WA Mountains: Hike, Bike, Ski, Board

Our mountains offer plenty of year-round fun depending on the season for hiking, mountain biking, skiing, snow boarding, snow shoeing and sledding:

Stevens Pass
Seattle’s popular skiing / snowboarding location is found 78 miles east of Seattle. Popular for hikers too.

Summit at Snoqualmie
Seattle’s backyard ski destination with four ski areas 40 miles east of Seattle offering day and night hours. Also has a tubing park for those that would rather sled, great for kids. Popular for hikers and mountain bikers.

Mt. Baker
Nestled in the Cascade Mountains outside Bellingham the mountain had world record snowfall in 1998-1999. Only certain areas are legal for sledding, check the website for updated information. Popular for hikers too. (Pictured above from the San Juan Islands.)

White Pass
Located in the Cascades popular with downhill and cross country skiers.

Crystal Mountain
Situated on the Northeastern corner of Mount Rainer National Park. Popular for hikers too.

Hurricane Ridge
Nestled in the Olympic National Park. An ideal family ski destination due to its smaller size.

Mt. Spokane
Located 23 miles outside Spokane run by a non-profit.

49° North
A resort located in the Colville National Forest 50 miles north of Spokane.

Mission Ridge
Found 12 miles outside Wenatchee offers day and night skiing.

Bluewood
Located in the Blue Mountains of Southeastern Washington.

Seattle Winter Festivals

Winter in Seattle offers indoor festivals from wedding to home shows. Here are some festivals that happen every winter (January and February) in our great city that you may enjoy:

Bellevue Wedding Expo
January is wedding show time in the Seattle area. The Bellevue Wedding Expo is held each year in January at Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue. Find wedding vendors, see a fashion show of gowns and meet wedding specialist that can help plan that special day. Dates: January

Seattle Wedding Show
Getting married or do you know someone who is? The Seattle Wedding show is held at the Washington Convention Center each January. Find wedding vendors, see a fashion show of gowns and meet wedding specialist that can help plan that special day. Dates: January

Seattle Chamber Music Society Winter Festival
The Seattle Chamber Music Society presents its Winter Festival in late January each year at Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle. It consists of four main concerts, three pre-concert recitals, a family concert and preview lecture. Dates: January

Seattle Boat Show
The Seattle Boat Show is held at Qwest Field in late January and features over 1,000 boats and a wide-variety of boating accessories. It also represents the latest in technological marine innovations. There is a high-tech section, a sailing center, 30 sailing related exhibits and free seminars hosted by authors and experts on boating topics ranging from fishing to cruising. Dates: January through February

Seattle RV & Outdoor Recreation Show
The Seattle RV & Outdoor Recreation Show is the largest indoor RV Show in the Pacific Northwest and it’s hosted at Qwest Field in Seattle each year. It offers daily seminars, exhibits and the latest in RVs and other outdoor recreational gear and equipment. Dates: February

Seattle Home Show
There’s no better place to get ideas for your home. The Seattle Home Show is offered two times a year at the Qwest Field Event Center (in February and October). The Home Show can help you get inspiration for your kitchen, bath and more with over 500 displays of home and garden products. Dates: February

Northwest Flower & Garden Show
The Northwest Flower & Garden Show is held at the Washington State Convention Center each winter in downtown Seattle. It gives visitors the opportunity to see 30 landscaped gardens at full scale, all created by top designers, with the help of local nurseries. There are over 300 vendors on hand too. Dates: February

Seattle Golf Show
Golf enthusiasts won't want to miss this. The largest consumer golf show on the West Coast is hosted at the Qwest Field Event Center in downtown Seattle. Dates: February

How to Drive Safely in Seattle Snow

In light of our unexpected snow fall and Twitter lighting up with the hashtag #snOMG (highly entertaining check it out). These tips can help you in our Seattle area snow. Stay prepared this winter:

Assess your situation for the day. Do you really need to be driving today? Is it an emergency? Can you walk (wear traction devices on the bottom of your shoes for safety when walking on ice), can you mountain bike, or cross country ski instead? Can you take the bus or the train? No? Then stay home and enjoy the snow. If you must drive here are some tips to do so safely. According to our local police the number one reason for accidents on Seattle area highways is because drivers go too fast. You can't drive at the same speed on wet and icy roads as you would on dry roads. And do not abandon your vehicle on our roads. Washington State Department of Transportion says to please stay with your car until help arrives (because snow plows need to be able to plow the roads).

• If you must drive be sure you have chains in your vehicle. So if you get into trouble you can put chains on your tires.
• When driving keep a large cushion of distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you. Remember, it only takes one small patch of black ice to spin you or the person in front of you off the road. Black ice is commonly found in shady areas, highway underpasses, bridges, and in the middle of intersections.
• The pace of Seattle traffic can change suddenly and it usually means one of two things: an accident has happened or an accident almost happened. Keep your eyes open and drive defensively at all times during inclement weather.
• When braking in the snow be sure your tires are straight and that you tap your breaks lightly. Do not slam on the brakes.
• Look for alternate routes. If you need to drive somewhere that involves a hill see if there is an alternate route you can take so you don't have to negotiate an icy hill. If a hill is closed it is closed for a reason and oftentimes closed hills have kids sledding down them. So find another route. If you must drive up a hill don't try to slow down the vehicle as this will stop the momentum of speed needed to summit. If driving down a hill use a low gear to slow down instead of using your brakes.
• If you slide or skid don't make sudden movements. Instead simply take your foot off the gas and keep your foot off the brakes until you have safely gained control of your vehicle.
• If you get in an accident during an unexpected snow storm in the Puget Sound only call 911 if you have a life or death emergency. It's likely you aren't the only one suffering from a fender bender. So exchange insurance information and file a report later. You could help save someone's life who really needs 911 that day.

Snow Alerts, School Closures, Traffic

This winter it is projected to be a winter wonderland. Are you prepared for snow? In the past our city hasn't been. Don't worry the following links will help guide you through the powder on our roads this winter.

Find School Closures
King5 News School Closure List
Komo4 News School Closure List

View Traffic Cameras
Komo4 News Traffic Cameras
King5 News Traffic Cameras

Find Road Closure in Your Area
King County Road Closures
Snohomish County Road Closures
Pierce County Road Closures
Skagit County Road Closures
Whatcom County Road Closures
Statewide Road Closures

Check Bus & Train Schedule
Make sure your bus is running (many buses in inclement weather are cancelled in the Seattle area, you can sign up for alerts). Also make sure your train is running.

Twitter Alerts Can Help You Before You Hit the Road
King County Metro Alerts
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
WSDOT Good to Go
WSDOT Traffic

Stay Up-to-Date on Weather Conditions
Get updated weather news before venturing out. And check out the Cliff Mass Weather Blog too.

Track Power Outages
Seattle City Light offers a Twitter page for outages you can track.

Drive safely this winter!

Three Best Seattle Christmas Light Displays

There are a few places you can drive through that consistently put up grand displays each year, here are the top three drive through Christmas light displays in Seattle.

1. Candy Cane Lane in Ravenna (pictured above) (December 10 to New Year's)
This is by far the best one to drive through in Seattle for charming Christmas light displays. It's a free light display that you can walk or drive through in a loop put on by the neighbors of Park Road and Ravenna Boulevard. The neighborhood has been putting on this community light show since 1941. (December 10 through New Year's Day from 4 p.m to 11 p.m.; on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve the lights are on until midnight). Address: Northeast Park Road, off Ravenna Boulevard, Seattle, WA 98105.

2. Olympic Manor near Greenwood (Mid-December)
The Olympic Manor neighborhood in Seattle has it in their homeowners association rules that they are encouraged to decorate for Christmas each year. Dozens of homes are decorated and it's a longtime holiday favorite in Seattle. Don't be surprised to see limos driving through. Address: Start at Northwest 85th Street and 23rd Avenue Northwest.

3. Kerry Park Viewpoint on Queen Anne Hill (Month of December)
After driving through to see the Christmas displays of the picturesque homes on Queen Anne Hill head to the Kerry Park Viewpoint for the best view in town of the lighted tree a top the Space Needle. It's free too. Address: 211 W. Highland Dr. Seattle, WA.

Seattle Holiday Festivals

The holiday season in Seattle offers fun winter festivals and downtown Seattle sparkles in holiday lights. Here are some festivals that happen every holiday season (all in December) in our great city that you may enjoy:

Macy's Holiday Parade
A longstanding Northwest tradition it's presented by The Seattle Times and KING 5 TV; co-sponsored by STAR 101.5. Watch the parade march to Macy's doorstep. The parade starts on 7th Avenue, heads west down Pine Street, then south onto Fifth Avenue, and finally west to 4th Avenue. You can also watch the parade live on KING 5 TV and on NWCN TV or on KONG TV. There is also a Holiday Star Lighting and Fireworks in the early evening at Westlake Park. Questions? Call 206-506-4FUN.

Festival of Trees
The Mary Bridge Festival of Trees is organized by community volunteers and benefits the Children's Hospital and Health Center. Enjoy decorated trees, shopping and more at the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center. Those in the Seattle / Tacoma area can take the Light Rail as it stops directly out front of the convention center.

Phinney Neighborhood Winter Festival and Crafts Fair
The Phinney Ridge Neighborhood offers their Winter Festival with craft booths, live entertainment, a quilt raffle, bake sale and more.

Green Lake Pathway of Lights
Seattle Parks and Recreation teams up with the Green Lake Community Center Advisory Council to present the Pathway of Lights where you can watch Green Lake light up.

Seattle Santa Lights Tour
Santa is on hand for a 2-1/2 hour tour of Seattle's best Christmas lights.

Night of the Elves
Bring your kids. Seattle's Imagine Children's Museum hosts a funfest exclusively for your children, featuring dinner with the elves, Santa's Workshop and Mrs. Kringle's Kitchen.

Museum of Flight
Come celebrate the Wright brothers' very first flight. Santa arrives by helicopter and then he and Mrs. Claus greet children in the Great Gallery. The Seattle Lutheran Bell Choir sings and the Boeing Employees' Orchestra of Flight plays too.

Community Hanukkah Celebration
Come celebrate the Festival of Lights during one of the largest community Hanukkah Celebrations in Seattle. Anyone who wants to come is invited. Events include, arts and crafts, festive food and music. Stroum Jewish Community Center; 3801 Mercer Way.

Winterfest
Enjoy a winter wonderland of music and fun at Seattle Center's Winterfest. Most activities and events are free or low cost on a welcoming Seattle Center campus illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights.

Pacific Northwest Ballet's Nutcracker
For over 20 years the Pacific Northwest Ballet's Nutcracker with Tchaikovsky's score has dazzled audiences.

Zoolights
The Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium features a magnificent light display. Take a stroll through the paths and discover the twinkling lights, then enjoy live entertainment, go on a carousel ride, drink hot cocoa or get a family photo. Purchase tickets at Bartell Drugs, at the zoo kiosk or online.

Garden d' Lights
Stroll through the pathways of Bellevue Botanical Garden and enjoy thousands of tiny twinkling lights. Hundreds of volunteers create three dimensional flowers with bundles of string lights bringing the garden to life.

Ivar's Clam Lights Illumination
Gather along the waterfront at Gene Coulon Beach Memorial Park in Renton for the lighting of the clams. Ivar's turns the park into a spectacular winter wonderland with bright lights, covered wagon rides, community sing-alongs, and there will even be a special appearance from Ivar's famous clams. Ivar's Clam Lights are on display through the New Year. Gene Coulon Beach Park is located at 1201 Lake Washington Blvd. North in Renton.

Christmas Cruise
This has been a holiday tradition in the Seattle area since 1941. Come experience the dazzling site of floating Christmas lights. Decorated boats sail around Lake Union and the Puget Sound.

Pike Place Market: Ghost Tours

You've heard of these famous Pike Place Market haunts: The Alibi Room, Il Bistro, Mr. D's Greek Deli, Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub and the Market Theatre. What do they all have in common? They are all haunted.

Mercedes Yaeger, founder/owner of the Market Ghost Tour, shines a fascinating light on our Seattle ghosts that lurk in Pike Place Market. Did you know that on the third level of the Market there is an old wooden ramp that used to be the gateway to stables? It looks out of place when you first set eyes on it. In our modern Market, it just doesn't seem to fit in. Photos of this ramp have shown orbs and it's considered one of the creepiest places in the Market. Why? Because people have claimed to see the ghost of a young boy -- with no eyes.

"The Market Ghost Tour started years ago and many Market characters have led tours over the years, including my father, Michael Yaeger and Sheila Lyon, of the Market Magic Shop," says Mercedes. In 2004, Mercedes and her father led a tour on Halloween night; the turnout was so successful that Mercedes turned the tour into a business. She also wrote a riveting book, Seattle's Market Ghost Stories in 2005 (she is currently writing another one).

On a recent tour, we learned about the large building that houses Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub (on the Post Alley Side). It is the site of the former Butterworth Mortuary. The owners of Kells have had minimal problems with ghosts; it might be because they sprinkle holy water throughout the entire restaurant each day. The other side of the building on 1921 First Avenue has not been as lucky. In fact, it's a prime piece of Seattle real estate and it sits empty. Previous restaurant owners that used the space have closed their doors stating financial hardship. Yet, crazy ghost activities have been seen by former customers, former employees and even by Mercedes.

Mercedes was a recent panel speaker for the Darkness Radio and Ghost Adventures Crew/Travel Channel event in Seattle. She says, "We now have a stronger understanding of what is around the Market according to paranormal research and we will be combining that into the tours."

Discover what it's like to roam the empty Market at night. The tours meet outside the famous gum wall (the second germiest place in the world, outside the Market Theatre) on the cobbled Post Alley road -- that's code for don't wear high heels on this tour. You can register for tours online, by phone or at the tour.

Winter schedule: Thu. through Fri., 7pm
1410 Post Alley; 206-805-0195

Written and photographed by Courtney Shannon Strand for AOL City's Best.

Seattle Fall Festivals

Fall in Seattle offers outdoor and indoor festivals and the arrival of the famous Seattle Marathon. Here are some festivals that happen every fall (September, October and November) in our great city that you may enjoy:

Bumbershoot Festival
Bumbershoot is a three day party at Seattle Center with more than 2500 artists from eclectic to cultural masterpieces from around the world. Enjoy live music performances, a film festival, learn new dance steps, meet authors & artists and watch fun parades. Dates: September

Italian Festival
Festa Italiana is celebrating 22 years. It is the second largest ethnic festival in Seattle. Come celebrate the Italian culture with authentic presentations of art, food and live entertainment. There’s even a Bocce tournament. The Italian Festival is free and takes place at Seattle Center. Dates: September

Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival
Produced by Three Dollar Bill Cinema the Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival features American and International films including short films about the LGBT community. This festival is well-respected in the Seattle area and lasts for a week in October. Films are shown at the Egyptian Theater and the Little Theater on Capitol Hill. Dates: October

Seattle Home Show
There’s no better place to get ideas for your home. The Seattle Home Show is offered two times a year at the Qwest Field Event Center (in February and October). The Home Show can help you get inspiration for your kitchen, bath and more with over 500 displays of home and garden products. Dates: October

Earshot Jazz Festival
The annual Earshot Jazz Festival runs two weeks from October to November. It features notable Jazz musicians from around the world. Venues vary and include concerts, jam sessions, master classes, lectures and workshops. Dates: October through November

Seattle International Auto Show
Discover new and soon-to-be automobiles available at the Seattle International Auto Show. Every make and model of new vehicles, foreign and domestic are on display. Dates: November

Seattle Marathon & Half Marathon
The Seattle Marathon is run every year on the last Sunday of November (right after Thanksgiving). The certified course is 26.2 miles for the marathon and 13.1 miles for the half marathon. There is also a 5K race and a kids' 1.2 mile run the day before the Seattle Marathon for those not interested in a holiday long-distance event. Dates: November

Complete List of Seattle Schools & Libraries

Moving or relocating to a new city or part of Seattle can be confusing. To help keep the confusion at bay here is a list of schools and libraries in the Seattle area to help you narrow down your search for a home near your school of choice. Once you pick a school you can read about Seattle's diverse neighborhoods to get a sense of what the area is like.

Research Schools

School Digger
Compare schools in Washington State.

Great Schools
Search local school performance numbers and read parent reviews.

State Report Card
Provided by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction search current and past test scores by school and district.

Private Schools

Private School Review
Features an extensive list of private schools in Washington State as well as reviews.

Public Primary & Secondary Schools

Seattle Public Schools
Offered in several languages find school details, careers, and information for families and students.

Community Colleges

Seattle Community Colleges
Covering the North, Central, and South region learn about the different community colleges in the Seattle area as well as information on vocational schools.

Universities & Colleges

University of Washington
Founded in 1861 the University of Washington (UW) educates a diverse set of students, athletes participate in Pac-10 sports, and UW is one of the top research universities in the world. Their mascot is the husky dog. The students and alumni are proud to call themselves UW dawgs.

Seattle Pacific University
Seattle Pacific University (SPU) was founded in 1891 and has a long history in Christian higher education. The school offers 3,800 students a comprehensive education based on the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is located just minutes from downtown Seattle. Costs: 2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $26,817. Acceptance rate is about 85.5%.

Seattle University
Seattle University (SU) is one of 28 Jesuit Catholic universities in the United States. There is strong encouragement for the 7,529 students enrolled there to grow spiritually while using their knowledge wisely. The Society of Jesuits was founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola more than 450 years ago. Costs: 2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $28,260. Acceptance rate is about 63.7%.

Art Schools

Cornish College of the Arts
Local art, dance, design and music college based in dowtown Seattle and Capitol Hill.

The Art Institute of Seattle
Features programs for design, media arts, fashion and culinary in downtown Seattle.

Libraries

Seattle Public Library (Pictured above)
Seattle’s main public library site; find information on all Seattle library locations and more.

Friends of Seattle Public Library
Get information on the happenings of Seattle Public Libraries and find out about upcoming book sales.

Seattle Community College Libraries
Find information and locations of local community college libraries.

University of Washington Libraries
Locate libraries and hours and find college materials such as databases, electronic newspapers and journals, image collections, and reference tools.

Discover Jetty Island

Now that our local weather has decided to pour sunshine on us it makes a great time to head to one of our local islands that isn't crowded with tourists. Jetty Island makes a great family day trip. Here's information on how to explore the island and how to get there:

To get to the Jetty Island office and ferry dock, take Interstate 5 north to Exit 193 in Everett. Turn left onto Pacific Avenue and follow for about a mile to West Marine View Drive. Turn right and continue north for about two miles to 10th Street. Turn left into the 10th Street Boat Launch and Marine Park. The ferry kiosk is at the far end of the park by water's edge. (From the north, take Exit 194, follow Everett Avenue west to Marine View Drive, then go north to 10th Street.)

Passenger ferry
While the Jetty Island foot ferry is free, boarding passes are required. Everett residents with proof of residency may reserve ferry passes, as well as any group of 12 or more (residents and nonresidents alike); call 425-257-8304 at least one week in advance to reserve. All others must acquire passes at the ferry dock kiosk on a first-come basis. Donations suggested: $2 adults, $1 for children.

Through Sept. 6, the Jetty Island ferry runs about every half-hour during these hours: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-5:50 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-8:50 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-6:50 p.m. Note: No ferry service on rainy days.

Parking
Friday through Sunday, May 1-Sept. 30, the Port of Everett charges $3 for parking at the 10th Street Boat Launch and Marine Park. Parking machines accept credit cards. Parking is free Monday-Thursday.

Special programs
The ferry service is part of Jetty Island Days, which also includes free wildlife walks, puppet shows, campfires and more. Guided nature walks are at 12:15 and 3:15 p.m. daily.

See website for details.

Visitor rules and tips

• No pets, alcohol or glass containers on the island.
• Children younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Campfires allowed in designated areas only.
• Swimming allowed on west shore only, at your own risk (there are no lifeguards).
• No overnight camping.
• The island's sand paths are not suitable for strollers and other wheeled conveyances.
• Take jackets, sunscreen, drinking water, food and snacks, shoes and changes of clothing for everyone in your group. There are no concessions or drinking-water sources on the island.

Story and photo credits: Mike McQuaide