state-parks-offer-intriguing-options-for-travelers

www.dotcomhunter.com State Parks offer Intriguing Options for Travelers There are many things to do while visiting Seattle Washington that ar e either free or inexpensive. Many of the free things to do in and ar ound Seattle are outdoor activities. Because of the incredible views and magnificent scenery in and around the area it makes perfect sense that several of these would be visiting the many state parks in the area. Keep in mind that not all state parks are free to visit but below you will find information on some that are. If you are a lover of nature a nd the outdoors then this should really get your blood pumping. Rememb er to bring along all the fun equipment that makes the outdoors fun. First of all there is Deception Pass State Park. This park has salt w ater, fresh water, camping, hiking, boating, spectacular views, and a few areas with playground equipment for the little ones. There are m any activities available and appropriate for the island: hiking, hors eback riding, boating, fishing, swimming, white water kayaking, divin g, clamming, crabbing, bird watching, mountain biking, and simply vie wing the wonderful scenery that nature provided. Next, there is Fort Worden State Park. Fort Worden was originally use d to guard the entry into Puget Sound. Fort Warden became a state par k in 1955 and remains a popular park and convention center. Conventio n and camping facilities are opened on the park year round and there is plenty to do to keep guests busy, happy, and entertained. In addit ion to the traditional hiking, biking, diving, water skiing, swimming , boating, and animal watching, Fort Worden offers baseball, basketba ll, softball, and volleyball facilities. If that isn't enough there i s also a museum and incredible views that simply invite the photograp her within to come out and play. Fort Flagler State Park Fort Flagler, like Fort Worden originally guar ded the entryway into the Puget Sound. Also like Fort Worden, Fort Fla gler became a state park in 1955. Fort Flagler still has some of the o riginal military structures that tell the proud history of this island . It is also surrounded on three sides by salt water. While there are many similarities between Fort Worden and Fort Flagler, the latter is only open for campers for part of the year. Day visitors are allowed y ear round, however. It is the stunning view of the Sound and the surro unding mountains, however that makes this park so spectacular. I hope you have the chance to visit. Finally, there is Lime Kiln Point State Park. This park is a 36-acre park that is only for day use. The park is located on the western si de of San Juan Island and is an excellent location from which to watc h Orca whales from land. In addition to whale watching you can go hik A gift from www.dotcomhunter.comwww.dotcomhunter.com ing, tour the lighthouse, and enjoy viewing various other wildlife he re as well. Diving is possible here but very dangerous as the current s are quite strong. The lighthouse here still serves as a navigationa l aid for ships in the Haro Strait. While this particular park offers less in way of amenities it remains my favorite simply because of th e lighthouse and the possibility of seeing whales while visiting. The months of June and July are the best for whale watching but any time during the months of May throughout September, whale spotting remain s a possibility. While not everyone is interested in nature or experiencing the great outdoors, state parks such as these mentioned above make it much more enjoyable-especially when you consider the fact that there is no adm ission fees for visiting these parks. If you love the outdoors and na ture as much as I do then you would probably have been more than will ing to pay for the privilege of visiting any one if not each and ever y one of these parks. It is my sincerest hope that you will find some thing that is fun, frivolous, and most importantly free to do while y ou are on vacation. You know how the saying goes, "the best things in life are free". PPPPP (word count 673) A gift from www.dotcomhunter.com