The Evergreen State is the only centralized political community in the US that bears the name of a former President. However, aside from this bit of trivia, it also captivates those who visit it with its lush landscapes rich with varied fruits. A little-known fact about Washington is that it produces more apples, pears, red raspberries, and sweet cherries than any other territory in North America.
Yet, in pop culture, it is best known as the home of the Washington Football Team, formerly the Redskins, and as the birthplace of the world’s most famous coffee-shop chain Starbucks. Its unique terrains and natural beauties do not get discussed as much. Nevertheless, it is undoubtedly one of the most stunning locations in the Northwest.
Oregon may get all the hype, but Washington State temperate rainforests and mountain ranges rival anything found in the Beaver State. Thus, what follows is a list of five must-visit leisure hospitality spots in one of the greenest areas of North America everyone should consider.
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1. Suncadia Resort
Located on 3600 Suncadia Trail, in the city of Cle Elum, the Suncadia Resort boasts over 6,000 acres of picturesque Washington beauty. The vast complex, constructed in 2003, features three championship golf courses, forty miles of biking and hiking trails, a world-class spa, and so much more. It has three different lodging capacities, eight fine dining establishments, a banquet hall, conference area, and cafés.
Those that love the great outdoors can enjoy the 2.2 million acres of Wenatchee Washington National Forest right next door. Note that Suncadia now participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. Hence, those that frequent Hyatt’s properties around the globe can redeem their loyalty points here, attaining room upgrades, a free stay, or other perks.
2. Northern Quest Resort
Found on 100 North Hayford Road in Airway Heights, the Northern Quest Resort is Spokane’s premier location for casino-style gaming. Anyone interested in coming should first check out a quick guide to learn blackjack, as the casino floor here hosts multiple twenty-one tables with excellent payouts.
Gambling aside, this resort also has a 250-room hotel, dozens of restaurants, a pool, a luxurious La Rive four-star spa, and several entertainment venues where legendary rockers and top-end comedians perform. The Northern Quest Resorts also sometimes holds MMA events.
Visitors who do not wish to spend the money required to stay at the property’s hotel can opt to make a temporary home at the RV lot or rent one of the multiple cozy cottages within walking distance of the resort’s main building.
3. Rosario Resort and Spa
Jerrel Barto of Signal Hill Petroleum owns the 83-acre Rosario Resort & Spa in Eastsound. Though, rumors are that he is looking to sell it. Nature lovers can find this marvelous resort on beautiful Orcas Island, the brainchild of shipbuilder Robert Moran. It gets listed in the National Register of Historic Places and often gets mentioned as a destination that can help anyone regain their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
There are three on-site restaurants here. These are the Mansion, the Moran Lounge, and Cascade Bay Grill. The lodging here ranks as three-star quality, and the indoor therapeutic pool is a sight to behold. That said, the principal reason why most people come here is to enjoy the marine facilities or go whale watching on the Salish Sea.
4. Iron Springs Resort
The Iron Springs Resort in Copalis Beach, a place in Grays Harbor County, is a more old-school lodge vacation property than those mentioned above. It has been operating since the 1940s, beginning with only eight cabins. Today, it features twenty-eight comfortable houses, most of which have jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean.
In the summer of 2010, the resort underwent a dramatic remodeling, and it now offers modern amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi internet, flat-screen TVs, electric stoves, barbeques, etc. Hiking and fishing are two favorite activities that virtually all Iron Springs guests indulge in and love. Swimming is also a possibility at the right time of year. There are several private beaches near this resort which are miles long.
5. Semiahmoo Resort
The Semiahmoo is a 300-acre resort around a two-hour drive north of Seattle or a forty-five-minute one south of Vancouver. Visitors come here to bask in the splendor of this Pacific Northwest getaway, where they can partake in paddle boarding, biking, hiking, and more.
The Semiahmoo has everything one would expect from a high-end country club. There is a heavy focus on wellness here, with the resort offering pickleball, tennis, golf, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a spa. Know that the Packer’s Kitchen & Bar serves up some phenomenal grub at the Semiahmoo.