Western Park Plaza : Stay + Save Package [Puyallup]
Silver Cloud Inn: Spirit of Washington Package
Best Western Wesley Inn : Winter Warmth Package [Gig Harbor]
Best Western Wesley Inn: Pet Pampering Package [Gig Harbor]
Best Western Wesley Inn : Sweet Dreams + Silver Screens Package [Gig Harbor]
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