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Wanderlog staff Updated • updatedApr 10, 2023
How long is the drive from Friday Harbor to Bend?
The direct drive from Friday Harbor to Bend is 429 mi (690 km), and should have a drive time of 9 hrs 8 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Friday Harbor to Bend, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Seattle, Portland, Tacoma, Bellingham, Olympia, Sequim, Vancouver, Port Townsend, and Bellevue, as well as top places to visit like Deception Pass State Park and Seattle Premium Outlets, or the ever-popular Lake Padden Park.
The top cities between Friday Harbor and Bend are Seattle, Portland, Tacoma, Bellingham, Olympia, Sequim, Vancouver, Port Townsend, and Bellevue. Seattle is the most popular city on the route. It's 3 hours from Friday Harbor and 6 hours from Bend.
Bellingham is a seaside town situated in the state of Washington, near the border with Canada. It acts as a harbour for ferries heading to Alaska and boasts Mount Baker to its east, which is an enormous snow-covered volcano complete with ski slopes. The city centre holds the SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention that features interactive exhibits on scientific subjects.
Bellevue, located in Washington state, is a vibrant city situated across Lake Washington from Seattle. The downtown area boasts the picturesque Downtown Park with its expansive lawn, beautiful gardens, and a captivating waterfall. Art enthusiasts can explore the Bellevue Arts Museum showcasing craft and design exhibitions along with a charming sculpture garden. Nature lovers will appreciate the serene Bellevue Botanical Garden which showcases an array of Pacific Northwest plants set amidst woodlands and wetlands.
1% as popular as Seattle
2 minutes off the main route, 29% of way to Bend
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Seattle, situated in the Pacific Northwest on Puget Sound, is encompassed by evergreen forests, mountains, and water bodies. The city boasts an extensive parkland covering thousands of acres. It also houses the largest tech industry in Washington State with Amazon and Microsoft being headquartered within its metropolitan area. One of Seattle's most recognizable landmarks is the Space Needle, a futuristic structure that was built during the 1962 World’s Fair.
Most popular city on this route
0 minutes off the main route, 29% of way to Bend
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Port Townsend
Port Townsend is a city on the Quimper Peninsula in Jefferson County, Washington, United States. The population was 10,148 at the 2020 United States Census. It is the county seat and only incorporated city of Jefferson County. Wikipedia.
Sequim, a charming city in Washington, is nestled near the base of the Olympic Mountains and along the picturesque Dungeness River. With a population of around 8,000 people, it's renowned as the Lavender Capital of North America. In June and July, visitors flock to its numerous lavender farms and can't miss the famous Lavender Festival in mid-July. The festival offers an array of locally made lavender products.
1% as popular as Seattle
1 hour off the main route, 33% of way to Bend
I'll never travel to Bend without this trip planner again
Tacoma, located in Washington state and situated along the shores of Puget Sound, is a city renowned for its cultural attractions. The Museum of Glass showcases the works of celebrated glass artist Dale Chihuly, with striking installations on display at the Chihuly Bridge of Glass. Meanwhile, the Tacoma Art Museum emphasizes Northwest regional art, and the Washington State History Museum offers interactive exhibits and an extensive model railroad collection.
Olympia, the capital of Washington state, is located at the southern end of Puget Sound. The city boasts the impressive Washington State Capitol Campus, which includes the Legislative Building and Governor’s Mansion. Visitors can enjoy Percival Landing Park's boardwalk and public art along the downtown waterfront. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse bird species at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.
Vancouver is a city situated on the north side of the Columbia River in Clark County, Washington. It was established in 1857 and has a population of 186,192 according to the latest U.S census conducted in 2020. The city is ranked fourth among Washington state's largest cities.
The biggest city of Oregon, Portland is situated on the Columbia and Willamette rivers, facing the snow-capped Mount Hood. It is renowned for its eco-friendliness, parks, bridges and cycling paths. The place boasts of numerous microbreweries and coffeehouses as well. The Washington Park is an iconic site which comprises a range of sites from the formal Japanese Garden to Oregon Zoo including its railway. Artistic events such as theater performances and music festivals are quite popular in this bustling city.
28% as popular as Seattle
3 minutes off the main route, 59% of way to Bend
Best stops along Friday Harbor to Bend drive
The top stops along the way from Friday Harbor to Bend (with short detours) are Chihuly Garden and Glass, Pike Place Fish Market, and Boeing Future of Flight. Other popular stops include Portland Japanese Garden, Space Needle, and Multnomah Falls.
Lake Padden Park is a vast green space located near a lake, which offers several sporting facilities like courts and fields. It also provides access to boats, fishing spots, and hiking trails. The park has ample parking spaces but might get crowded in the summer season. There are dog bag stations available but could use some more. The entire area is well-maintained and litter-free with friendly people around.
We walked around the lake. It has a really nice wide path all the way around. I think it was around 3 miles. Plenty of parking, at least this time of year. I’m not sure how the parking situation is in the summer when it’s super busy.
The bathrooms were open. There are 2 dog bag stations. I think they could use a couple more.
The whole park is really clean. I didn’t see any litter at all which is nice.
Everyone we encountered were friendly and polite. It is a very pleasant place to walk your dog and enjoy the water.
Andra Leigh — Google review
Absolutely beautiful place to come for a walk. I always find parking easily. There's a basic loop as well as other trails. There's a dog park, picnic benches, bbq area, various docks, a few benches a long the way to stop and take in the view. I love coming here!!
Bim S — Google review
My family of 4 really enjoyed our walk around Lake Padden, it took us about an hour. It’s a 2.6 mile loop around the lake. You can find more trail details on the AllTrails app under Lake Padden Singletrack. Well maintained trail with gorgeous views, there is several great fishing spots and benches to sit and rest all around the lake. Definitely recommend exploring Lake Padden Park when in the area.
Gemsofthewild — Google review
We live in the area and walk around lake padden anytime of the year! Trails are well maintained, public facilities are in good shape and the off leash dog park is a great place to take our pup! It definitely gets pretty busy in the summer but is definitely one of our favorite places to go to be outdoors.
Leo Cohen — Google review
A walk around Lake Padden made for the perfect December PNW experience. The misty fog rolled in to cover half the lake and provided tranquil views from the trail. We enjoyed seeing various ducks and birds on the walk. Even after all of the rain we had recently, the trial had few puddles.
Steve Wade - Real Estate — Google review
Lake Padden is so beautiful in the fall. Great hike around the lake that is pretty long but is able to be done with a stroller. Highly recommend making the trip out if you haven't been.
Joseph Banham — Google review
Very cool place. Beautiful day, nice people, funny ducks. Nice turn around for the boat launch and handicapped parking right there. Facilities were clean.
Anita J — Google review
I love morning walk around the lake. Each time we go, we always capturing the wild life and never the same view.
Very clean park.
Kae Nelson — Google review
You can do so many things at this park. Hike, paddle, swim, run, field sports, BBQ, chill on the beach. It's a terrific park. And people appreciate it because there is no litter and dog owners pick up after their pets. A gem of the area, and our favorite recreational site.
Richard Cordner — Google review
Beautiful lake, but very small! Easy access with multiple parking lots and entrances. There's a boat launch available too (not really a lake for motor boats IMO - better to go to Samish). Public restrooms available; walking path around the lake and through the park; a swimming area; picnic tables with BBQ's; and multiple garbage bins near the parking lot for easy cleanup before getting to the car. Dogs welcome on leashes. Worth trying out. IMPORTANT NOTE: There are aquatic invasives to be mindful of, particularly if using any water craft, or water toys (eg noodles, soakers, etc) - proper cleaning after using the lake is a must!
Gwendolyn Hannam — Google review
Great park for the whole family including dogs. The hike around the lake takes about 1 hour with our sniffing dog Maddie. There is also an off leash dog park and an off leash trail. A large barbecue area, grass to sit on and numerous hiking trails. All around a great place to spend the day ❤️
Siggy Janzen — Google review
There are several places were the trail becomes elevated, but not overly challenging. The trail is wide and has 2 docks.
Wilamina Cantrell — Google review
Very very busy during the summer!
Lovely place however I have been told not to swim here due to bacteria most of the year.
I highly suggest it for a good 45-60 min walk around the lake. A few good uphill inclines, nothing too difficult for a stroller. Lovely park full of runners, swimmers, kayakers, paddle boarders, dog walkers, bikers and children playing.
The view is lovely, and the birds are very relaxing to listen to. I walk here almost every day, and have never seen anyone smoking here which is wonderful. There's some good back paths if you really want to make a day of it, however, those are a lot less stroller friendly, and a lot more bikers that go through that part.
Trinity Kaeding — Google review
Great park! Good for hiking, jogging, and spending time with family friends and furbabies of all ages.
Lots of bench’s, picnic tables and permanent charcoal grille’s on the grounds available for public use on a first come first serve basis as well as several large swathes of grassy picnic area/ water access.
Short hike around the park 1-2 hours depending on skill set etc.
Jason Nefores — Google review
Love this park! 2.6 walking trail around the lake is perfect for an easy hike and for kids. Great for kayaking, and water play and tons of picnic tables and plenty of parking. A bit of wildlife makes it special.
Kellie Shepherd Moeller — Google review
One of our favorite parks in Bellingham. This park has something for everyone. A golf course, off leash dog park, softball/baseball fields, countless bbq/picnic tables, lake access, hiking trails, and tennis court to name a few! The park gets very busy on beautiful days but there are typically plenty of parking options. Check the postings as sometimes there can toxic algae that can make swimming/other water sports risky/dangerous.
Deception Pass State Park covers 4,134 acres of ancient forest and features saltwater shores, freshwater lakes, camping facilities, and an extensive 38-mile trail system. Visitors can join a guided tour near the park to paddle to nearby coves and observe abundant wildlife such as birds, seals, and porpoises. The area experiences strong tidal currents and changing sea conditions due to wind and tide direction.
Beautiful beach.
Awesome place to camp! The sites are privates and a good size. From the campground you have access to the beach, the lake and the trails all the way to the bridge and eve a little further, where you get a nice view from the top of the hill.
The lake is one of my kids favorite activity to do during the summer. The water is nice and warm, there's a good sand area to build castle and picnic tables to snack.
The trails are easy to intermediate it's not enough path to walk the whole day but It's definitely enough to keep the family busy for a few hours (2-3 with young children).
That bridge is one of the most amazing places to be to catch the sunrise!!! 🤩
Chlo?e Barnab? — Google review
Deception Pass is by far one of my all time favorite destinations. Whether it be visiting the beach, exploring hiking trails, or just enjoying the breathtaking views, you can't ever grow tired of it. Its a one of a kind and perfect spot for photographers to snap some crazy cool photos. A great place to visit with family and friends and an even better place to go when you just need to escape everything and everyone. Im so grateful and lucky I have the privilege to live in a place like this.
Jenni Fetish — Google review
Deception Pass State Park is a stunning destination that spans a strait and a few islands. Come here for incredible views of Skagit Bay and the Salish Sea from the Canoe Pass Bridge. At Rosario Head, make sure to stop by the tide pools to see colorful birds and an array of marine life. If you're looking for a place to stay, camping by Bowman Bay is an excellent option. You can even enjoy a cozy bonfire at night. In the morning, go for a hike on the park's scenic trails along deep-blue lakes and amid the lush forest.
Random Rumi's — Google review
I LOVE this place! My family and I came here in New Year's Day (2022) and we loved it. There was still plenty of snow on the ground and it was beautiful. While the park was closed that day (there was an emergency closure per the sign at the front of the entrance) we were able to park outside the entrance and walk to the dock area. Then we drove over to the overlook where the bridge is and we walked down by the beach area. It was beautiful and will definitely come back another time of the year.
Mita Kapaldo — Google review
This is a gorgeous spot. I arrived early in the morning, and while the bridge was very active, the beaches were peaceful and calming. There’s some trails but I only walked from the beach up to the bridge. The views are amazing but it’s nerve-racking if you don’t like heights. If I had more time, I would have done a kayak tour because the water and mountains were stunning.
Parking was easily available early morning but got somewhat full by 11:00 (on a weekday). Be aware that Discovery Pass is required to park.
Will B — Google review
There are so many beautiful sites to see. We had a huge campsite. There are several restrooms throughout the campground, and they have showers. The camp hosts do a great job of keeping everything clean and are super friendly. The entire site was quiet at night and in the morning. The beach was a 5 minute walk from our campsite. We could hear the waves at night. Super relaxing. 5 star campground!!
Mark Francis — Google review
Beautiful view! There is a hefty, steep trail to the bottom beach, but well worth the hike if you can handle the trek back up. There is also access to the Deception Pass bridge, which is a thrilling walk over.
Ashley Berg — Google review
Beautiful ocean view from the bridge. There is a sidewalk you can walk on bridge. Hiking trails under the bridge about 2 miles. Very easy to walk along. Friendly for kids to visit as well.
Jennifer Sun — Google review
This place is the most impressive bridge and most magnificent beauty u can imagine and shouldn't be missed. I've been here multiple times over the years and never tire of the view! It's always windy on the bridge and down on the beach it's warm after the sun moves overhead so it's best to go down there after noon. Parking is limited between Deception Pass and Canoe Pass but there's plenty of street parking along the rd before approaching the 1st bridge and also after the big bridge (in an actual lot)
Pics don't even express how amazing it looks in person!
Melissa Martin — Google review
This place is beautiful and there is so much to do and see. For all ages. The beach, the hiking , and just all out breathtaking nature all around. Highly recommend anyone to if ever presented with the opportunity to visit then do. No regrets !!!
Angelia Beck — Google review
Loved the beaches and the walk on the bridge. Best time to visit is during sunset. Need discover pass for the state park visit where the beaches are accessible. West beach has plenty of parking.
Akash Yeleswarapu — Google review
Deception Pass, beautiful, swirling waters below. Is that the Deception? Saw sea lions or seals below. There is a trail from upper parking and goes down to the beach below or you can drive down if you are unable to go down a decent grade. Trail is well traveled. Picnic tables, bathrooms. You can walk across bridge, however, we had a 2 year old and it was nerve racking with the amount of traffic and we were on a cool November day. So we only ventured far enough to get a couple of pics. Hiked down to the beach and then walked to the 2nd one. Very clean and we were only ones there.
Cheryl Dick — Google review
A totally stimulating experience. The scale of the pass and bridge are awesome to see in person. The surrounding trails and forests are hobbit like and draw you in. Great experience! Highly recommend!!
jeremy rogers — Google review
This was my first time going to this park. It was such a blast. Took less than a mile to get to the water. The hike down wasn’t too bad and lots to view on way down. Going back up is a bit steep. Once at bottom the beach is so beautiful. Can see eagles, pigeons, birds. Then the beautiful bridge you cross over to get too. The beach area is pretty small. I’m sure in the summer it’s more. Lots of drift wood, shells, sea life, just a beautiful peaceful place to see.
Tiffany C. — Google review
Beautiful place with a small beach front 🏖️
It is actually way larger than what you see in pictures. Scenic views and just soothing 🕊️
You need to get a day pass which costs $10.
Tip: To skip long lines get your pass from a ticketing machine on a parking lot next to bridge.
swap2188 — Google review
The most beautiful scenery in the Pacific Northwest. This is a must drive to location if you reside in Washington even Vancouver. I can’t afford to miss out.
Anthony Kasozi — Google review
So lovely! The parking areas looked busy, but the trails were quiet and peaceful. Well maintained and well marked. I followed the All trails map on the Goose Lake Perimeter and Discovery Trails and it worked well. Beautiful views and amazing old growth forest. Highly recommend!
Roxanna M — Google review
This park is a jewel of Washington. There is room to stretch your legs. There are paths to walk. Whether you decide to walk over the bridge or under the bridge. You can enjoy your walk on either side.
The view from the bridge is astounding, and although it is next to a major traffic thoroughfare, it doesn't detract from the experience.
Ellis Riggins — Google review
Breathtaking! Me and my boyfriend has a lovely lunch stop here on our way back to Seattle. We found a little trail from the bridge that led us to a spot with a view of the distant mountains. We could see tons of deals coming up for air and playing in the water. We also saw 2 bald eagles. It was a magical place.
Samantha Foster — Google review
Beautiful day, we tried some new trails, for us, up to Goose rock. Walked north and west beaches. I am not sure why they have it closed still. Half the parking spots are in good shape. They just need to have everyone take a piece of driftwood when they visit, and it will be cleaned up in no time.
Bret Perry — Google review
Whether you live in the area or are driving through stop and take in the beauty of this state park. The parking situation can be tricky so plan accordingly and also make sure you buy a day pass but I would recommend getting the yearly pass as it’s more worth your money. The bridge is beauty crafted above a heavy current body of water. The view is stunning and a sunny day there’s beaches and hikes all around the area. Can easily make a full day out of it here.
Jacob Eggleton — Google review
⚠️ You will need a Discover Pass to park or pay a fee, so have cash on you if you don't have a Discover Pass or risk getting a ticket.
This is one of my go to location anytime I have any friends or family come to visit me in the area. It's worth the trip just for the views and pictures, but we usually also go on the super light and easy Hikes.
If your coming from the Seattle area and you want more of a beautiful scenic view the whole way to the pass, take the ferry onto Whidbey Island ⛴️ that's almost it's own experience and really cool for most people who have never been on one.
But if you're on a bit of a time crunch for some reason, taking the i5 route is usually MUCH faster.
Do note that if you're going on a weekend, especially if it's a beautiful day, you're not the only one who is thinking of going here. The parking situation can be a pain. There are restrooms here also, and any time I've gone, they are not absolutely disgusting like most public restrooms they are decently well kept.
Humberto Valenzuela — Google review
I've lived in the area all my life and yet experience something new each time we visit the park. We walked the trail from East to West Cranberry Lake with our grandson. We saw goslings, a huge eagle, and lots of birds. Picnic areas were clean well kept..
Walt Drechsler — Google review
This is my favorite place to be! It's a very large park that can, and typically does, get busy but is well worth a stop. The park is huge and offers so much, the parks website has a lot of information. My favorites are the beaches, camping and wildlife. Did I mention the park is big? I'm lucky to live nearby so my visits can be frequent to relax and reset. Lots of picture opportunities. I wish I could figure out how to load video's on my reviews.
PNW Nikki — Google review
Deception Pass State Park in Washington offers stunning views of the coastline, cliffs, and forests, making it a nature lover's paradise. Activities like hiking, kayaking, and picnicking provide something for everyone, complemented by the park's rich history and wildlife. However, some visitors, like myself, may find it slightly overrated, especially if traveling from Seattle. Additionally, be prepared for the need for a park pass for parking.
Located in Tulalip, Washington, just six minutes north of Marysville, the Seattle Premium Outlets is a popular shopping destination in the Seattle metropolitan area. The outlet center offers a wide range of stores with discounted prices on well-known brands. Visitors can also find Gateway Shopping Center nearby, which features major retailers and easy access from the I-5 highway.
I absolutely LOVE outlet malls, as nearly everything has discounted prices. This one has a decent selection of name-brand stores, and a few premium ones in a figure-eight style loop.
There’s a food court and a Starbucks in the middle, and pretzel, and kettle corn stands scattered throughout.
Matty B — Google review
A lot of people from BC to shop here and bring back to Canada to save on taxes and have more options. The is the strength of the US.
Many shops and pretty much what you need is here. Weekday afternoon, many shops is close for lunch for 30-60 minutes. Be aware of this so you don’t feel bad when the door is locked.
Richard Wu — Google review
This is a great place to shop, especially during the holidays. It's best for clothing and shoes. It's also a great place for kids, plenty of food locations and spots to play. There is a parking lot and garage. Although it can be crowded on weekends, it always seems to have parking. Fun place to visit!
William Case — Google review
Great deals! Awesome shopping experience!
Edit- those who want to go via public transportation need to catch a bus from Bellevue transit center bay-4.
I recommend checking google for more details before planning. the bus takes around 2-3 hours depending on traffic. with a car, it's 35 - 45 minutes. However, I would suggest taking a cab.
Suzayn — Google review
Fun and inexpensive mall, has tons of discounted stores! And great brands as well . Parking lot is humongous but still gets very very packed and parking can be hard to find, especially on the weekends. Very clean atmosphere, tons of bathrooms, drinking fountains and water bottle refill stations. They also have some fun quarter machine rides for kiddos, as well as you can rent stroller car things. I wish they had more food options though, there's about 4-5 in the food court to choose from like Subway. I recommend getting off the 116th exit because the other exit gets extremely backed up. Beautiful holiday decorations.
Danielle — Google review
Not anything special ...but common brands are all there..n prices as expected are lower than high street outlets...
Lots of discounts...
Eating facilities again of average grade...not many choices...
Rest rooms r good..
Ample parking facilities..
Far away from Seattle... wastes time from shopping..
Mehedi Chowdhury — Google review
This store owner said he is smart as a business owner and doesn’t care about the needs of clients. He refused to exchange any quarters back while our purchasing, and refused to help us toss the receipt as he will run his business at the ‘smartest’ way for his best interest.
We bought something over $8.XX and paid $10, and we barely asked for few quarters back. Then we got this attitude :)
Not a pleasant experience of visiting this place.
Scallion Lin — Google review
Lots of branded showrooms. You name the brand and you will find it here. Lots of offers and planning to visit for Thanksgiving season.
Prasanna Chandrasekaran — Google review
VERY EXPENSIVE!! The only places with reasonable prices with deals was Eddie Bauer, gap, and Francesca.. maybe Nautica too.. other stores are just out of the charts!!
Terrific Tulip — Google review
The outlet is large and has many brands.
Even though there are plenty of parking spaces, they are full on weekends. I spent 0.5 hours walking around and finally found a parking spot! In this case, I would suggest parking your car on the 2nd floor of the parking building, which is near the Levis store.
Amy W — Google review
It’s an excellent place to buy your needs with a discount between 15-20%. You have to check their offers as they may provide extra discounts at different days of the year. But we can’t compare it with Portland outlet as no tax there. Parking is spacious but you need to come early to ensure a slot. Foods , they have food court and other small shops and food is okay.
Hassan Makhlouf — Google review
Seattle Premium Outlets is my favorite place to shop in Tulalip. As a well known member of Tulalip Casino. I have come here on many occasions with my family and Daughters to shop here. This is one of the best places for that in the State of Washington. I have bought at stores like Nike, True Religion & Zumiez. Every store in Seattle Premium Outlets is worth Visiting. I highly recommend this place for all Families. Thank you for the Memories and and Bless the Tulalip Reservation!
Rainbow Gold — Google review
06/24/23: the Outlet was great, with a variety of mediums and large branches. I believe the price is always 15-30% discount for clothes, shoes and other items. The parking is ample and the space is enormous. I love coming here to checkout on discount items and enjoy the outlet’s vibe. Also, the food court was good as well
Danny Tram — Google review
All great brands are here. Plenty of parking and food stalls/restaurants. Fun place to visit but weekends can be very crowded.
Deepak Kumar — Google review
There were less people in the morning, but there are many people and hard to find parking in the afternoon. Pro tip: come early. Not many options in food court, but food is good. Some of the shops do have great discount, like Crocs, Kiplin, etc
ZihSiang Syu — Google review
Best to get there early (9-10am). Parking is easily accessible then. If you wait you'll miss out on finding something easy. Good to get your steps in. Seems to be a destination point for those who are coming from out of country. You'll see tour busses bring them in. Some deals to be had there.
Steve Rose — Google review
Lots of brand shops like Coach, Burbbery, MK, Marc Jacobs, Guess and much more. Also dog friendly.
Nazy Sabeti — Google review
Nice place for shopping. A little cheaper than in the regular stores. Popular brands are available. We purchased T shirts, goggles Perfumes etc.
The Boeing Future of Flight museum is dedicated to the history and future of aviation. Visitors can explore exhibits covering the history of aviation as well as tours of the commercial jet assembly plant. The museum also has a few fun things to do and see, making it a great place for all ages to learn and explore. The shop is excellent, and the staff is knowledgeable and helpful. However, the factory tour is currently closed due to Covid-19.
Was very excited to hear that tours were back! Took a friend visiting from California on the 10:30 tour. Christopher was our great storyteller guide. I've done the tour in the past many years ago on weekends, so it was interesting to see it during the weekday. You can't bring any phones or cameras on the tour. They have free lockers to stow your purses, backpacks, phones, or food. I bought my ticket ahead online the day before we visited.
Terri Nix — Google review
Small but entertaining for a quicker outing. A few fun things to do and see, great place to learn and explore for all ages. Great shop and really excellent, knowledgeable and helpful staff. The robot exhibit was really fun and flying bird simulator was great. I loved flying a drone.
Kristina Spencer — Google review
Despite the factory tour being closed, the backstage pass film is a good way to find out more about the history and operations at this site. It's no substitute for a real tour though! There was a Q&A session at the end which was a good opportunity to ask questions, although some of the answers given weren't very informative.
The museum and viewing deck are good, so this is a good way to spend a few hours just half an hour outside Seattle.
Rohan Muralee — Google review
Went on a Monday afternoon and spent about an hour and half there. Thought it would have a lot more things to look at but there were no factory tours available and some of the exhibits were still under renovation. Staff at the drone pilot and AI stations were very friendly and pleasant. Those interactive stations were pretty cool. The price was cheap ($6).
Worth a visit if you are in the area and you have a couple hours but definitely not a destination like the Museum of Flight. The gift shop was my favourite part of my visit.
Yong Min — Google review
My expectation is to have Boeing factory tour which inspired me long time ago to see how to assemble the big plane. Unfortunately it’s closed due to Covid-19. Spent one hour in future of flight which is so interesting.
Hong Wang — Google review
I was impressed with the variety, quality and engagement of their exhibits. My 9 and 11-year old girls had a blast. Mini robots that do tricks following lines drawn on paper, a drone flying cage, fly a flock of birds onscreen with body motions, eliminate space junk with a computer game, look at mini drones the size of a fly, make up to 6 ping pong balls float mid-air on tiny streams of air, design your own plane by picking features then flying it in a cockpit to see how well it flies (simple enough for 5-year old to enjoy). We probably missed 5 or more exhibits because we ran out of time! Very inexpensive for the hours of enjoyment. Highly recommended!
SeattleDan R — Google review
This is a good place for young and old, not a whole lot to see, we were there about an hour. But it was interesting. Drones (in a cage) and simple motorized cubes that you can draw a path for them to follow, great for kids. We enjoyed the visit, I know there are bigger museums but for a quick “something to do” that’s not too expensive… it was perfect. Just know to keep your expectations low on the quantity of airplanes. There were several coming soon exhibit so it’s looking to expand.
Kelly Downing — Google review
I love this place!
Good news after pandemic they re open tour! It is 45 minutes and you can observe how they make parts of aircraft.
The exhibition is not that big, I wish they make more interactive knowledge share.
Overall, I had a good experience.
Aigerim Madakimova — Google review
Wow! Beautiful modern clean gallery Museum. I also go lunch to be the first group of for the new factory tour! Peter was a fantastic tour guide and had all the information memorized to educate 27 of us in a theater presentation, then bus tour into the factory where these amazing Boeing planes are assembled!
Awesome gift shop to! And sky deck where you can see the planes landing as well.
John Otto K — Google review
Interesting tour but doesn’t get you on the ground floor and up close to the operations to better experience the equipment, parts, processes and aircraft. All observations are from the transport bus or observation decks high above the workplace. Glad I saw it but somewhat disappointed in the distant viewing. Entrance fee a bit pricey for the overall experience. Tour guide and other staff were great!
Bill — Google review
I was surprised at how informative and interesting this tour was (in that the factory tours are currently closed).
The building has many exhibits including hands-on (mostly for youth). There is a drone area that you can practice flying.
You also have access to a roof top, which provides excellent views of Paine Field and has a radio broadcasting the tower traffic.
The best part for us was the one hour presentation, which was hosted by staff . You could ask questions and interact about the history and the assembly process. It's not like the actual factory tour, but it's still very informative.
Wayne O — Google review
Great for kids and adults alike! If you love planes, you will love this experience. I went during the pandemic, so missed the factory tour. Can't wait to go back!
Ishan Sharma — Google review
It was a good tour; could have been better. Although I understand that there are data privacy concerns and that’s why everything is viewable from a distance. I was hoping for more walk around experience rather than just sitting in a bus or watching from a balcony. Still a great place to take your children and let them enjoy the sheer size of the facility.
Anish John — Google review
Was lucky enough to get tickets for this tour that I’d wanted to do for ages!
If you’re a AV geek this place is a must & even if you’re not it’s still very interesting.
Our guide was great & very informative & the whole tour is very well put together & the whole scale of this place is massive.
Book in advance as you can’t just rock up & the whole tour takes about 1 hour 30 minutes I’d say & then you get to walk around the awesome merchandise shop & exhibits & if you purchase the access the viewing gallery too, we got lucky as there was a Dreamlifter there & we saw it departing too
Spencer Moss — Google review
I had a tour and it was very impressive. I booked it online 2 weeks before my visit. The tour is around 90 minutes. I entered the hangar area and visited the assembly line where I saw many planes in production, including two Air Force KC-31s being refueled. Our tour guide was very helpful and friendly. Backpacks, cameras, phones, food, and drinks were not permitted during the tour, but there were free lockers at the entrance. There were no restrooms during the tour, so it's important to hydrate and use the restroom beforehand. The is a sky deck and gallery next to the lobby, you can take pictures of the planes from distance on the deck.
Sheldon J Plankton — Google review
The place is nice overall, the exhibition is nice and that's it, there aren't too many things on display.
The observation deck is impressive providing a breathtaking view of the airport and the mountain ranges surrounding the area.
The tour is fine and nothing more, we were disappointed by the tour and expected much more.
The tour is Including a view of the factory from two high points (observation balconies inside the factory overlooking the 2 parts of the factory) but there is no walking in the factory and there is no watching at what happens in the assembly process up close.
It does not provide the feeling one expects from a tour of the Boeing assembly factory.
I would like to point out that it is forbidden to take pictures during the tour.
Ravid Fathi — Google review
Drove 12 hours just for the Boeing tour and it was totally worth it! We had a great time. Even just plane spotting across from the factory was enthralling. We saw an Antonov our first morning there along with all the amazing Boeing planes. I would also love to see a more in depth tour option. The store is fantastic! Lots of selection and the prices were great.
Amy M — Google review
So you can’t take your phone on the tour so the pictures are just of the sky deck that you get access to with a tour ticket. The tour its self is okay, it’s more of a just a bus ride around the Boeing facility with a stop in the production facility. Once on there assembly line you get an elevator onto an observation deck and can look over the 777F assembly line. The tour is not particularly detailed but if you are interested in seeing jets it is a must.
Phillip Jackson — Google review
Great insight into the workings of a plane assembly plant! Worth it! Although the price doesn’t justify the length of your and our inability to carry phones for selfies at least! From the viewing terrace you can take some good pictures!
The USS Turner Joy, a naval destroyer that served in the Pacific and is now a museum open to the public, offers a self-guided tour for visitors to explore. The tour allows ample time for individuals to discover the vessel's intricate engineering and learn about its historical significance. The museum showcases the sacrifices made by military forces in defending freedom while highlighting the sobering reality of life on board.
I was fortunate to get a compelling verbal brief of the Turner Joy's role in history. It was an interesting tour and well worth your time. I enjoyed learning about shipboard life and seeing how crowded conditions were.
Rob — Google review
This museum is pretty cool! So wonderful to explore the ship and get to see what it looks like. I love the fact it is right next to the Water taxi dock. The gift shop is cute. Looks at hats and t-shirt options. The entry fee seems pretty reasonable. Note, any charge via cc there will be a fee. Is better to be paying with cash. They do offer a discount for seniors and youth. The ship is 418 feet and she retired in November of 1982. I think is worth the money to tour this one.
Kimberly Pham — Google review
Tickets for adults - $18. It was truly a new experience for me to step inside a ship that had been through the Vietnam War and been to Russia as well. The rustic smell inside can be uncomfortable but the history was amazing to learn about. The bunk beds were small and I still cannot believe the max occupancy of this ship is 275!
Highly recommend for explorers out there!
Tien Nguyen — Google review
The self-guided tour gives you plenty of time to explore the open areas on your own time, which is good because there is enough to learn and see to spend hours and hours here! We enjoyed the history, intricate engineering, and sobering reality of the comforts our forces leave behind to defend freedom. Highly recommend!
Holly Bender — Google review
We had a great experience here. There was very few people there, which made it comfortable moving about tight quarters without getting into peoples' space. The volunteers were so kind and encouraged us to ask questions. There were bottles of hand sanitizer scattered throughout. There were also bathrooms onboard, which was great. The air is dry and musky, so if you're prone to nosebleeds, bring tissues, and bring a jacket as it is cooler below deck. Great experience!
Elizabeth James — Google review
Self guided tours or with volunteer guides. The placards explain the different equipment, so for people unfamiliar with the
machinery can understand
the uses.
As a retired Navy man of 25 years, mostly on destroyers (tin cans), memories came flooding back.
Be aware that with traversing the ship, steep ladders are throughout. For those of us who may have mobility issues, would find it difficult to get around the ship.
You can make the ship's horn blast, by pulling the rope on the bridge (wheel house).
Official announcements
are made over the ship's speaker system (1-MC).
The announcements are the same as when the ship was active! It was amazing to me to hear, "Sweepers, sweepers man your brooms, give the ship a clean sweep down fore & aft...".
The gift shop is very well stocked, with reasonable prices. A wide range of items and prices, so that no matter the budget you'll walk away with a souvenir
from the Turner Joy (DD-951).
I was aboard the USS Black (DD-666), after the attack on the USS Maddox & USS Turner Joy, the Black was their relief in the Tonkin Gulf.
Fair Winds and Following Seas, Your Shipmate.
Martin Hruz — Google review
I love to search on my own on this ship. It was an incredible and adventurous journey on this self-guided tour throughout the ship. You should call to check the opening hours since the hours in Google Map are not correct. I will come back some days. From Seattle with love
Danny Tram — Google review
Great experience. Little difficult for young kids and elderly with the ladders going to each level of the ship. It’s an amazing attraction and the staff are very knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
Yedidyah Kent — Google review
This is so cool! It's a self-guided tour of a good-sized naval ship. You get to learn about how the ship operated, how the crew survived, and some of the ships history in combat. Definitely worth taking the time of day to do this tour!
Collin Semb — Google review
If you're a Naval history buff this is probably fascinating. But as a civilian without a particular interest, I found it disappointing. Though there is information posted throughout the ship about things like semaphore and machinery, they're pretty dry. Something like a through line describing the daily life of a crewman or an officer would be a lot more fun for the average visitor. Also, in order to reach most ship levels it's necessary to go up very steep stair/ladders, and there are no alternatives, so it's definitely not accessible for those with mobility issues. For the price ($18 per ticket for adults) it's not well curated or in great shape, unfortunately.
Thorn Michaels — Google review
What a cool experience! This destroyer has some neat history tied to the US involvement in the Vietnam War, and it's well worth a visit!
You get a self-guided tour of nearly the whole ship with signs explaining much of what you are seeing and experiencing. Do know this is not a quick stop, and to get the most out of the visit, you will need to be able to climb up and down narrow ladders and stairs. On the day we visited, we were a former crew member volunteering in the galley, answering questions, and talking about his experience on the ship - Doug was great!
The POW section with its stories was an appreciated addition, and I found it fascinating.
It can get pretty spendy for the whole family but one thing is that your tickets are good for the whole day. So we did half of the ship and then left and got lunch and then came back and finished. That was a great way to do it, and it kept the kids from being overdone.
Highly recommend, especially if you are interested in US History, the US Navy, and/or the Vietnam War.
Micah Stickler — Google review
Great place if you want to learn about the battleship and don't mind small spaces but the space on the ship is often very small so some might feel trapped. Also it's a must that you wear comfortable clothes to move around in, since the ship has 5 floors but the stairs are very steep and narrow. But overall a great experience!
Olesya Samarkina — Google review
Fascinating self guided walking tour of this ship. It's amazing that people lived and worked in these cramped spaces for months at a time. The tour is physically intense for people who aren't in the best shape and for small kids. So many stairs...
I recommend taking this tour to anyone interested in somewhat recent US military history.
Debra Lentz — Google review
Love it! You can really explore, and they made improvements to help the experience. The exhibit on the prisoners' experience in Vietnam is very interesting. There is parking nearby. We parked in the multi-story lot. There is also a small shack on the dock with snacks if you are hungry.
Richard Diamond — Google review
TL;DR If you're a history nerd or a naval nerd, check it out.
This is a self guided tour of the Naval Destroyer class ship, USS Turner Joy. The tour can go as long or as short as you want, but I took about 1.5 - 2 hours to get through the whole thing, and I took my time. The ship itself has an incredible amount of history that is laid out well within each station. It is not friendly to anyone with mobility issues if you plan to explore anything beyond the main deck level. Additionally, there are no water fountains, and only one bathroom onboard, so go before you embark. Internally, there are a lot of unique things in this ship, like how it was both the first and last ship to engage enemies in Vietnam, and lots more that you'll learn as you wander the internal labyrinth packed with information. The USS Turner Joy is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon.
Jason Werlinger — Google review
4.7
(923)
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4.5
(287)
300 Washington Beach Ave, Bremerton, WA 98337, USA
The Museum of Pop Culture, formerly known as the Experience Music Project, showcases a diverse range of iconic items and exhibits. Designed by renowned architect Frank O. Gehry, this stunning building in Seattle Center is dedicated to contemporary popular culture and its influence on society. The museum offers an array of collections and interactive programs that appeal to both young and old visitors.
Such an amazing museum. I would recommend comfortable shoes as you'll be walking a lot and so much to see. You will not be let down by all the things in there. They've got so many original costumes and movie props. It's really one of a kind.
frederica smith — Google review
Short: Really cool in terms of visual design and exhibits. But, accessibility clearly isn’t a major consideration.
Details: This museum is honestly really cool. Ive looked it up multiple times before and I recall every time there being at least one exhibit I was excited about. The place is obviously beautiful.
But. As a first time visitor with mobility limitations I was honestly frustrated and disappointed. The map honestly made it more confusing than just looking around to find my way. It was disappointing to be clearly entering the back of the exhibit when using the elevator. The extreme slowness of the elevator was aggravating. There were some tight spaces I could barely navigate as a fat person and would not be able to navigate in a chair. There were some installations that would’ve been impossible to see properly in a chair. And there are some audio and visual aspects that would’ve been disappointing at best to experience if you couldn’t sit on the small designated seating. There was also fairly limited seating to get out of the way and rest.
So although I loved it and want to go back… I really think they should put some more effort into accessibility.
T S — Google review
Overall a great museum to visit even if you think you are not a pop culture fan, but once you are in, you automatically realize that there are so much resonance.
There are many exhibits, covering music, games, movies, and everything that relate to pop culture.
I love exhibits about Fantasy and Horror. Lord of Rings was a bit old for me, but I knew it was a legend and I did read all those books. As someone whose childhood was mainly Harry Potter, I am delighted to see it was given the credit that it deserves for contributing to pop culture.
The horror exhibit is also amazing. Seeing all those movie figures and archetypes being displayed really makes me feel exciting and also reminiscent.
I didn’t give five star as the experience is affected by the crowd. I know it’s a Saturday morning, so I should not complain this. But there are just way too many people, especially in the Guitar exhibit, it even became difficult to move forward.
Gu Lin — Google review
Very cool place to visit as a local or tourist. Definitely for the music lover. The terror exhibit was excellent in the coverage of all the greats of horror from start to today. The Coraline exhibit gave me new insight on how the stop film production has evolved but also definitely a lost art. I recommend a full day for this museum to take it all in! ❤️❤️❤️
Coco Luvly — Google review
Overall it was a great experience. But thought there would be more pop culture material. Nirvana Pearl Jam and the Rap music exhibits took up most of the museum.
Bobby Layne — Google review
I didn't expect to like this place as much as I did. The sound lab is really run to try all the instruments. The Horror Exhibit was AMAZING. The music exhibits were done on a really great way showing the history and making it fun. The afrocustom exhibit was cool to see and learn about. Definitely a must see.
Joseph Rosenberg — Google review
I had limited time to be a tourist in Seattle and I thought I'd go to a museum before I catch my flight. I chose MoPop because it sounded more unique than other options. And I'm glad I did! The ticket is a bit pricey, but there is a lot to see. I spent more than 2 hours walking around, the exhibits are ranging from music to film to games, and there is something for everyone to enjoy. It's cool you can leave and go back in with the same ticket later in the day as well. Definitely recommend!
Maria Livia C — Google review
This place is fantastic.
The exhibits are wonderful and well curated.
There is something for everyone here.
Definitely somewhere to check out. Give yourself plenty of time for this, there is a lot of great content, guitars from musicians, interactive areas, horror, fantasy, sci-fi.
The special exhibit I saw was on stop motion.
If you enjoy stop motion movies, definitely get the extra area access.
Staff are friendly here and the place is an all round brilliant experience.
R L (Eatinghero) — Google review
A Must-Visit for Pop Culture Enthusiasts! The exhibits are thoughtfully curated and showcase everything from music and movies to video games and science fiction.
The interactive displays kept me engaged and entertained for hours. I particularly enjoyed the section dedicated to iconic music legends and the exploration of Horror movies memorabilia.
The architecture of the building itself is a work of art.
Akshay Kumbhar — Google review
Extremely cool museum with great exhibits! The location is a great factor too because there is always festivals happening outside and it is near the space needle. The museum has a lot of different sections which are all worth exploring it has a make your own music room, sections on the history of hip hop and most importantly the major music artists who came from Seattle and their journeys. The wall or statue of guitars was amazing and the room with the large TV is great. As a big Nirvana fan seeing their guitars and reading the history of their albums was great. There is also a guitar hall of fame and a horror room, Disney room and more. You can spend a good 2 hours in here to fully enjoy everything the Museum offers.
Debi Majumdar — Google review
Our visit to the museum was a good one but I docked a couple of stars because we ended up being charged again to see one of the exhibits so that took away from the good vibe. We came on the CityPass ticketing and thought it would be a good experience. We we confused on how to get in but managed to circle around enough to find an open entrance. The first floor didn't really have a lot so we took the elevator up to the third floor. When we got off the elevator there was a cool stop motion movie maker experience with props to put together your own movie.
Walking a bit further is where the stop motion exhibit entrance was found & where we found out that our regular museum ticket didn't cover it. Another $6 each to get in is what we paid. I'm really really against this type of experience at any museum, I've been to others that do the same. If you are going to have exhibits there shouldn't be another charge once you are in to see anything in the museum. I suppose it worked having this pricing model because I did pay the fee since I was in town and wanted to see the whole museum but when you think you've already paid to see everything in the building it takes from the overall. Nevertheless, the stop motion exhibit was very cool to check out and very educational on how they make the films. There was also a music exhibit on the third floor that was cool and we saw a sign above a closed exhibit calling for more cowbell
The second floor exhibits were good with a few movie props/outfits from main stream movies in the sci-fi and horror genres. The way the exhibits were setup was nice as it fit the theme of the movies so it added to the experience putting you in the mood of the movie.
Overall a good experience but be prepared to pay more if you want the whole experience.
WI Biker — Google review
Finally checked this out. I've been meaning to when ever I visit Seattle, but I haven't.
I was able to check out the Contact High, hip hop display. It was really cool and honestly, I can't believe I came up with a lot of these artists that were on the radio. Pretty much a 90s and East Coast dominant.
That is all good, very little West Coast and even local Seattle Hip hop, which I would have to say that Bay Area hip hop was huge in the 90s.
My main thing was seeing MF Doom's mask. He was so underrated and such a very lyrical artist.
Roger Aba — Google review
Recommend (if still on) paying the extra $6 for the Coraline/stop animation exhibition. Lots to see and really interesting. Coffee shop at 11am wasn’t busy. If you like sci-fi, fantasy, horror and music definitely worth a visit.
Jason Riches — Google review
This was SURPRISINGLY Awesome! Some travelers recommended it, and I went reluctantly (As I am over 40 and did not think it would be appealing to my age group) but I was absolutely shocked at how cool it was. Lots of exhibits & attractions for ages teen - 60's. A well rounded museum in an incredible building that we spent HOURS in.
Jennifer Reames — Google review
Absolutely amazing!!! I loved the diversity and urban focus! I couldn't get my husband and kids out of the music recording studio 🥁🎸🎼
The hip-hop hall was so fun..
All of the exhibits were so fun. My kids and I had such a blast
Cat Cosby — Google review
Very cool place! As a lover of The Wizard of Oz, I couldn't believe I was standing in front of THE cowardly lion costume. I am also a lover of horror movies so the horror section was my favorite exhibit to walk through. So many fun pieces of history to check out. This place is lacking a star because, as tourists, I was really surprised the museum shut down at 5 on a Friday. The guests in the gift shop were being pushed out, too, which I've never seen before at a museum. There is a ton to look at so make sure you get there in time to see everything AND shop. I didn't buy anything because I didn't have proper time to check out the store.
Jennifer Lee — Google review
Definitely one of the most interesting museums I've ever been to. There were several interesting exhibits and it's cool to see artifacts from so many recognizable things. The tickets definitely aren't cheap but if you have some time it's worth it. Museums often can be boring and end up being lots of reading but this wasn't that at all. In general I just have to reccomend you visit.
Alex Merryman — Google review
I absolutely loved this place! The art and history was so amazing and beautiful, there was stuff for all ages to enteract with. We got there around 2 and before we knew it they said it was closing time, definitely going back with more friends.
Keith Ramirez — Google review
This is THE BEST museum I have ever been to! Also close to the Space Needle and other attractions. The horror section and fantasy / sci-fi section were my favorites, but the whole museum is incredible. I loved seeing all the Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana artifacts, and the guitars.
Whitney Kraus — Google review
What an amazing experience checking out the Contact High exhibit dedicated to the celebration of 50 years of Hip-Hop. My husband and I were blown away by the extent of legendary pieces of hip hop that we got to see up close.
We also took the time to look at the Nirvana exhibit and the "tower of guitars" I don't remember exactly what that was called but it was really cool! They have something for all ages. HIGHLY recommended!
Cynthia Haren — Google review
There is some neat stuff, but overall I feel like it could be cooler. Outdoor architecture is super cool. The horror and fantasy exhibits were the better of the options. Sound lab was sorta neat, but not so much for those of us with zero musical talent.
We got our tickets with City pass, so it was packaged with the space needle and Chihuly garden. We skipped the extra exhibit at the museum because it was an additional fee... It probably was the coolest thing there and we didn't get to see it.
Amanda Spencer — Google review
This is an amazing museum! I visited a couple of years ago to see the Heroes & Villains - The Art of Disney Costume exhibit. This was an enjoyable exhibit to look at - to see all the beautiful costumes. I also really enjoyed looking at the permanent exhibits in the museum as well.
Carina Jahn — Google review
Me and my 13 year old loved this place! So much to do and so many interactive exhibits. Our personal favorites were the Indie Games, Horror and Fantasy exhibits, and of course the Sound Lab! The Scream Booth was also super fun. Give yourself a good 2-3 hours to go through it all at a leisurely pace and be able to really enjoy.
Esra Tasdelen — Google review
This was so fun!!! There are a lot of exhibits dedicated to different themes of pop culture with so many artifacts and props from movies and famous figures. The information describing each of the items on display really added to my knowledge, making me enjoy my favourite movies even more now that I’ve visited MoPOP!
Megan — Google review
I bought the ticket online few days before my trip and got in right away. I don’t think it’s necessary to buy it in advance but I think it’s cheaper to do so by a buck or two. The museum itself has three floors. First floor is for the museum ticket entrance and studio. Most of the exhibitions are on the second floor, some are good and some are just so so. My favourite is the game exhibitions and I played on a couple games. Other than that I feel the museum is not that big and can be explored by two hours. Honestly, it might be fun to visit once in your life but for sure am not coming back there again. I don’t think it’s worth to visit if you only have limited time in Seattle.
Jessica — Google review
Another must visit attraction while in Seattle 🎡🗼My only regret was not giving more time to this museum. ⏰ Honestly, the place is gigantic. There are many floors and many exhibits. My favorite two were definitely 💯 the sound lab, where you can actually play different instruments 🎸 🥁 🎹 in a sound room. That really was an interesting experience for me, since I have never played any instruments or music! 🎼 The other best exhibit was the scared to death 💀 exhibit! I really enjoyed seeing nostalgic movie 🎥 props from some classic horror films and a pretty awesome zombie 🧟♀️ area!
Definitely check out the museum, and maybe give yourself a few hours for this! 🫡 If you want to really enjoy it and see all the floors, you need a good amount of time. 🙄 Unfortunately, the gift shop was just ok. Not too many unique souvenirs. Also, they have many entrances but only one that is open 🫠
Annabelle Veatch — Google review
Amazing exhibits. I'm speechless. Worth every penny. Maybe I would have loved to have more Star Wars or more about Tim Burton's Batman but...I would be too demanding.
Sergio Ochoa — Google review
I'm a horror/sci-fi nerd so MoPop was a thrill. And I saw the Nirvana and Hendrix exhibits along with the fabulous figures and murals that decorate the interior. I'm a local and plan on visiting again soon.
Lindsay Dennis — Google review
So much fun! Really enjoyed the music floor. There are lots of tangible fun things to do there. The fantasy exhibit was cool, too. I love that they make it accessible for everyone, too. Both physically and financially. The family in front of us got in totally free using their ebt card. I think that is amazing! Regular tickets were roughly 35 a person. Well worth it. They had a Coraline exhibit when we went, but the music section was definitely my favorite. Parking was in a garage across the street. Was either 20 or 25 for the full day. Outside of Mopop, you have the Chris Cornell statue, a playground, and the space needle.. food, shops, even a hotel. Lots within walking distance. Fun day trip for sure!
Deena Foley — Google review
Visited with my family. Very cool, and playful. A lot to experience for adults and kids. I recommend it as a Must-Go for Seattle.
Public Parking is easy just beside. We spent 20$ for 2hrs parking there.
Chihuly Garden and Glass is an art museum and sculpture garden featuring the vibrant glass works of Dale Chihuly, a renowned artist hailing from Tacoma. With a career spanning over five decades, Chihuly has gained international acclaim for his impressive blown glass creations. In 1971, he co-founded the Pilchuck Glass School in Washington State, which has become a leading global center for glass art.
The Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit is one of my favorites that I have seen anywhere. As a painter and photographer I have an enormous amount of appreciation for art forms but glass blowing is probably the most awe inspiring to me. The exhibit is so colorful and vibrant that it is even more mesmerizing around every corner. The lighting in the exhibit is top notch and the places the shadows exist compliment these pieces perfectly. They have a live glass blowing area that is cool to see as I never had before walking through this exhibit. I highly recommend this is you love art and colors, which this place blends perfectly right under the Space Needle!!
Jeremy Janus — Google review
I went because my wife wanted to go; I stayed for a long time because it was amazing and interesting. The talent behind these works or art, made by hand from glass in phenomenal. Check out the film, it helps you understand the tremendous amount of work and skill goes into each individual piece. Don't short change yourself and miss the outside garden. That was very cool as well. It's only a 10 dollar add to the space needle ticket; well worth it.
Bill Rizzo — Google review
Surprisingly beautiful art!! I'd seen pics online but they don't do it justice. There is some amazing glass work in there!! It's definitely not a place for small children but my youngest is 10 and he thought it was pretty cool. I love how there is both an indoor and outdoor part to the exhibit. I'd recommend this place to anyone who can appreciate amazing art.
Kelsey Garcia — Google review
Got a ticket through the City Pass and I must say, I was *blown* away by the glass art! Practically incredible and every piece I saw gave me the wow factor. Highly encourage visiting this exhibit and taking your time through each section. There’s a small cinema at the end that plays documentaries dedicated to the maker and I really enjoyed learning more about the history and art.
Daniel Martin — Google review
This was worth every penny to see. The sculptures were unreal.
We purchased the combo ticket deal of the Space Needle & the museum, if you want to do both I recommend you combining the tickets to save money.
We had no line which was perfect, not too crowded. I recommend going as early as you can so you can take your time enjoying all the art.
HIGHLY recommend checking this out if you are visiting Seattle.
Tatianna Landry — Google review
LOVED it! So worth the ticket price and had a wonderful time!! The exhibits are absolutely breathtaking! I went on a Monday morning, so that may have helped with crowds, but it wasn't overly packed and I was able to clearly see the sculptures. If you combine your ticket with the Space Needle, you will save even more! It is kind of a short exhibit, it took me about 30 min to walk through it. I would say this is a positive though and it keeps your attention span! I would go again!
Gracie Gralike — Google review
TLDR: pricey $35 a ticket and only stayed for 45 minutes but was very nice
The museum is next to the Space needle and you can buy a combo ticket if you want to see both because it will be cheaper than buying individually. The glass is very picturesque and is great to look at, I can see the work that was put into it. But for the price and the length of time spent inside, I don’t think it was truly worth it
Wilson Tsang — Google review
The Chihuly Glass Museum is an absolute marvel. The stunning exhibit is a symphony of colors and shapes, showcasing Chihuly's masterpieces that leave you in awe. What sets this experience apart is the insightful demo and documentary explaining the intricate process behind these glass wonders. It adds a layer of appreciation, making the visit not just visually captivating but intellectually stimulating. A must-visit for art enthusiasts and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the artistry involved.
Nihal Mehta — Google review
A nice, simple museum. Lovely glass sculptures on nice display. Indoor and outdoor exhibits you can take at your own pace. Great for photos and they even have pro photographers around to take pictures for you. Worth a visit for tourists or locals.
Curtis Hilmes — Google review
Definitely worth the trip!
The tickets may be costly for a ~30min tour but it’s very worth it. There were only a few rooms but you can sit and take time to appreciate every artwork. There’s also scheduled demos outside in the garden area and an AV room explaining the process. And a pizza cafe if you go hungry.
It is not part of the museum but I must mention the violinist outside (you can hear him from the garden area) contributes a lot to the overall experience. He wasn’t playing when we went in but he was by the time we reached the garden area and it just made the experience even more special. It makes the ambience even more magical!
I wasn’t hyped seeing the photos when we were deciding whether or not to go, even if it has been recommended to us a couple times from friends. But photos don’t do it justice. You need to see it in person to elicit a reaction/emotion.
Definitely recommend and would love to go again to show to other family members who haven’t been. ♥️
some one — Google review
Absolutely loved this museum. Was not aware it was so large and contained so many exquisite pieces. Simply stunning artwork. I thought the cost was well worth the experience. It was extremely easy to get tickets via the kiosk but I noticed you could also purchase them from a clerk. I could have stayed all day it was just that beautiful. The outside gardens were lovely and I can only imagine how beautiful they must be lit up at night.
Rhonda Richardson — Google review
What an amazing place. The glass art is extraordinary. Huge displays and sculptures in the museum displaying all kind of colors and shapes. From bowls to gigantic sculptures. Even a glass house which ceiling is covered from one end to the other with hand blown glass. There is a garden which is full of beautiful flowers and plants but also has glass art scattered in the garden. There were huge sculptures outdoors as well. This is glass art like I've never seen before. The artist truly was a visionist and creator of magical pieces. I highly recommend visiting this museum. It's unforgettable.
Drew Hirsch — Google review
What a beautiful exhibit of Chihuly glass art. I’ve seen his pieces in multiple locations in New York City Washington DC and in Philadelphia. But this was the largest collection of Chihuly glass, and the setting setting of the way they presented. It is absolutely amazing.
There are several photographers walking around to take pictures for you free of charge.
Daniel Terry — Google review
We had an awesome time at Chihuly. The artwork is beautiful, colorful and challenges your mind (How can they do this? How long must it have taken to put this together?). The museum is not very big, which is particularly good if you're bringing kids - my 6 year old son enjoyed it a lot. They also have live glass-making demos happening every hour by the garden, which was very entertaining and educational. If you're also visiting Space Needle, buy the ticket bundle and you will save $10-15 per person.
Rodrigo Arb de Castro — Google review
A definite must stop while doing all things Seattle. Take some time to visit the Space Needle, the museum of pop culture and the Chihuly Garden. The glass pieces are simply amazing and will you leave in awww. Amazing intricacies and formations with exceptional lighting to enhance your experience.
Beau Laughlin — Google review
Absolutely stunning! A celebration of beautiful, whimsical, and colorful, inspiration as is. Live glass blowing, fantastic exhibition, + bar and great gift shop. As a bonus, the museum photographers will take professional shots for you!
Nessie Kurganova — Google review
We absolutely loved visiting this museum! Definitely take your time through each exhibit. We were able to go to a glass blowing demonstration which was really cool! We also used the City Pass to save on admission. Absolutely worth a visit.
Brenda Ohm — Google review
Terrific compilation of art! There is a wonderful balance between nature and glasswork in the garden with lots of photographers around to take free professional photos for visitors (included in ticket). Their customer service is also great, because they helped me retrieve my lost photos in a timely manner.
Even the gift shop had a lot of unique knick knacks that carries the spirit and essence of Chihuly! It’s amazing to see how glass can be manipulated into such shapes, colours, and sizes. There are also demonstrations outside where glass vases are made step-by-step with live narration. It really helps to immerse visitors into the experience.
Megan — Google review
This is an interesting place to visit, especially if you are artistically inclined. There are beautiful glass pieces, crafted with hard work, immense architectural skills and creativity. Mind boggling and impressive structures. There is a person waiting near each art work, to answer any questions that you may have about the pieces. There's a theater with short videos about the artist himself and how he created various pieces in other countries and held exhibitions. There's a little garden where some more of the glass pieces are installed throughout nature. We were also lucky to catch a live demonstration of the glass blowing process in an outdoor space near the garden. A beautiful view of the Space Needle also as the glass museum is located right next to it.
Swat kat — Google review
The sculptures were very beautiful and the way they are formed is so just awesome. Without any doubt going to Chihuly Garden and Glass is a great opportunity to take advantage of! Plus, you get a great view of the Space Needle as you enter the garden dome.
Keilyn Whitfield — Google review
We were thrilled to discover tickets online at a fantastic price, saving us a considerable sum. After a smooth check-in at the booth, we embarked on an enchanting journey, starting with the captivating Chihuly Garden and Glass. For an entire hour, we were mesmerized by the brilliant artistry of Dale Chihuly's glass sculptures, which harmoniously melded with the surrounding lush greenery, creating a dreamlike ambiance that left us awe-inspired.
Following this artistic escapade, we made our way to the iconic Space Needle, a symbol of innovation and architectural brilliance. The line to ascend the needle was surprisingly manageable, and before we knew it, we were transported to breathtaking heights, witnessing the city's skyline unfold before our eyes. The panoramic views were nothing short of spectacular, and we relished every moment, taking in the blend of urban splendor and natural beauty.
It's worth noting that, much like the ascent, the departure from the Space Needle involved a short wait in line. Yet, this minor inconvenience paled in comparison to the incredible memories we gathered throughout the day.
In conclusion, this outing proved to be an unforgettable adventure, from the spellbinding Chihuly exhibit to the exhilarating heights of the Space Needle. We wholeheartedly recommend it to all seeking an exceptional experience in the heart of the city. Whether you're an art enthusiast, an architectural admirer, or simply looking to create lasting memories, this journey promises to exceed your expectations. Don't miss out on this remarkable opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder that awaits.
Tina Baghdasaryan — Google review
An unexpected surprise. The wife added this place to our list of things to do during our 1 day adventure in Seattle for our cruise. We went to the Space Needle first and then the Glass Gardens. I must say I was really surprised and really enjoyed this place. If you have a chance, definitely check it out. Very serene and beautiful. You won't be disappointed.
David Garrett — Google review
Larger than it seems from the outside. Beautiful glass art well displayed and lit. The garden area has glass sculptures everywhere so keep looking around.
Watch the 6 or so short films to learn more about the artist and how some of the glass pieces are made. Beautiful well stocked gift shop as well (although a little pricey) for the price compared to other attractions in the area I would definitely give this one a visit
Neal Adams — Google review
Incredible! Not to be missed if you’re in the Seattle area.
Chihuly Garden and Glass is a magical and enchanting place.
It’s difficult to imagine how these tremendous, elaborate pieces were placed into this building.
The pieces shown here are captivating. They have movement, as they are still, and they will move you.
Dale Chihuly will always be the master of glass.
D’ma Extraordinaire — Google review
I got the city pass for 84$ in which I visited the Space Needle, Chihuly Gardens and Argosy Harbor Cruise. Chihuly Gardens is an absolute masterpiece of art. The glasses are moulded into beautiful and colorful structures and objects are a delight to the eye. The process of creating different shapes and figures and how to color them is shown in a detailed manner from scratch to finish at the exit of the museum. It is a great place to bring kids and family. The outdoor area has some creative, colorful and unique glass structures between the plants and should not be missed. The overall place is unique and definitely a must visit while in Seattle.
Annu Priya — Google review
Burst of colors with each installation. Beautifully displayed. Especially enjoyed the exhibits that were placed on glass surfaces to show the reflection or the details under each piece. Artistry, intricacies, complexity of each piece were amazing. Photographers were roaming throughout exhibit to take your photos for free download at a kiosk or when you get home. There’s also glass blowing demonstration occurring throughout the day. Based on other visitor’s photo postings- It doesn’t appear that most exhibits will rotate. Although it was beautiful- I didn’t give it five stars since it is a relatively small exhibit for the price.
Mh T — Google review
Incredible installations, the outdoor section is spectacular. The interactive display was great, the staff member there was incredibly knowledgeable and he was able to keep young kids and teenagers intrested which is quite a feat. The live demonstration was absolutely phenomenal. Highly recommend!
Sam Morris — Google review
Must come.
1. The artwork are built by thousand of glass. The photos cannot show how beautiful how magnificent, you must see in person to experience the beauty.
2. There are demos for how to make glass. The last show is at 3:15.
3. good to join the tour, which introduces some background of the artworks.
4. the garden plant are chosen and designed for the artwork and will change by season so every time you come, the garden may be slightly different.
Hannah Hsiao — Google review
Pictures really don't do it justice. We had a tour guide show us around, telling the stories behind every piece and how each shape was carefully blown. We also got to see a live glass blowing demonstration that was absolutely wonderful. There are some pieces there that you can use a flashlight on and they almost entirely change colors! Every piece there is stunning! Their gift shop is really cool too.
Chelsea Petersen — Google review
The art is beautiful! There’s so many cool glass sculptures. Each one is more different and unique than the last. You learn a lot about the artist, Dale Chihuly. We made a reservation online and had no issue getting in a little before our entry time. The museum is somewhat small so you can make it through pretty quickly. I think we finished in about 30 minutes. Although it’s a little pricy, I think it’s still worth a visit. You can also get a great view of the Space Needle from here.
The Traveling Bear — Google review
Parking garage around the corner and cheap. Took about an hour to walk through and see everything. Loved the art. Some of it is pretty insane and if you go to the theater (it's a part of the experience) you'll see a documentary about how the artist came up with what he did. Pretty fascinating to see his process! They also have a glass blowing demonstration at certain times.
Dillon Post — Google review
This is a beautiful exhibit of glass artwork located near the Space Needle at the Seattle Center. One can purchase a package ticket that includes several attractions together. We visited on a weekday last week and there weren't many crowds, making it a pleasant experience. There are also a few other family-friendly attractions in the Seattle Center. This place is a must-visit when you're in Seattle.
Vinoth Chandar — Google review
A must see in Seattle. Very close to space needle. Beautiful attractions. Glass blowing is stunning. Many pieces and is a very immersive experience. No wait when we went. Worth the price. Took a good 2-3 hours to see all attractions.
Rishi — Google review
Beautiful glass artwork. So beautiful it looks kind of off-putting and scary at the right angle in the right lighting.
There is an indoor portion featuring many of his works and an outdoor garden that incorporates the glass sculptures with the foliage. The best part of the museum is definitely the big windowed room featuring the orange glass hanging from the ceiling
Kelly Low — Google review
Beautiful. 100% worth a trip. They had a live glassblowing demo which was amazing, and just so many great glass sculptures. I’ve never seen anything like it, might be one of my all time favorite museums although it is a little small.
Megan Chen — Google review
Definitely worth a visit. The glas artwork alone is stunning enough, but it was also great watching the documentary videos at the end of the exhibition to understand the process behind creating the art.
The Space Needle is a renowned observation tower located at the Seattle Center. It features a rotating restaurant and an observation deck that offers panoramic views of the city, Puget Sound, and surrounding mountains. This iconic structure has become a symbol of the city due to its distinctive design. Constructed in 1962 for the Worlds Fair, it was inspired by ideas from Edward E. Carlson and John Graham, Jr., resulting in a unique combination of a giant balloon and flying saucer appearance.
It was actually a lot of fun! It was cloudy when we got there, but by the time we got to the top the skies had cleared and we got to experience the most amazing views! The revolving glass floor on the lower level is beautiful and a fun time all around. Loved the gift shop too!
InvaderMe0w — Google review
this place is a calling card for Seattle and the whole world knows. who wants to visit here should be calculated about 2 hours, if everything is fine to inspect. The appointed time does not mean that you will immediately go upstairs, I was in the morning hours and a little earlier than the appointed time and everything exactly had to stand in line for about 15 minutes. but it's all worth the wait. the landscape is gorgeous, the city, the bay is a great view from above. there is a place to sit and have a bite, there are free drinks, there is a restaurant. two levels. it's interesting when you watch the tower spin and you yourself are inside. you can take great pictures. there is a large gift shop downstairs. I am very glad. I advise everyone to visit.
Ramaz J — Google review
Touristy? Yes. Worth a look. Absolutely. The views are beautiful. You can even rest upon the glass for full on down views. Make sure to stop by the revolving glass floor because it is such a cool sight. Would I go back to this place over and over again? Probably not. But for a quick visit or you forgot what it looks or feels like then go. You won't regret it. Oh. If you want a bottle of water upstairs it will cost you over $7. Don't throw away the bottle lol.
But seriously...
Marco I — Google review
What an amazing experience!
The view up there us breathtaking ⭐️
And the rotating glass floor it’s exciting and unique experience.
Just spend a day in Seattle for a work trip, but so happy that i had the time and went to visit this iconic place!! Need to come back for sure :)
Pedro Sousa — Google review
A top attraction for tourists but that's not that much to hype. Late afternoon is better lighting for viewing. After buying the tickets at the kiosk, $129 for 2, we were up there in 30 minutes. Panoramic view of the city on the top level and a rotating floor on the lower level, with bars and fast food seating.
Keqi Gan — Google review
100% worth a visit on a sunny day in Seattle. The views of the downtown, coast, and Mount Rainier in the distance are all equally incredible. The benches both inside and outside give a great place to rest and soak up the views, although the outside ones face inwards so the best views are behind you in a normal seated position.
The ticket machines didn't work and just took payment for us, so either book online or join the queue at the staffed kiosk.
Also the queue to get in is fairly long, even close to opening.
George Monks — Google review
Definitely a must visit!
Go up whenever the weather is good and clear. Highly recommend plan going up before evening, this way you could get the views both in day and night.
King County residents get discounted ticket with valid ID.
Wanyu Jhuang — Google review
I gave it a qualified 3 stars because, although the scenery at top is spectacular, the line to get to the elevator took over an hour. I personally, after looking around for an hour, was pretty much done. Some in our group sat at the clear, moving floor area and enjoyed drinks.
The views are truly spectacular and definitely worth it one time. I recommend it, but once is plenty.
Beach Bum — Google review
This is a must do Seattle activity, and not for the faint of heart. Your heart will begin to race when you step in to the elevator and gasp when you start rising and see out across the city. Expect to feel a little wobbled at the top but DO IT! The views are amazing and leaning into the glass very empowering! You can do it!
Brandy Nelson — Google review
Visited the Space Needle last weekend and was absolutely blown away by the experience! From the moment we approached the iconic structure, its futuristic design promised an unforgettable visit—and it certainly delivered. The elevators whisked us up to the observation deck in no time, providing smooth access to the most breathtaking 360-degree views of Seattle and beyond. The Cascade and Olympic Mountains, along with Mount Rainier standing majestically in the distance, were sights to behold.
The recent renovations, including the floor-to-ceiling glass and the revolving glass floor, added an exhilarating dimension to the experience. It felt like floating above the city! We dined at the rotating restaurant, enjoying delicious meals paired with ever-changing vistas—a truly unique experience that I would recommend to anyone.
Staff throughout the Space Needle were friendly and knowledgeable, eager to share tidbits of history, and help guests make the most of their visit. The gift shop at the base had a great selection of souvenirs to commemorate our visit.
This landmark isn't just a must-see for tourists; it's a proud emblem of Seattle's innovative spirit and natural beauty. It is a perfect score for a genuinely iconic experience. Can't wait to return!
Christopher Almon — Google review
Gorgeous View from the top of the Seattle Space Needle! Definitely top on the list if traveling to Seattle. We enjoyed the observation deck and especially the walk over the clear see though floor which is for the brave heart because it could be difficult for some. Or they would just chose to not look down. But it's a one of kind experience that I would highly recommend. I enjoyed it so much I took video of that walk. We traveled here back in 2019 and would love to go back.
Beverly Albrecht — Google review
Amazing views of the city and the sound. Worth the wait. Get your ticket from the on-site machines so you don't have to commit to a time to far in advance. The outside viewing deck is awe inspiring. Built in 1961-62, (370 days), it is crazy how quickly they were able to complete the structure. The wallboard along the hall were very interesting and helped pass the time inline. The revolving deck just below the observation deck is cool, as it has a see through floor on the outer most area.
Bill Rizzo — Google review
We were very lucky to have an extremely clear day! We checked the weather before purchasing tickets so we picked the best day. Beautiful views from the top with ample spots for pictures. Timed entry and advanced ticket purchase helps you be able to enjoy the experience without it being overcrowded. We went on a Thursday and walked right up since we had purchased tickets online. Would recommend this as something to spend the money on if you know the weather will be clear. There is a huge playground, armory with lots of food choices, walking areas, splash area, and 2 museums all surrounding the space needle so you could spend an entire day in that area or have space for people to wait while others go up the needle.
Miranda Philippi — Google review
I mean it's pretty obvious that you should probably visit the space needle if you're visiting Seattle. But the views make it worth the trip. Buying tickets online is the most convenient thing to do and I think you may save some money that way. There's a bit of history on the way to the elevator and the staff tell you some more interesting facts I. the elevator. Once at the top you may stay as long as you like. There's two floors one with an outdoor viewing area and another below with a slowly rotating floor that's completely enclosed.
Alex Merryman — Google review
It might be mainly for the tourists, but I loved it. Lots of cool details about the construction to occupy you while you queue up for the elevator. We were lucky since it was a weekday and cloudy. Maybe a 10 minute wait. The view is spectacular. The lower level of the observation area is a seriously cool experience. Bought a combined ticket with the Chihuly exhibit. Still not inexpensive. Gift shop has some cool items, but again...not inexpensive.
Pat McGroyne — Google review
Listen, I know this feels like a tourist trap, but it was great. The views are spectacular. The moving glass floor was so unique. They have coffee and drinks available at the top if you're interested. The Gift shop was actually really nicely done. I'd definitely say this was worth the ticket price!
Kathryn Sheehan — Google review
Very fun experience. I am obsessed with observatory places and this was one for the books. The view was beautiful. I also love the fact they have photographers going around offering photos that you will receive for free at the end of your experience. The revolving floor was very amazing to see, especially at night.
Jordan B. — Google review
Awesome experience! Restrooms are located in gift shop and a level down the stairs when taking the elevator to the top. They are clean with several stalls and fully stocked. There was no line or wait when we went around 6:30 on Wednesday night. I absolutely loved the experience and I would recommend anyone visiting Seattle to visit the Space Needle. The view at night was gorgeous. Valet was $18 an hour. You can buy tickets in advance or wait until you arrive.
Cristina DLC — Google review
I thought this was going to be too touristy and wasn’t sure if it was worth it… boy was I wrong! This was such a cool experience. The view from the top is incredible. We were lucky to have a clear day and could see the entire city and the beautiful mountains surrounding it. The rotating floor is a must visit!
Kevin Nealy — Google review
The Space Needle is Seattle! Such a visible landmarks. I feel this is a tourist attraction and it’s not. It’s iconic for Seattle and is over 500 feet high, with an observation deck where you get 360-degree views of the city. Lots of glass windows in the space needle and you can see below you as well as around you. Lots of really cool historical pictures and stories. There’s also a gift shop with all kinds of souvenirs. Totally with the visit.
Timothy Williams — Google review
What a View. The experience was breath taking and very beautiful. We go to see a 360 view of Seattle. The staff was not the friendliest or the most pleasant but this happened to be somewhat the norm in Seattle in our experience. The sights were worth the price. We got to take our time taking pictures and seeing the sights and since we were in the air an hour before there weren't many people standing around. About 20 minutes before sun down it started to get much busier. The sights were beautiful and the photos prove it.
Jeremy Tafoya — Google review
Climbing up in a transparent elevator to the second floor where there is an impressive 360-degree view of Seattle and the surrounding mountains. It is worth going up on a clear day when visibility is good. Upstairs there is a bar and a food stand. There are stairs to the first floor and there is a revolving restaurant with a transparent floor. Cool experience in Seattle, highly recommend. Worth knowing: You can buy a ticket combined with the Glass Museum and save $ 10.
?? ????????' — Google review
Having been up many towers throughout the world, this one was on my bucket list and it didn't disappoint.
The queue was long despite having pre-booked tickets but it seems to move at a reasonable pace.
The information board on the construction of the Space Needle was interesting and reading it took away the monotony of standing in the queue.
The elevator up offered views over the city and the view from the top, especially on a good at was breath taking. There are plenty of points of interest throughout the stroll around the top. The views across the bay and downtown are amazing.
The revolving floor was interesting to see and feel. The glass floor was a nice touch too.
The gift shop at the bottom was well stocked and reasonably priced, if you are into souvenirs of your trip. The shop is also cashless.
All staff encountered were friendly and helpful.
If in Seattle this is definitely a place to visit.
Gary Jelks — Google review
We went on a super busy weekend, but they kept the line moving pretty well. There's a neat timeline display wall that you walk past on the way in, showing construction pictures and interesting facts. The observation deck is awesome, and the rotating room is fun! We recommend visiting the nearby city center park and water fountain while you're in the area!
Natalie Heath — Google review
Nice place to visit. Preferable to buy the tickets online for a time slot you are wanting to visit. There isn’t a time limit once you are in but this staggers the line and makes it easier to get to the observation deck.
The glass wall upgrade is nice and the glass floor is great too. Spend some time enjoying the great view of Seattle from here.
The price is lower if you go to the morning session and the parking cost less too. Must buy tickets in advance to ensure you get in. The website states limited availability so that is recommended. We bought our tickets online and checked in using a smart phone. Makes things easier.
Doua Moua — Google review
In a city full of needles, this was by far the largest.
In all seriousness, it was pretty cool - but very expensive. If you have the time and you’re there just for the experience of a cool view, go for it - but just be aware that it’ll feel a bit like a $60 elevator ride.
All of the above said - we actually enjoyed the views and I’m happy we did it… but probably wouldn’t more than once.
Randy Abair — Google review
Really amazing observation deck with 360 views, and some cool photo taking features. - 12 feet tilted glass walls and benches
- Bottom see through glass on lower deck
- Entry to lower level revolving deck
- Not windy due to the tall glasses.
- Comfortable indoor viewing available too
Cheaper if we buy glass museum and space needle ticket together.
Ranjith Kumar — Google review
Great experience. The rotating glass floor was very cool and we had a lot of fun there. The views from this iconic tower are absolutely amazing! You can take great pictures from there. The line was pretty long though
Rababe Saadaoui — Google review
Going up the space needle was an amazing experience! I had to do it at least once in my life and I'm glad I did. I got a drink and enjoyed the views on a rotating glass floor. I sat at a cute little table while I had my drink. I explored the gift shop and got a couple of items. Took some pictures and everything was very fun experience. The servers and security were very nice and made sure people felt safe and secure about the glass floor.
Norma Jean — Google review
A must-visit for anyone who doesn't live in Seattle. Truly a wonder to behold and I imagine on par with the Eiffel tower for the view. Top has two levels with the upper floor having open-air access, while the lower level is indoors and has a revolving glass floor. The gift shop is enormous and has loads of unique souvenirs. There was a young lady who was working the elevator queue who was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful but I forgot her name. (I was there Friday March 22nd at about 11AM if you would like to recognize her for her stellar performance. Please give her a promotion or raise, she deserves it!)
Adam Hendricks — Google review
A good way to test how scared of heights you are. Very fun and beautiful views. The history walk up to the elevators is fascinating. The food at the top and the revolving section are a pleasant experience. The staff is really friendly.
Ed Me — Google review
I recently visited the Space Needle and had an incredible experience! The panoramic views of Seattle and the surrounding mountains were simply breathtaking. The elevator ride to the top was smooth and efficient, and the interactive exhibits were engaging and informative.
The staff were friendly and helpful, and the overall atmosphere was welcoming and well-maintained. I particularly enjoyed the sunset views, which were truly stunning.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Space Needle to anyone visiting Seattle. It's a must-see attraction that offers an unforgettable experience.
Zulma Pereira — Google review
Expensive but worth it. once you buy the tickets you take a long walk and you get to learn information about the space needle on the way and I really enjoyed that. after the information part you get a free photo and when you finish walking you wait for an elevator (less than a 3min wait) you go up and it’s a very cool view. I grew up in seattle and it’s extraordinary to see it from another perspective. There is a kiosk thing on the lower floor at the top and that’s where you can choose the background of the photo and get it emailed to you!
Claire White — Google review
It was a perfect sunny day in Seattle when i went to see the space needle. The view was amazing, you could see the docks and ocean at one side with the Mountains in the background. The sunsets are amazing. They also have a revolving deck with glass flooring. It was an amazing experience to say the least
dilip samanta — Google review
Cheaper to purchase them online directly to compare the prices of various times. Very fun and an amazing view. As a "local," I've only ever gone one time before. I'm glad I went again! Definitely a great spot for a date or celebration at sunset, too!
Don't forget to see the spiders too! Aah!
Kyler Morenz — Google review
Great place to walk around and see the sights. There are lots of places to sit in the grass, and people watch. There's a food court, lots of places to grab a drink or food. Clean bathrooms. Parking on the street is definitely the cheapest. Enjoy the summer with an ice cream or the winter ice skating.
coachlunk Rubio — Google review
World class experience. A must-see and the staff and hosts are so kind. It is a special and unique experience and probably cooler than it’s ever been after the most recent remodel. It’s really neat to see the entire region from that height and clearance with downtown close but to see the mountains and fresh water and salt water. To see the suburban sprawl over countless hills and then rainforest and dense forest all in one place. Shares a glimpse into why the Pacific Northwest is one of the many yet so special and unique cities in the world. Such a gem for the emerald city!
Jacob Leander — Google review
It's worth the View. The sight was breath taking and beautiful. We got to see a 360 view of Seattle. The staff at the space needle was not the friendliest or the most pleasant in our Seattle experience, but this happens to be somewhat the norm in Seattle in our experience. The sights were worth the price for some great photos. We got to take our time taking pictures and seeing the sights and since we were in the air an hour before there weren't many people standing around. The view was amazing and the site locations were great to see with the QR code that shows you specific points in the landscape. About 20 minutes before sun down it started to get a lot busier. The sights were beautiful and the photos prove it.
Jeremy Tafoya — Google review
Had an outstanding time visit in this iconic landmark!!! It seemed a bit pricey at first, but when I found out all the perks inside (free photographs that are emailed straight to you), revolving glass floor, cafe, etc) I realized it’s a pretty good bang for your buck. The views were breathtaking!!! Highly recommend it to anyone visiting Seattle. Had loads of fun.
Johnny Hernandez — Google review
If you're looking for amazing views of the city then this is where you need to go. If you want to be awed by looking through a glass floor, then take the time to go here. Plenty of souvenirs on the lower level. If you want to see cruise ships, check. Do you want to see downtown? Check. See a ferris wheel? Check!
The Washington State Ferries offer an enjoyable and safe mode of transportation across Puget Sound, the largest water body in Olympia. These government-owned and operated ferries provide service to various destinations, accommodating both cars and pedestrians. With scrumptious dining options available onboard, families can have a pleasant meal while sailing. Whether you're looking to explore local islands or simply enjoy the ride with stunning views, the Washington State Ferries are a convenient choice for travel within Seattle region.
Riding the Washington State Ferries is always a highlight for me. It feels like a mini adventure every time I hop on. The views are unbeatable - think mountains, water, and sometimes even whales! The ferries themselves are comfy and run on time, which is super handy. I love grabbing a coffee and just enjoying the scenery on deck. Whether I’m commuting or just exploring, it’s an awesome way to see the best of Washington. Plus, checking times and getting tickets online is a breeze. Definitely a must-do experience around here!
Jake Logan — Google review
Unsure what is more trustworthy, Washington's ferry system or cocktails with Bill Cosby. "Alternate" sailing schedules and they still have the audacity to take you over the coals for 1/2 the service they used to provide. The ability of the organization to screw it's customers is unprecedented. If you rely on the ferry system for transportation, I'm sorry. (Whidbey commuter).
Bryan Avila — Google review
The staff who help cars load on our ferries surely deserve a hearty shout out. They are incredibly effective at non verbal communicating: signaling clearly and emphatically what we need to do, especially those of us who are new to riding ferries. They give you plenty of heads up to get back to your car. Though a little extra time is always advisable if you’re on a particularly large ferry and don’t know the layout. If they see, wondering tourists going beyond the safety lines for photos of the skyline, they will politely but firmly bring them back in. Next time you see a ferry staff person, give them a wave and a smile and say thank you.
Mari Kim — Google review
If you are not in a hurry and want a relaxing ride on the water, the ferries aren’t too bad. However, if you are on a hurry or just need to be someplace at a certain time don’t rely on them. You can’t trust that they will actually leave or arrive per the published schedule. I live in Kitsap county and I try to avoid the ferries as much as possible. I’ll drive around even if I need to go someplace close to the ferry terminal. From where I live near Silverdale, it’s cheaper and is usually a little faster.
Kre Pas — Google review
Going from Orcas to Anacortes took 6 hours longer than expected due to complete incompetence by all the government employees involved. The ferry before ours was cancelled due to staff shortages, which happen, but then everyone scheduled to go on that ferry was put on our ferry, and then we spent 6 hours waiting, with a baby. Communication at the dock was sparse and confusing when given. I blame senior management (all working from home--still!) who had no viable plan for such an event. Government employees have no consequences for poor performance. If someone knows how to fix that, please tell us!
stan — Google review
Breakdowns, with no information or communication with the public,
Even the dock and ferry workers are left in the dark.
Probably due to the fact the government is too busy funneling money into the homeless industrial complex, and grandiose visions of an electric ferry fleet that’s been proven to be not feasible by other countries.
Erik Wightman — Google review
We live in Seattle, and we quite regularly enjoy a trip on the ferries. There are so many great destinations. And the ride itself is fun and provides you with great views.
Sophie Aaron — Google review
Do not get on the ferry if you don't know what your doing. The employees will look at you like your crazy if you ask any questions about anything. Tried to have a good day but it makes it hard when everyone glares at you because you've never ridden the ferry. These employees need to grow up
Chase Conger — Google review
I want to love the Washington ferry system, I really do BUT with the ferries being extremely unreliable, it always makes for a terrible experience. This weekend, I helped transport a boat into Port Townsend, leaving at 6am to ensure we made it with ample time for at least 5 ferry time slots. And then we lug all of our things there after a 7+ hour boat ride only to find they just cancelled all ferries for the day. Weather was perfect — it was a staff shortage issue.
So now we are stuck here another night, making for a stressful Monday with ferries and multiple commutes and interference with the work day. Ugh.
The worst part of it all is there technically IS a service to ferry you around however it only can be counted on about 20% of the time, so why bother??
Sarah Herrmann — Google review
Amazing wonderful experience. Love the ferry systems. Today we went on the Walla Walla jumbo class and the Kaleetan super class. Both have lots of space, clean, restrooms, snacks great views. Friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Tyler Ann Sands aka Sister Gramps — Google review
Awesome little trip you can do solo or with your family. It's about 45 mins one way, you can get off or stay on. Cost $8.65 to get on and that's for a round trip ticket so not bad at all for the price if your visiting like us and wanna have a relaxing boat ride and kill some time. There is alot of diffrent food, a grill where you can order food, healthy meals if your a plant based eater, wine and also beer tap, bottle on the boat and it's all priced pretty reasonable. There are restrooms on board also. Tons of diffrent seating area. If your phones low on charge theres also some that have plugs on the side so be sure to get in fast and grab one with a plug so u can be at 100% for the rest of your visit! Beers about 7 dollars a piece if your wondering.
Ajninja 84 — Google review
Schedule consistency is poor, turnover is high. New announcement on the boat of a no harassment policy makes me believe there are a lot of unhappy customers. It’s time to bring in new management.
Andrew Loechl — Google review
Usually there. Usually on time. Better than nothing. Thanks for running this service, folks. Definitely a big part of my life getting back and forth to Seattle these days. Solid.
Joshua Evans — Google review
Advice for out of state visitors. Not as slick, well run and efficient as the BC ferry system across the border in Canada, and obviously with a lot of mixed feelings from the locals, Washington Ferries is still an affordable, great experience for visitors. Whether for a short half, full day or overnight trip across the sounds, out to the San Juan islands or further afield to the Olympic Peninsula think about adding a ferry trip to your visit.
Chris Adams — Google review
Visited an island today. I was warned about the Washington state ferry system but… nothing can prepare someone for what they can expect to see. This is the biggest joke I’ve come across in this state. I don’t even know why they bother putting out a schedule, from everyone I’ve spoke to, not one run is consistently on time. For the people who commute, you sincerely have my deepest condolences. This is the most ridiculous service offered and it’s a state run service! I’ve never seen a system designed so poorly, the Washington state ferries truly are a joke. A really bad, unfunny joke.
Pike Place Fish Market, a popular seafood stall with a rich history, has been attracting customers for years. The employees at this lively market are known for their playful antics of tossing fish around. It's not just a regular retail crew but more like circus entertainers who also happen to know a great deal about seafood. Located at Seattle's waterfront, Pike Place Fish Market is famous for its fresh fish and vibrant atmosphere.
If you leave this place hungry it is your own fault. So much food and everything is delicious. The fish throwing is a must see. The fruit is better than I've ever tasted anywhere. It would be so amazing to live here and buy fresh fish from the market and have it for lunch or dinner. I'm jealous.
Vincent Cardella — Google review
The vendors were friendly & helpful. The flowers for sale were incredibly beautiful. The views of the bay & downtown Seattle were stunning. We bought fresh baked bread, bagels & breakfast croissants at Three Sisters bakery. Everything was fresh & delicious & the staff was friendly & helpful. I wish we had more time to experience & explore. Great experience!
Ranfhery Albino — Google review
What an amazing place to walk through, and check out all the neat shops. Great fresh fish, flowers 💐 are some of the best I've ever seen. There's also a nasty gum ally that's fun to see. Across the street is the first Starbucks.
Paul Sterling — Google review
It's too busy and crowded for me, even in winter! But there's good shops, it's super expensive for anything but it is more for tourists. So, many places to see though. It's nice, just wish there wasn't so many people. Only pictures I got were from the gum wall, it's nasty but very cool at the same time.
Maria Reyes — Google review
These are the flying fish catchers! It was fun to see this in real life after having watched videos on socials.
The guy catching the fish at the front of the market has some talents and also bundles of charisma keeping the crowd entertained but also encouraging people to purchase the fish! Unfortunately, I was visiting from Australia so no fish for me but, that was entertaining and I encourage locals and people visiting from nearby to shop while there!!
Niki Vasiliadis — Google review
I loved this place and also did our family. Always felt save as a tourist there. Theirs lots to look at and cool hand made stuff to buy and bring back as a suveniour. I loved the place, and its a must... if your questioning going, dont! just go, you won't regret it
The 2 Wheel Don — Google review
Wonderful maze of shopping opportunities. Full of life and wonder! Be careful where you stand for the fish throwing...I almost ended up with a face full! One was caught about 3 inches from my face!
Susan Abbey — Google review
Super crowded but fun experience. They definitely like to entertain. The fish looks amazing but it's not cheap! They made taking fresh fish home to Florida easy.
AMY F — Google review
This is a great seafood vendor and attraction in Pike Place Market, located in Seattle. This vendor is where visitors can see the famous fish throwing. The staff are very helpful and provide amazing entertainment by throwing fish. They can ship their fresh seafood, anywhere in the United States overnight.
Derrick Grant — Google review
Cool spot to visit if you are touring the city. Has everything from flowers, produce, unique North American berries & fruits, lots of fish, and tons of other small shops you can grab a bite to eat.
Seann Maron — Google review
Love it, many things to look. Fresh cut flowers were my favorite ($5-$30 for each bunch). Fish market always have something to entertain guests. We had a great time there
Ann P. — Google review
Not only can you buy seafood here, it’s entertaining to watch them toss large fish among themselves. We thoroughly enjoyed watching the fish toss as well as the huge variety of fresh seafood. You can get everything here, from Octopus to Trout, they have it all!
Art Arellano — Google review
This is just such a unique experience. It's reminiscent of an old-world bazaar, but right in the middle of one of the tech capitals of the world. Make sure to get a sample of the smoked salmon as you peruse the shops, EVEN if you don't like salmon. Also, don't forget your bubble gum.
Vincent Thompson — Google review
Love the experience at the market❣️
So many things to try, we had the smoked salmon and it might be the best I have ever had. If we had a way to transport the fish home, we would have.
They have a huge variety of fresh fish. It’s a busy place with multiple workers. They are all knowledgeable abs helpful with any questions you have. The monk fish will give the kids a giggle as it moves.
If you’re lucky, you might even see them throw a fish or two.
Lisa Gifford — Google review
We had a choice of seeing the needle or the market, we chose wisely. This was a must place for us and were very lucky to have spent some time there. The whole market is a fantastic gem and so unique. Wether it was the donut shop, the ice creamery, the nut place, the cheese and oil…. We were there an afternoon but could have easily spent two days there. Of course the fish market was the peek of the visit. Yori was handing out samples and I think between my wife and I we must have sampled a couple of pounds. Yori who grew up there also offered the history of the market and I was lucky to get that from first hand knowledge. DO NOT miss this part of American history. BTW everyone was so helpful, so courteous so happy in their own environment. Do It!!
Bob DeCardenas — Google review
On a trip to Seattle for a wedding in 2022 we stopped by the Pike Place Fish Market to watch them throw some fish. They did not disappoint. Although I think there were more people there to watch than to buy. We opted for some fresh blackberries instead.
Charles Ragan — Google review
They have a good variety of fish and are helpful.
This larger Pike Place market also has vegetables, snacks, coffee, donuts, all kinds of things. The iconic red sign and brick streets are photo spots for tourists.
It is best to visit on a weekend when all areas\tables are filled with sellers. There's a nice view out back of the Puget Sound.
Ray Borbon — Google review
The must visit destination for foodies visiting Seattle, or if you'd like to taste a local experience, despite in a rather touristy setting. There's an entertaining flying salmon show, local fresh produce, rustic photogenic corners, lots of wild salmon and crabs, artisanal food, and souvenirs to bring home. It also houses some of Seattle's unique eateries like the Pike Place Chowder, Beecher's home made cheese, Rachel's Ginger Beer, and the first ever Starbucks.
Bayu Amus — Google review
This place is just ridiculous! Six floors of vendors, food, flowers, arts and crafts, all sorts of things! You could spend the entire day here, and not see everything. I had to buy some crab to get shipped home!
OMG that Bairdi crab we received today, on time, was remarkably the best crab we've had in a long time. Defrosted and steamed for 7 minutes, it turned out amazing. We could not believe how delicious it was. WOWEE KAZOWEE!
Larry Berg — Google review
I had a long layover in Seattle.
Feeling restless, I took an Uber to Pikes Market from the airport.
I chose to entertain myself by photographing my adventure.
A charismatic man gave me samples of the smoked fish.
It appears that the Fish Market Employees enjoy their work.
I am happy for them.
Vhuntermassage LLC
Veronica Hunter — Google review
It was pretty cool to see them throwing fish. I know how slimy they are so it was pretty cool of them to catch them way to go. I’m sure it’s some of the best seafood in the world right from the boat to the sea.
Tony Da-Tiger — Google review
Such an exciting experience! Very crowded. The guys are singing and slinging fish around. Everything is so fresh! Such an interesting place with competitive prices. A must go to!
CarefullyPlated — Google review
After I read the book "FISH", it was clear for me that I want to see this fish market for real in Seattle. Many thanks to Sibylle, she lent me the book to read. So we did the visit during a business trip, and it was a wonderful experience. If you are planning to go to Seattle, take your time to visit this unique fish market.
Markus Karner — Google review
As they say, Pikes place market is the original farmers market of Seattle. Specialty foods from local sources. And they also have the most beautiful, fresh flowers I've seen anywhere. And don't miss the famous fish toss!🦈
Northern girl — Google review
Place was amazing. Ton of people tho. It's hard to walk through some areas. But the guys at the fish market didn't disappoint. They threw fish and took a pic with me. Good time. Had dinner at one of the places.
The peninsula at Point Defiance Park is a popular spot for walking, biking, and viewing animals at the zoo and aquarium. There are also trails in the old-growth forest and gardens. The park has five major attractions including a museum with live demonstrations of traditional Native American life.
Always love this park, lots of beautiful changes. The normal entrance to Owen beach is closed to cars and is open only for walking & biking traffic. The entrance to Owen beach is just a few feet more, where the exit only was before is now both entrance and exit. Bathrooms were clean and stocked. Beach very clean. Hiking still as awesome as ever.
Michelle Cantu — Google review
This is a fun park located at the peninsula in Tacoma! It has a fort, science & math museum, zoo & aquarium, a little Japanese garden and a beach!
The Japanese garden could’ve used some love and care; Owen beach is almost ready(it has been closed for renovations)! And such lovely woods to walk around and lose yourself in the green! I also loved that a huge part of the five mile drive is closed over the weekend to allow for foot traffic and bikes. The park has plenty parking spots!
If you’re in Tacoma, do check this park out!
Swap — Google review
Beautiful park. So many trails to explore, plus the beach if that is your preference. The dog park is a great spot to let the dog off leash in between exploring the trails. Only down side is that it is not fully fenced, so may not be a good spot for those little escape artists.
Ola Belmonte — Google review
I love Owen Beach Park. Since we had a shorter than anticipated visit at the zoo. We stopped to enjoy the wonderful and diverse offerings of the park. We walked across the bridge and enjoyed the slides, a marvelous addition. The duck pond is always a highlight for me as well and the restrooms are well maintained.
Chris Tucker — Google review
A wonderful place to dress up and take photos. Plenty to do, plenty to see. I would recommend this place to anyone, locals and visitors alike. Unlike many places in Tacoma, this place has an aura of cleanliness and refinement. Somewhere that you can take a picnic basket and dress well for a weekend out with the family like one would see almost 100 years ago. Check out the flower garden, ladies can get their rose and flower fix there while wondering about. There are nearly domesticated deer that wander about all over the park so keep a wary eye out for them. All this culminates to the beachfront area where you can relax in the sun with the water lapping at your feet. During low tide, you could walk along the shore and explore some of the caves and sea shelves that can be found along the coast. Lastly, the renovations they have made were very tasteful and make the whole experience that much better.
Daniel Bennett — Google review
A beautiful place! Well laid out with the right amount of animals and marine life. Great for families! Bring a picnic lunch. The tigers are mesmerizing.
Janet Jerhada — Google review
So far its my favorite zoo. Only been to 3 others but our favorite was the pacific aquarium they have. I wish we could of seen the other aquarium they had but they're renovating it so it's closed for the time being. Parking is free! Alot of walking. Also I'm not a fan of shows at parks but there's was cool and engaging! They also had so many freaking bathrooms lol also loved the landscaping having heavy pollinator friendly plants. We also loved the goat feeding station.
alicia dumont — Google review
Fantastic flower gardens, Asian inspired pond, very nice ponds for waterfowl, large grounds for walking or sitting in the sun without being crowded. Adjoined zoo just around the corner, nature trails, beach access. Very nice park.
Dan Spurling — Google review
Amazing park near the city, you get an intense experience amongst the trees and this forest. The ride the get there so very nice too.
You also get to see animals
Erwan Berjonneau — Google review
Beautiful place to visit. A few people were having their pictures done here. So nice to see so many beautiful flowers in different stages of growth and colors. The layout was really easy to walk through. Such a lovely space. There were four deer when I was leaving and they were close to traffic, but people got some pictures. Such a delight. Definitely a must for nature lovers and people who love flowers.
Nkeiruka Ekwealor — Google review
Very spacious park. It has a beautifully maintained garden area. There are no flowers as of now, but I am sure it will be breathtaking when spring comes. Variety of flora is impressive and unique. There was this huge tree that I instantly fell in love with. Also I was surprised to find out that there are two historical buildings located in this park. One of which used to be a residential house, and another one used to be a train station more than 100 years ago.
I am definitely coming back. Walking there felt super refreshing 💖
Julia Pyao — Google review
My Hands Down Favorite Park! Owens Beach is Gorgeous Great Family/Pet Friendly Forest Beach access, Nature walk trails, 5 mile Loop Drive view points are a must see! Off leash Dog Park, Big and Spacious. Great place for Bike Riding, Skating, Jogging and Walking, Wildlife often see, deer families and raccoons.
Cindy Pfarr — Google review
This area was beautiful! There were multiple trails to choose from and most of them were fairly long so you could go for a long walk or just part of the trail for a short one. The scenery is so pretty - everything is green and mossy. There were trail map signs as you entered a trail from the road. Beautiful trails that we enjoyed wandering around on.
Dana Jensen — Google review
So I've lived here this day for several years I've never gone to the zoo before because I don't believe in zoos I think they're cruel and unusual punishment to these animals I saw a few animals that looked really sad but overall the park was actually pretty cool wasn't what I thought it was going to be so I'll probably go back the sad part is the elephant that's all by yourself it's a sad story I wish she had someone to be with her cuz my animals are not supposed to be alone there look like a couple that were alone..the parking is horrible on the weekends but we were lucky to get a front row spot .. the park was clean n staff were friendly and eager to talk to anyone about the animals. So too be fair I have to give the Zoo a overall great rating... Great job you guys. You didn't make me sad to be there... Thank you.
heidi corey — Google review
My daughter recommended this park for me and her 2 brothers. We kayaked in the bay one day and ran a 5k that finished here the next. Would definitely go again and explore what we missed.
John Lentz — Google review
So beautiful during August. The roses are currently in full bloom and so gorgeous. We love all the fun creatures we get to see.
Yesterday, we saw a few turtles, some deer, geese, pond fish, and heard the monkeys going crazy at the zoo.
Madeline Jagger — Google review
This is the coolest park. It has a ton of amazing hiking trails. The beach area is so huge with lots of stuff for the kids to do. The mountain bike trails are insane. I wish I could have seen someone riding them. It's hard to describe how nice it is, so just check it out for yourself.
Jeremy Thompson — Google review
I'll add more to this later but without a doubt you need to go it's a spectacular park right in the ocean with old growth rainforest I sorts of historic stuff because you're nearby housing restaurants and great places to walk even after hours in the dark along the ocean it seems well that is beautiful. I recommend it highly
Clint Stickle — Google review
If you have a about 2 hours free for a mosey—this is the place. Gorgeous flowers. I was shocked there were a few Sequoias!! I’m originally from the east coast so give me a massive tree to marvel at and I’m one happy lady.
Antoinette Bruno — Google review
Beautiful little park!! Did not make it to the zoo, but you can hear the animals!! Lovely little rose gardens, dahlias, & Japanese garden...
We went to drive around the 5 mile loop, but it is inaccessible by car, perfect place for a family bike ride though...
Jessie O — Google review
A beautiful park with spectacular views. There’s activities for all types of people ranging from biking/walking the 5 mile loop, enjoying the beach, or checking out the zoo/aquarium. You can pack food and definitely spend a whole day here!
Logan Maltese — Google review
Wonderful park with several amenities. Home to a zoo and aquarium, as well as several gardens. Beautiful ocean promenade with access to rocky and sandy beaches. Great spot to catch live animals in their natural habitat including deer, squirrels, turtles, sea lions, seals, orcas, deer and more.
Christian Johannsen — Google review
Point Defiance Park is an absolute gem, offering a tranquil and beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The park is exceptionally clean and well-maintained, making it a pleasure to explore and enjoy nature's beauty.
On sunny days, Point Defiance Park truly shines, with its lush greenery, scenic trails, and stunning waterfront views. It's the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, a picnic with family and friends, or simply soaking up the sunshine while taking in the peaceful surroundings.
The park offers a range of attractions, including the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, botanical gardens, and miles of hiking trails, providing something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a family looking for a day of outdoor fun, or someone seeking a peaceful retreat, Point Defiance Park never disappoints. I highly recommend visiting, especially on sunny days, to experience its beauty firsthand.
Skibert Mateusz — Google review
Came and visited on a cold January day, but the view was amazing, and it had a couple of small pockets making for a family friends outdoor experience!
Quentin Pruneau — Google review
This place is amazing, very breath taken from any view possible. You are surrounded by ocean, and trees...you get to see bald eagles, seals, and many other animals. It is very easy to walk around with kids and seniors. It is an experience for sure!!
Tere Garcia — Google review
Nestled amidst the vibrant city of Tacoma, Washington, Point Defiance Park emerges as a serene haven, offering a delightful escape from the urban clamor. With its sprawling 760 acres of diverse landscapes, the park caters to a plethora of interests, making it a true gem for nature enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and families alike.
From the moment you enter Point Defiance Park, you are enveloped by a sense of tranquility, as if you've stepped into a realm untouched by time. The park's expansive grounds are adorned with lush greenery, towering trees, and vibrant flower gardens, creating a picturesque backdrop for your exploration.
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Point Defiance Park offers a multitude of exhilarating activities. Embark on invigorating hikes or leisurely bike rides along the park's extensive network of trails, winding their way through forests, meadows, and along the scenic waterfront. For those seeking a more leisurely pace, take a stroll around Five Mile Drive, a scenic loop that unveils breathtaking views of Puget Sound and the surrounding cityscape.
Families will delight in the park's abundance of kid-friendly attractions. Let the little ones loose at the expansive playground, where they can climb, swing, and slide to their hearts' content. Visit the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, where fascinating creatures from around the globe await your encounter.
As the sun begins its descent, casting a warm glow over the park, find a quiet spot to soak in the tranquility of your surroundings. Let the gentle breeze whisper through the trees, carrying the soothing sounds of nature. For a moment, escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and simply be present in this serene oasis.
Point Defiance Park is a true gem in Tacoma, a place where nature's beauty intertwines with endless recreational opportunities. Whether you're seeking an invigorating adventure, a family outing, or a moment of peaceful reflection, Point Defiance Park will undoubtedly captivate your senses and leave a lasting impression.
Snoqualmie Falls is a well-known and scenic waterfall, standing at 270 feet tall and surrounded by a 2-acre park. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking view from an observation deck or venture down to the lower viewing platform. The site is easily accessible by car, located just 40 minutes away from Seattle, with free parking available on the other side of the road or paid parking closer to the site.
Beautiful, picturesque waterfall, next to a hotel. Certainly worth visiting. Make sure that the weather is clear before coming.
Matty B — Google review
Nice falls. Had a great trek on a trail, it is a little steep but worth the trek. The views from top and foot of the falls are great. Great spot for some quite time or just to have a beer river side. Sometimes too many people could make it disturbing but generally it is a peaceful place.
Ashwin Gadupudi — Google review
Stunning views! Visiting from out of state and just happened to stumble upon this amazing waterfall. You can view the falls from a lookout above or you can follow the trail and see the falls from below. Ample parking in the later evening. The hike down to the lower viewing was pretty steep. Paid parking right in front but free parking across the street.
Marc P — Google review
The place is beautiful, the trails are expansive, and there is a place to buy gifts and food. If you are going to walk the trails, please be mindful that what goes down must come up. Save your energy for your trip back up, or you will end up very tired. There are a lot of steep parts to the trails, so those parts are not for inexperienced walkers. Please obtain a map or something if this is a concern.
Jonathan L — Google review
40 minutes by car from Seattle. You can park for free on the other side of the road or park right next to the site for a fee. The place has an observation deck for the waterfall and a leasy trail that leads to an observation closer to the waterfall. There are picnic areas on site as well as public restrooms. Highly recommended
?? ????????' — Google review
Today was a beautiful day to see this! Absolutely breathtaking. Some of the stairs are closed off from the upper lot but just walk down a different path and you'll catch the 1/2 mile trail sign. Coming back up might be difficult for some, if you started from the upper lot. I'd recommend parking at the lower lot and walk along the trail/bridge (4th picture) to get to the falls.
Lily — Google review
Absolutely stunning waterfall. Must see if you are around Seattle. There is a small 1/2 mile trail which is also great if you want to go down the riverside and view the waterfall from a distance.
Syed Islam — Google review
Must see place if you are in Seattle! Amazing trail to go down to river, trail is not very easy but deserves to see falls from down. Free but parking is not free. They have two parking places. Definitely recommended!!!
Burcu Gozluklu — Google review
Breathtaking falls! Easy hike from the parking lot to view the falls. Vibrant rainbow near base of falls. Several nature trails. A pair of nesting Peregrine falcons near the viewing area. A must-see! FREE public parking is across the street.
GeralynK Rangel — Google review
We visited the falls on our vacation to Seattle. We came on a Friday afternoon at around 2 pm. Had a good amount of foot traffic but not terribly busy. Enjoyed the falls as it is a popular tour destination. Interesting to see its history. Worth seeing if you are in the area. Nice little park area to sit or enjoy a small picnic covered by trees. Nice plants around the area too. They have a gift shop full of souvenirs and books and such. Also a coffee/snack shop with ice cream. We were there for about 1-1.5 hrs. Google maps will take you to a restricted access road. Follow the local signs when you are there.
Pavan Patel — Google review
Nicenplace to walk with your family. Not super strenuous, but you'll breathe harder. Bonus is that there are two parking lot above falls and one parking lot below the falls. Foe the ones above, the lot on the same side of the falls is paid hut the one across the street is free and accesses the falls through a bridge above the road.
Donna Fong — Google review
Beautiful waterfall that is easy to access. There's a upper and lower observation areas. There is a free parking lot across the street with a pedestrian bridge. Highly recommend to come visit if you are in the Seattle area. Only 30 min drive from downtown Seattle.
Jeff Lau — Google review
Not only is the drive up to Snoqualmie Falls incredibly refreshing to look at, you feel the difference in the air quality of the mountains immediately. This waterfall is absolutely breathtaking!!! The preservation of nature after years of using the waters power for electricity is 👌👌👌
The trail down to the lower falls is easy enough the whole family can most likely handle it ( steady incline on the way back up) . If you have the time to stay or dine at Salish Lodge you can’t go wrong there either.
Kaye Oberg — Google review
Lot of parking available and fast moving traffic and the actual falls is about 3 mins away from the parking lot. Great couple views. Trail to downward of falls, is apparently steep and little risky unless you’re a pro hiker.
Sirisha Mantravadi — Google review
Beautiful scenery! Simply breathtaking. The view is amazingly calming. For a Saturday parking was bad at all. We paid $8.30 for 2 hours. The only thing is that it’s scan to pay. The waterfall is easily seen from the top and couple other watch points. We hiked down and found a beautiful place where we sat on the rocks and let the kids play in the water . Totally worth the trip!
Adele O — Google review
This is a beautiful fall with hiking trail to go down to the bottom part of the fall. Paid parking is limited on the side of entrance. I will recommend go opposite side and it’s free. You can play water once you reach bottom part of fall.
Constance L — Google review
Such a beautiful waterfall! There is no hike required. There is a parking lot where you can park and pay $5 but it’s limited on space. Theirs some stairs and a few stainless paths to take to the waterfall.
Evelina Borul — Google review
I’m from the east coast. Yes we have Niagara Falls, but the west coast is just so much better. This was one of the most unique and interesting places I have been. I was in Seattle for work but snuck in a few trips here and there to check things out. This was so worth the drive out there. The trees in the area are huge, nothing like what have on the east coast. The falls a big, the sound and mist are very beautiful. If you are anywhere near Seattle make the trip here to see them. The walk from the parking area is very easy. Walking to the bottom of the falls is not. One must be in decent shape to make it down and back up again. Take your time, stop and enjoy the sights, and soak up a little nature.
Howard Hottinger — Google review
Snoqualmie Falls is easily accessible, just a 5-minute walk from the parking lot. It’s a free visit and a perfect stop if you’re in Seattle, just half an hour’s drive away.
Annu Maria Martin — Google review
It was pleasant experience walking down the hill to see dam and riverside. Roads are adequately maintained . In the middle wash room is available. Periodic patrolling was observed by staff. It was good track with dogs and family. View of waterfall was beautiful. Good spot for photographer !
Hemant Pandit — Google review
Very accessible waterfalls. Lot of free and paid parking available although sometimes there can be a rush. There is a hike you can do to the lower part of the falls.
subhrajit saha — Google review
As the summer’s warmth gently fades, nature prepares for its grand finale, the breathtaking spectacle known as fall. From the majestic mountains to the serene valleys, the landscape undergoes a magnificent transformation, painting the world with a palette of vibrant hues.
Amen KN — Google review
Breathing taking experience during my first visit to this place. Upper and lower falls are so beautiful during all seasons. Parking is free just across the foot bridge. I saw crowd during my multiple visits to falls. It's amazing to know the history of this place. Kudos to the folks who worked hard to build the power plant to get power to Seattle area in those days.
Nagaraju Rajuri — Google review
Gorgeous! Didn't have time to look around too much but plenty to see. There were some idiots flying a drone even though there are clearly signs that say no drones. But a Must see if you're in the area!!
Shaeli Llane — Google review
Snoqualmie Falls, both by day and night, stands as a beautiful, majestic, magnificent, and mesmerizing 270ft waterfall. Surrounded by lush greenery, it presents a serene yet powerful spectacle. I've visited this waterfall multiple times, enjoying views from both the top and the bottom deck.
Ali J — Google review
In terms of waterfalls it's not that big, but the surrounding nature is very beautiful. There is a paved walkway to admire the waterfall but there is also a moderate to kind of severe hike to the bottom of the falls that is not paved. Just some dirt and rocks and it can get pretty steep at some points.
I wouldnt call it steep to where it's dangerous but it is steep enough to where the average person might have difficulties walking down and return back uphill.
Someone in my group in her 50s did it in flip flops and I saw multiple children so it though, so it is possible.
The hike is totally worth it to see all the trees and wonderful sights along the way.
Kelly Low — Google review
Very pretty falls. Bring your walking shoes has a great hike to the lower level. Windy hold on to your hat and phone. (Speaking from experience)
The Museum of Glass in Tacoma showcases some of the best glass art from across the 20th and 21st centuries. The museum has both static and rotating galleries, with themed exhibitions covering a range of topics and cultures. There are also guided tours that will give you more information about the historical significance of glass-making as well as explaining some of the more famous pieces on display.
This was our 1st visit to this museum. It was absolutely stunning to see the work!! There was some serious detail on a lot of the pieces.. I had no idea there were so many clever artists with glass. Lol the staff were all very friendly and helpful. The gift shop was great!! And the bridge outside is stunning and remarkable!! There are no other words for that for the detailed beautiful works at this museum. We will definitely be returning.
Lisa Gaspar (Lisa GG) — Google review
Amazing collection!! The museum takes about 1.5 hours to experience. They make kids draw ideas and then they build one of it out of glass once every month! So cool! The glass making process is incredible, lot of fun to watch
Poojan Parekh — Google review
I’ve wanted to see this museum for years and finally did. It was absolutely amazing and did not disappoint. A highly skilled glass blower just happened to be featured that day in the studio so I got to see experts in action along with narration and a video screen covering everything up close so you could see it from any seat in the studio. The museum was just the right size for me, all on one floor with only 2 or 3 galleries (4?) - I personally don’t like huge museums that take hours to get through that, consequently, make me feel rushed and afraid I won’t see it all. How much can one person really take in and fully appreciate in one visit anyway?! I went mid week, early afternoon, off season, and there were few other people there in that particular day so I never felt crowded or pushed. The staff were friendly and there’s a nice little deli/restaurant with good coffee, desserts, salads, and a variety of meat and veggie sandwiches plus a nice (high end$$) gift shop and clean bathrooms (I counted 3) - what else could I have wanted? I was so impressed that I bought a membership and plan to take visiting guests next time they come to town. I drove 110 miles, one way, to see it and every mile was well worth it. I highly recommend this museum if you want to see glass blowing in action and the very creative, beautiful, and high quality end products that the artists create.
LookingForGoodService ByBean — Google review
I'm an Artist from San Diego, CA and through a series of fortunate events, ended up at The Museum of Glass in Tacoma, WA. Employees were very knowledgeable, experienced and were able to answer all of my questions. The work opened my mind to the possibilities of what can be made out of Glass. The 'workshop' area was AMAZING.
A well earned 5 stars 🌟
Ashley Diann — Google review
Price is around $18 per person. They have a showroom/kernel where you can physically see glass being blown and made into an object. There are so many beautiful creations to see that others have made. Honestly a beautiful museum. Kids are able to make/design glass and it is displayed. Love the imagination of what others can create. Definitely recommend.
Rafael Torres — Google review
Thank you for being a part of the Blue Star Museum Program!
We had a great time viewing the glass art. I recommend viewing any work going on in the Hot Shop before looking at the artwork.
We viewed an exhibit for a short time before the demonstration, and it changes the way you look at the work after seeing the skill that goes into making glass art.
The also have little sections for kids to play and interact as well.
Martina A — Google review
Came here on the museum promo Thursday (don’t remember what it’s called exactly?) so it was free! This museum was super cool, and I’m just so glad I get to visit it. There were many beautiful glass exhibits and interactive areas. Stories behind the art work was cool too. Suitable for all ages.
The glass making workshop was also a really cool place to stop by to watch people making glass products!! It was really warm in there, so I appreciate the drinking water provided at the entrance/exit.
The souvenir shop had good selection of items but sadly they didn’t have any snow globes!
Charise Chua — Google review
My EBT card saved me a ton of money on admission! The staff was friendly and polite. The gallery displays were amazing and so beautiful. The gift shop has really expensive art pieces for sale; I bought a Tshirt.
KittyCwak — Google review
The bridge to the museum is decorated with colorful glass artwork. The museum host glassblowing events, one of which we got the chance to watch. It was cool to see how glass is made. That said, their glass exhibitions are very interesting too, and worth taking a look around. There awaits a presentation of so many different glass artwork variations and styles. The experience is very inspiring and educational.
S Tr — Google review
So much fun!! 💜😊 The best part was having a fun day with my daughter. There was an area that they made glass sculptures out of kids drawings. That was 👍😃 Blessings!!
Dezi Miller — Google review
You know how sometimes we just go to places without any expectations but they turned out to be the best places ever you have seen. This is one of those places. Glass art blew my mind and the glass workshop inside the museum was something spectacular to see. Loved this place.
Shyamala Shiwakoti — Google review
We went on the free open-later-evening that happens every 3rd Thursday of the month and had a great time. The highlight was the Hot Shop where we got to watch the team make glasses for a fundraiser event and get to ask questions and just watch the process. But the galleries were nice as well and certainly a nice evening activity to do for us.
Sarah Gale — Google review
Hot tip: The outside (and bridge) at night is really cool (and free) don't miss that part!
Inside: History was cool to learn and when we went there were amazing (and heavy) pieces on being Black in the usa, and a really cool school of fish sculpture which you have to experience in real life to truly appreciate.
Additional info: Gift shop was pricey but if you're a member you get 10% off. Also my partner proposed to me here, it was a nice place to be proposed to. 😉💍
Laura Love — Google review
A must visit for Tacoma. The rotating exhibits are always inspiring and thought provoking. It's a wonderful experience to watch artists working in the hot shop. The gift store has many things available at different price points so anyone can take home a little piece of art. And the glass bridge is open and accessible for everyone at no cost. The museum itself is beautifully designed and fits neatly into its spot on the harbor.
Tracey King — Google review
Every third Thursday is free 5-8pm.
You’re able to view beautiful glass galleries, glass being blown, kids area (with light up toys, drawing area, magnets, shadow work), and a store to buy glass for your home. The exterior is beautiful, artwork in itself with both the unique building and glass fountain near the water. It’s $5 to park building.
Kyleigh Cheyenne — Google review
This is a very nice museum filled with pretty and creative glass art. It has a workshop where you can watch glass blowers at work demonstrating how to create such art. I also loved the gallery dedicated to elementary school kids' designs - very humorous and creative stuff! Also liked the store where you can buy a few memoribila on the way out. I would say one would spend 2 hours here. It's worth a visit.
C T — Google review
Such beautiful artwork! You can get an EBT card discount too! Helps out quite a bit. The exhibits are so amazing and mesmerizing. My son really enjoyed the kid interactive area they have! I definitely want to go back someday to watch them in the glass work room! It's the only thing we missed because when we got to that point they were on a lunch break.
Brandy Sconawah — Google review
The Museum of Glass in Tacoma is a captivating experience, seamlessly blending artistry and innovation. The iconic glass bridge offers a stunning view of the city, while the hot shop demonstrations showcase the mesmerizing craft of glassblowing. The diverse exhibits provide a dynamic journey through the evolution of glass art, making it a must-visit for both art enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.
Mila Samakhvalava — Google review
An awesome museum if you’ve never been to one. Even if you have it’s always great to go back. I always enjoy coming and seeing the art and creations and the live sessions.
Skibert Mateusz — Google review
I highly reccom3nd coming to watch them blow glass in winter, front row seats are nice and toasty!
Discounted admission because one of their galleries was closed. It was still really lovely and worth the visit. I will have to come back to see it when its fully open. The kids art is hilarious (and disturbing).
Melmo Omlem — Google review
I was both impressed and unimpressed. Overall it's a really nice location, especially on a sunny day. There were some exhibits that made my think wow, that's beautiful, and some that perplexed me. But art is subjective, so overall it was a nice visit. The "Strange Fruit" exhibit was hauntingly poignant. I thought about it several times after I left the museum.
This huge automobile museum in Tacoma, Washington has a wide variety of cars from around the world, dating back to the early 1900s. Admission is cheap for kids, and there’s usually some sort of event going on such as a drive-in movie series during summertime.
Very architecturally artistic design, an amazing and surprising variety of automobiles. You sort of need to pay close attention to which ramps on which ends of each floor you are navigating, and try to incorporate the ones you missed on the way back. The staff were super engaging and knowledgeable, there is also lots of information on the walls and in videos playing throughout the levels. I highly recommend paying for tickets and parking online in advance, alternatively the parking machine appears to be down so get your space number and head inside, it's $5 and very little hassle to get that out of the way. There is a pretty neat gift shop and cafe on the premise as well to enjoy, all well worth the visit in my opinion.
Josh Gomez — Google review
If you love cars, history of cars, miss the beauty of car designs, you can spend a good amount of time here.
Mostly old cars, some select new, mostly American but also includes some from other countries.
Large, 6? (Don’t remember) floors of cars to get lost in. Stairs, elevators, ramps accessible on all floors. Nice and clean.
Roped off but you can get fairly close to them.
Wes — Google review
There's nothing like this place other than maybe the Smithsonian but that's in Washington DC and this is the most amazing collection I have ever seen in one place, kept in tip top shape and curated well with rotating exhibits. The building and everybody on the team at LeMay really are dedicated to making this a special place. Also it's not just about the building and the exhibit inside in the collection it's also about the events that happen around the museum on the grass the fun weekend events that we participated in as a family. Thank you guys!
JDS Boston — Google review
I’m sure this place has been reviewed 1 million times. And for good reason. Really a great car collection in the Pacific Northwest. Located near the Tacoma Dome at near downtown Tacoma off of I five. Easy to get to and well worth the admission fee on this visit they had a car collection review. Lots of classic little cars from the past. And present. As he traverse the four floors of this great collection, you walking past history the oldest car I saw in there was from 1902. A lot of these beauties brought back. Great memories of seeing some of these cars on the road back in the day. Certainly worth going to check out for yourself.
Daren Goulding — Google review
Very good collection of cars, went today with my family, you can easily spend 2 hours here. If you're passionate about cars, then you can spend more time. Prices are decent, $18 for adults, $10 for kids of age 6 and above, below 6 years is free. Has lot of parking spaces, however charging $5 for parking. If you want to spend time indoor, then you can definitely visit 1 time here.
Porkaipandian Gopalakrishnan — Google review
Cool place. Worth the price of admission. I took my 5 year old. He makes so many cars because he has watched the Cars movies. Just about every car in that movie is found here. You go up and down ramps in the middle of the building and see cars throughout all of history. There’s a spot to color a picture of your own car as well as a pinewood derby track at the bottom. One of the other fun exhibits was half of a for mustang that you could turn the wheel. The kids loved it.
Jacob Broadhead — Google review
After living up the street some long before this building was built, I finally took some time and went and checked it out. Great exhibits of vehicles of all eras and styles. Great history and visual presentation of some vehicles you may have never seen or heard of. Plenty of things to spend a whole day looking at and something for everyone.
jeff jowers — Google review
Wow! Wow! What an amazing collection of cars, trucks, scooters, and motorcycles. I was absolutely enthralled with the quality, variety, and exceptional presentation of four full floors of famous vehicles. The staff was a delight.
Ronald Rees — Google review
This was such a fun place to end our day out. There are 4 levels, all of which are ramps down and up along with elevators. This year is the year of the porche, so that is the featured cars on the top level. There are some fun interact things you can do with younger kids, like building a weighed car, racing on an electric track, and some car simulators.
Lacy Jones — Google review
Car enthusiasts, start your engines! Plus anyone looking to take a ride back in time to discover the history of the automobile. During our visit the museum had a special Porsche exhibit which was amazing. The museum itself is a beautifully designed building, nicely organized on four levels with so much to see. Embedded throughout are (much appreciated) videos of select cars that trace their respective history. Although my children are grown, there are multiple activities for youngsters to keep their attention. Top level houses a small restaurant and cafe. Upon your exit you’ll also find a nicely stocked souvenir shop with something for everyone. Don’t pass up this gem!
Christopher Martinez — Google review
One of the best car collections on the West Coast. Really well-done in representing many decades of automotive/ vehicle history! We became members because we want to visit often! A real treasure in Tacoma.
Marsha Johnson — Google review
This is a fantastic car museum. Came down from Seattle on the train. Museum is about a 10 min walk from the Amtrak station.
Anyone visiting the Pacific North West with an interest in automobiles should visit. The staff are more than helpful and informative. The building itself is worth a look as well.
Hinklish — Google review
I took my boyfriend for his birthday present because he loves cars and history. It was a great experience! There was even a guy walking around giving random trivia which we really appreciate! I wish I caught his name. We brought our little baby but there was a fantastic kid area that I can't wait to show her when she's older!
Valerie — Google review
Very nice museum. Classic cars with plaques that give year and short history of car. 4 levels of well preserved beautiful cars. History about route 66 on the walls of one of the lower levels. A race car game, pine car derby, coloring drawing and small kids area. On the upper deck a stunning view of Tacoma. Staff very friendly, knowledgeable and engaging.
Ali C — Google review
The museum is very clean, well kept, and has a decent selection of cars and displays to view. Layout of the museum is well done and organized, great for any audience with any amount of time set aside to spend in the museum. There is a basic cafe on the very top floor that looks over a lot of the first display of cars and the inside of the buildings architecture. Spoke with some of the staff and they were very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. My main complaints is that I wish there were more interactive displays like some of the ones at the ends, or the diagrams in the aisle towards the bottom with the breakdown of oil refining and hybrid drivetrains. That was very cool and the museum would be top-tier with more of that, and for more parts of car history. It had a car Sim, but it cost money. There were also a lot of TV displays that were simply not working on the day we were there. I also felt it was a bit pricey for what was there, a large group of people can add up to over $100 total.
Trevor Sparks (Medessec) — Google review
I've been to a lot of car museums and this one ranks with the best of the best. The facility itself is a work of art, truly unique. The car collection is extensive with plenty of variety and every vehicle on display is in amazing condition. I'm glad I was able to fit this into our trip.
Brandon Barrett — Google review
Super cool place - especially if you love cars!
Give yourself enough time to admire everything AND read all the stuff on the walls and in front of the cars. There's a couple spots to stop and watch a video, or play area for smaller kids kind of thing.. Definitely allot 3 hours for this place. I rushed through it in 2 and saw everything... but didn't really read any of the info.
Karla Voth — Google review
LeMay is hands down one of the coolest automotive museums I have ever visited. The amount of vehicles presented was incredible, and the information about each one was informative and interesting.
The museum was much larger than expected, with multiple floors dedicated to different eras and styles of cars.
All staff was courteous and knowledgeable.
Highly recommend. (Try the racing simulator on level 2, it was definitely a fun experience!)
Andrey Grinshtat — Google review
What a fantastic auto museum! It was a birthday surprise for a 22 year old from Nicaragua, who loves cars and motorcycles. Several floors of beautiful antique and modern vehicles. My friend enjoyed 2 different racing/driving simulators. Staff roam around and will answer any questions, as well as give background on various vehicles. Great customer service. Tabo at the simulator was very friendly and knowledgeable.
TOD L — Google review
LeMay - America's Car Museum is an automotive enthusiast's paradise. Nestled in Tacoma, Washington, this museum boasts an impressive collection of over 350 automobiles spanning various eras, makes, and models. From classic cars to modern marvels, there's something for everyone here.
The museum's layout is expertly designed, guiding visitors through automotive history with themed exhibits and interactive displays. Whether you're a casual observer or a die-hard enthusiast, you'll find yourself immersed in the rich tapestry of automotive culture.
One of the highlights of the museum is its commitment to education. Through workshops, lectures, and special events, visitors have the opportunity to learn about automotive design, engineering, and innovation. It's a fantastic resource for both novices and seasoned enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of automobiles.
Moreover, the museum's emphasis on community engagement sets it apart. From car shows to fundraising events, LeMay - America's Car Museum fosters a sense of camaraderie among automotive enthusiasts, creating a vibrant hub for like-minded individuals to connect and share their passion.
Overall, LeMay - America's Car Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone with an interest in cars. Its extensive collection, educational initiatives, and community-oriented approach make it a standout institution in the world of automotive museums. Whether you're a local resident or just passing through, a visit to this museum is sure to rev up your excitement for all things automotive.
Serg Косюга — Google review
This was an excellent museum. The only real draw back is the Kids area really lacks in stuff to do and could use some TLC. If we want to ensure the continued growth in car lovers they should really have a large kids area to play and keep the education going. Better kids area will get you a consistent 5 stars.
Mike Tobin — Google review
They have so many Cars that are both old and new. You can learn so much from the workers as well. I give this place 5 stars and for good reason.
Kaitlyn Bingisser — Google review
The kids liked looking at all of the different cars. The museum is bigger than I expected with four stories of cars to look at. There are also some hands on exhibits for the kids.
Gergely K — Google review
Today we checked out the unbelievable LeMay Automotive Museum in Tacoma Washington, about 40 minutes south of Seattle. This museum is 4 levels and is built in such a way that cars can be driven up and down once inside like a parking garage. Admission is discounted if you are a State Farm, AAA or Hagerty member.
This museum has a focus on American vehicles, and examples inside went back 120 years or so. Arranged on different levels were various collections and notable examples. Quite a few historically relevant cars caught my eye, but I’m sure I missed some as well.
A notable attraction here was a very large slot car track, incredibly themed and full of detail. I challenged Jessica to a race, and she won of course.
In the lower levels a surprising display told the story of Route 66, and there was an entire write up on Delgadillo’s Snow Cap in Seligman Arizona. Some of you may recall a detailed review I made about this place after discovering it on accident in 2023. Founder Juan’s brother Angel is credited with saving Route 66 by advocating for it to become a historic highway, and also served as a creative consultant to the production team for the animated Disney film CARS.
All together, this is no denying that the LeMay is an incredible collection of vehicles and a must see destination for the bucket list of any car enthusiast.
Jared Guynes — Google review
What a day... What a lovely day.
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If you like cars, you will like this museum.
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If you love cars, grew up with cars = freedom as a kid, then you will love this place.
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If you recognize the REAL relationship between America and cars, then you have to visit this shrine to the V8. Supercharged. Shiny and chrome.
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When you are in the musuem, YOU HAVE TO DO THE RACING SIMULATOR. I think it is on the third floor. OMG it is the bomb. My son and I loved it.
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Simply amazing. 5 star experience. The sound, feedback, and dynamics made me feel the race IN MY STOMACH!!! It was awesome!
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Very cool 😎
Sean Campbell — Google review
This is definitely the place to be if you love cars. There is free parking at the location and the ticket prices are 22$ for adults. The washrooms were clean and the staffs were great. There is a cafeteria in the location where you can spend some time. The whole location is a four storeyed and has amazing collection of cars on each floor. Starting from vintage to the latest. There is a gift shop inside the location where you can buy so many items.
The Washington State Capitol Building, constructed in 1928, is a legislative edifice located on a spacious twelve-acre property. It provides complimentary guided tours to visitors.
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a protected estuary sprawling over 762 acres, located just outside Lacey/Olympia. The refuge offers numerous trails and an education center, along with opportunities for bird and whale watching. With more than 200 different bird species thriving in the marshes and grasslands, visitors can also spot various reptiles, mammals, and amphibians.
Very nice place to go for a relaxing walk. The whole loop around was 4.5 miles. The trail is all basically flat with minimal elevation change. There is the section from the wooded area to the observation deck where you are on a gravel road. The rest is all a wooden walkway. There are a lot of bald eagles, I seen about 5-7 yesterday and what I'm assuming where juvenile eagles. Then today I seen seals. Tons of ducks, swallow ect. It's a popular area for bird watching and photography. There is a $3 parking fee, or if you have an American the beautiful pass that works too according to their website. I recommend getting the America the beautiful pass if you frequent any national areas.. I'd your a vet or active you get one for free. Just show your ID to the ranger. Good place for all ages!!
Mark Aloisio — Google review
This place is a must-see for nature and wildlife lovers if you're in the area! It's very accessible as there are miles of gravel walking paths and boardwalks that take you right over the water. I arrived early on a Saturday and it was packed so be ready to search for parking if you arrive later in the day. People come and go though so it's not too bad. The day parking fee is $3 so be sure to bring some cash. The visitors center is very nice and informational. We saw a bald eagle, harbor seals, hooded mergansers, and a wide variety of waterfowl I've yet to identify. No worries if you don't have binoculars- they have some located throughout the refuge for you to view the wildlife. Highly recommend!!
Sabrina Hamilton — Google review
Took the family here on a beautiful Sunday. It was an hour drive and totally worth it. My kid had a great time exploring the visitor center and there's a little park for younger ones. I walked the boardwalk and took photos of all the wildlife it had to offer in early summer. I saw Bald Eagles, lots of Heron and Tern, Cormorant, and plenty of smaller birds. I even saw a deer in the nearby field! Limited parking, and there is legitimately a chance that if you can't find parking you can't go in. Great fun in a beautiful area.
Sam Black — Google review
Spent a lovely three hours here. What an amazing and beautiful place to explore. We appreciated all of the signs along the way teaching about many of the animals at the refuge. This was definitely worth the $3.00 parking fee! We borrowed binoculars at the visitor center. The staff members were all so friendly and welcoming.
Holly McRae — Google review
Beautiful treasure just outside Lacey/Olympia! We walked the boardwalks, enjoyed the birds chirping, and kept our eyes out for the various plants working on blooms. I’ll be back later in the spring to see the results—
Overall, very family friendly and likely good for those whose physical conditions may prevent hiking on trails. It’s still gorgeous and a way to enjoy the outdoors.
There is a fee to park if you don’t have an interagency pass (like the national parks annual pass). This is federal land, so a state pass won’t do.
Taylor Gardner — Google review
The place is super green. It was dried when we got there. It's a wheelchair accessible with little graval. There's public restroom. Once you get to the brackish water, you will experience a nasty scent. There is a fee, It's $3 per person. The only 2 animals that got our attention were a small little green frog and the lonely seal. Parking was free.
Jay Lee — Google review
Great place for taking a peaceful walk and bird-watching. Cost is very affordable (3 dollars per car). You can also use a national park pass. There are public restrooms and a drinking fountain. A gift shop is open seasonally.
There are some trails near to the visitor center that follow deeper water and are mostly shaded. Near the barns, about a 10 minute walk from the parking lot, are picnic tables and outhouses. You can continue from there along the gravel path to the boardwalk that goes out into the tidal flats. Water levels will vary by the tide. I always see at least a few birds when I come, no matter the time of day!
Kristen East — Google review
Always a lovely place to be. Tons of wildlife, we see something new with every visit. Deer, frogs, seals, and an endless amount of seabirds.
The staff in the visitors Center are lovely as well. They will lend you binoculars for your walk if you leave your ID with them - highly recommend! They also have a nice gift shop with local art and more.
To walk the entire trail and boardwalk takes about 1-2 hours depending on your pace.
Rebecca Melton — Google review
Very clean peaceful place. Can get busy at times and not much parking. Very nice kid friendly area with recreational opportunities. After Covid I'm sure they'll do more interactive, educational activities. Beautiful scenery and they have done cool projects for the environment and animals.
Beth Mallis — Google review
Beautiful place for a nice long walk! Definitely won't be bored with the views! I would suggest bundling up good if you plan to go around the colder months as I was pretty cold. The squirrels are really nice, and one even touched my finger near the big double barns. Saw so many birds it was awesome. Saw this heron pictured, bald eagles, tons of ducks and other birds that I could not identify.
Jesse Allen — Google review
Our party of six arrived mid-morning on Friday, June 23. Parking was not a problem.
We were a bit warm as we walked the boardwalk in the bright sunlight. The boardwalk is well maintained and wide enough to easily pass by other visitors.
The tide was out during our visit, revealing thousands of little crabs in mud. We saw various birds along our walk and got to watch a group of 6 eagles soar above us.
Cindy Malota — Google review
I've been going to Nisqually for several years, starting back in 2011 when I first moved to WA and then again in 2020 when we came back. There's a decent amount of parking, less on the weekend, and the entrance fee is only $3 (free if you have a military ID or America the Beautiful pass). Small visitor's center with information about the refuge and a gift shop. Well maintained bathrooms. There's a boardwalk loop that goes through the woods around the marshes where you can see birds, deer, bugs, etc in addition to all kinds of plants. A much larger boardwalk goes out over the water where you can see eagles, crabs, seals, whatever. On a clear day, Rainier is visible in one direction and the Olympic Range to the other. Doing both boardwalks comes out to about 4 miles, all flat. Great place for kids, no dogs allowed. It poured on us during our recent visit but we still enjoyed it!
Alexandra Browning — Google review
Fun park to explore! Nice folks at the visitor/gift center. Lots of different types of birds. Kid friendly. First part of trail was partially shaded. Accepted American the Beautiful pass. Also found out that you can purchase passes in the information center. Restrooms available near the parking lot. Open from sunrise to sunset.
L Hogie — Google review
Such a sacred place. Learn about its history, check out Billy Frank Jr.’s good work for the salmon and all of us people. He is a hero. I’m happy they named this spot after him. This is a sacred valley with a long history! Learn about the nisqually people and then come check out these trails to learn even more.
Prem Dass — Google review
It was New Year’s Day, so it was pretty packed with people. A majority were bird watchers with cameras and binoculars. Others were families with children. Plenty of space and the trails were gravel or boardwalk. It was low tide and many different birds and fowl. Parking was a bit of a challenge, but we managed. Just need some patience. Beautiful place.
sarah beals — Google review
A nice long nature walk. Definitely support the reserve gift shop! 🎁 Prepare for hiking! Bring a water, bandaid, and snack(please take your trash with you, don't litter.) Great place to walk with your kiddos. ⚠️ The wooden boardwalk gets VERY slippery when wet, so if you cannot balance or take your time, go on a dryer day.
BEE S. — Google review
Great place for a walk and for families with kids to see nature. So many different types of animals, eagles and other various types of birds, frogs, small snakes, etc... Depending on the time and day you go, parking can be difficult, so you might have to find a spot on the side of the road or in grassy areas of the parking lot. If you have kids, recommend to stop at the visitor center and get a pamphlet that engages kids to find various things and animals that can be found along the trail. The staff and volunteers are very kind, friendly, and helpful.
Justin Ross — Google review
Such a spectacular place! So easy to walk on the trails and boardwalks. It's flat and long. Easy to get a stride going.
And then, the wildlife! So many different birds all year long. Walking over the water is so experiential!
A must go if you haven't already. You can turn around at any time.
Anne Hanlon-Meyer — Google review
Lovely way to spend a day. So many duck and other bird species (saw owls, eagles and heron). Take care on the boardwalk, can be very slippery in spots during the rainy months. Walk is about 5 miles or so RT and parking can fill up on a decent day. FYI, waterfowl hunting is allowed certain months of the year incase the echoing of gunshots bothers you. Bring $3 cash for the day use fee.
Kim Grummel — Google review
Very beautiful hike 😍 great for children.. so much animal life all around...
Not dog friendly
$3 parking
Stroller friendly
Crystal Hacker — Google review
Spectacular national park! I came during the winter so couldn’t observe the rich diversity of species here but still very interesting to see different types of birds and enjoy the wetlands. The bridge has a lots of signs about the animals here and also marked the land that was from a man who went bankrupt in 1910s and sold the land to US Wildlife.
Highly recommend this park to everyone!
Casual resort offering an indoor water park, mini-golf & an arcade, plus dining & a spa.
Went with family for 1 night and 2 days, the water park was amazing! So many things to do for any age, young or old. The slide rides were a lot of fun. The hotel rooms were spacious and we had 8 people with us and it didn't feel crowded in the hotel. Although the breakfast was expensive, the food was delicious. I would highly recommend this place, it was really outstanding! The staff are kind as well. And the kids had a blast and I did also. I will be coming back in the future!
Lavender Clouds — Google review
Wow, this place definitely exceeded my expectations. Yes, it was expensive. But it was way cheaper than Disneyland. Honestly a great value. My kids (4 & 5) had an amazing time. We also saw plenty of older kids (even teenagers) that seemed to be enjoying themselves.
The food prices are fair, maybe a little more than a regular restaurant. We ended up bringing breakfast items from home and eating breakfast in our hotel room which had a fridge and microwave, and other meals in the hotel or nearby restaurants.
My kids were able to do everything in two areas of the water park all on their own, without adult help. With an adult, they were able to enjoy a couple other areas.
MagiQuest wands and games were included in our pass. I wasn't sure it was going to be worth it, but it was a big part of the enjoyment for us. It offered us something to do when we were taking a break from the water park. With all the walking involved it also helped tire the kids out!
I would recommend waiting to book until there's a good discount offered. The run promotions often, usually when better rates the further out you book.
Laurel Baeder — Google review
The experience was horrible from the moment we walked into the door. I went to check in and was told that our room was not ready. Check in time says anytime after 4. I arrived at 405. When I asked if we could leave our bags so we could take the kids around to play they just told me no (wow). We ended up having to sit around with all of our luggage doing nothing. 430 came and I went up since the first person told me to come up again if I don't get a text by 430. This next person seemed to be a manager and was SO RUDE. I asked when I could expect the rooms to be ready and she just told me "it will be ready when it's ready." Then I asked since we aren't able to check in in time if we could get late checkout proportionately to the amount of time that we weren't allowed to check in. She just told me no. Then when I emphasized that we were paying nearly $2000 for 19 hrs and we're being robbed of one of those hours, I asked if we could receive some credit to make up for it. She then just said "it says right up there that check in is 4pm or whenever rooms are ready. We don't owe you anything." Extremely rude and I thought asking for late check out was very reasonable.
The food was absolutely horrible. Everything was just fatty fast food. ZERO healthy options. Not only was it all unhealthy options, they were severely overpriced and also horribly made. Highly suggest if you go here you just bring food or go out to eat outside of the resort.
I accidentally forgot the charger to my laptop in the room. It was left right on the main table and no way could it have been hard to find. I called right away to which no one answered and was told by the automated system to just email. Zero response....
The only positive experience here was that the kids did enjoy going around and playing with the activities. The staff members that worked the kids' activities were friendly.
ben chang — Google review
This is a great place to stay for a vacation. The rooms are nice and have a lot of space, and the events are all really fun. The water park is awesome and it's pretty huge, as the whole building is as well. There are lots of rooms to choose from, and a golf course, lots of restaurants, a gift shop with quality merchandise, an arcade and more stuff to even name. The pool is a good temperature with just enough people to still be enjoyable with a lot of people there. The water slides are really fun as well. Worth the money for sure.
Matthew Plate — Google review
I took my daughters (7 & 2) here for a day trip. They had a blast. There wasn't a ton of places to put our stuff down, especially trying to keep tabs on my kids while they wanted to run in different directions. The toddler area was great and pretty mellow. The wave pool was fun but very packed. It was also a but intense for both my kids even though my 7 year old can swim. Be cautious and keep hold of your kiddos, and it'll be a great time. Definitely will visit again with 1 adult to kid ration.
Amanda — Google review
The rooms were good, not great. It served its purpose. The kids enjoyed having a den of their own to sleep in. Was very pleased to see that they had a lot of outlets for chargers and the likes.
The customer service was severely lacking. There were a couple times where employees were gathered around chatting and laughing as I waited patiently to ask a question or ask for help. There was always a long line for ice cream and we only ever saw one person to do it all himself. The front desk staff, while some were cheery, some looked absolutely miserable and as though they did not want to be there. The food was terrible and for the price it was 100% NOT worth it. Would definitely stop on the way and grab snacks and breakfast/lunch ideas for the rooms. The water park was fun, the kids had a blast. The life guards all seemed to take their jobs very seriously and it made us feel comfortable. They actually do drills throughout the day to keep them on their toes and it shows. Over all we had an OK time. The kids enjoyed it as a one off treat get away but we will definitely never be going back.
Nareen Atkins — Google review
Awesome time with the family, we were able to upgrade when we arrived to a wolf den for a pretty fair price. I love the new setup and the way the magi game is set up. Not going to lie I miss the way it was but the improvements are not so bad once you get use to them. One complaint would be the new kids section in the water park was really down grade and not even close to as fun. Other then that we really enjoyed our selves. They offered free large pizza and locker for free upon early check out we took advantage and liked the outcome there. Thank you
Trevor Price — Google review
This is our 3rd year in a row to be at this location. I'm not happy with all the changes. They removed one of the slides (green one) from the toddler area. A staff member just told us they will also be removing the purple one soon. We were in the wave pool yesterday for 45 minutes and the waves only came on twice. The staff is not as friendly at all. We normally stay in the kid cabin with the bunk beds and the single bed. That room wasn't available, so we have the kid cabin with the bunk beds. The room is really dark, coffee maker didn't work, and the sink doesn't drain.
The nachos reduced in size by half, but the price is the same.
Last year the arcade was decent, this year it seems rigged to never win. Spent $300 in an hour and only collected 2500 tickets.
They did away with the live interactive show for kids, now it's a video.
Temps were all over the place. Sunday the pool was warm and nice, Monday a bit colder, but by Tuesday my kids didn't even want to be in the water because it was so cold.
Now they are charging for parking!!! We already spend thousands, now you want to nickel and dime for parking.
We accidentally didn't return the towels by 8pm, so we had to return them the next morning. We were charged $45 for their cheap $5 towels.
We have always had so much fun here, but something is different this year. Does anyone know if they are under new management?
Vanessa Bell — Google review
Buffet breakfast was great. Rooms were ok experienced elevator issue. Food outlets were a bit overpriced especially for salads pizzas and wings. The supervisions and cleanliness of the indoor pool area are acceptable but with rooms for improvement. My kids saw poop-like substances in the water basketball area. House keeping was great, Front desk services below standard: greetings and eye contacts, problem solving, and a simple gesture that shows hospitality: smile. I do like to app but can’t say the overall experience being a good value for the price.
Ken Xu — Google review
Almost didn’t go because of the bad reviews. I’m glad I went. It was very fun. Fun slides with my 4 year old. And shallow pools with my 1 year old. 10/10 good day. A little pricey at $90 for my family. The wave pool was no joke. It’s everything you hoped the wild waves wave pool would be.
Kelsey Welsey — Google review
We love this place 💯 Come early and enjoy the water park and stay late the check out day. I would recommend to bypass the arcade park since it’s a money pit. There’s so much more to do there for free. Kids can enjoy the wizard games after age 5 at least otherwise you have to help them. They change themes with calendar events and always have friendly staff. Starbucks is inside the lobby thank Goodness 😅 the only thing that I would improve is the air quality in the water park- it’s a bit heavy when you’re there all day.
Ultra instinct Goku — Google review
Too pricey, like all amusement parks are. But you can find discounts and deals on your visit pretty easily- depending on what day(s) you plan on staying and if you are a first responder (nurse, doctor, fireman, police etc) It's convenient to have the all inclusive facilities in one building ( dining, sleeping, water park access, family style activities and even a few free attractions like yoga or bedtime storytelling). It's worth it to spend a few extra bucks on a themed room like the kid cabin or the wolf den which have semi-seperate rooms with cool bunk beds. It's very clean and I appreciate the numerous employees in the water park who ate monitoring the rides/pool/whatever. It's heated water thank God. We have been several times and the kids always enjoy it. By the way, they let 2 and under in fir free and they count a " kid" as anyone up to age 20. :) You can go frugally by packing a cooler with food, and avoiding the add-on passes, arcade and gift shops. If you're just there to enjoy the water park, and nothing else- you could essentially spend under 85 bucks per person. Not bad. Plus you get complimentary fuzzy wolf ears headband and souvenirs. Pretty courteous staff too. If you hate crowds, don't go on holidays or weekends.
E W — Google review
Only 2/3 elevators operating for 7 floors of families!!!! So many strollers and carts it was stairs or a ten minute plus wait. Rooms are small and lack basic amenities such as microwave. We went for one night with two kids and cheapest passes spending over 600 while our floor had open holes in the wall leading to exposed electrical circuits I saw more than one parent pull a child away from. The service on behalf of staff was great they were all the sweetest. The con is there are so few. Even for the ice cream bar there was one worker and he was clearly exhausted with a line of twenty plus impatient families. The lack of customer service makes some waits too long. They serve with a smile and always please so don't forget to be kind to the few workers. Life guards. Also amazing. Checking water thoroughly non stop alternating visual. I applaud the workers. Just sad they were so few doing so much. This place is making a massive profit in comparison to money they make per night vs what they are deducting for labor and basic amenities. No hot tub for parents which would be amazing. Stay was cute water was fun and stay was worth including passes. But very busy and highly priced for the speed and staff. Every shop I saw had one worker only two had two workers and they were operating separate lines. Sincerely for the quantity of family's housed per night in such a small space unacceptable. Oh Jesus. And the arcade? Bring your 401k ☠️😭
Lani Orr — Google review
Went for a birthday. Room was good and comfortable. Lots of kid centered activities. Price’s DEFINITELY add up if you aren’t careful. Was happy to have food options close by. Starbucks in the lobby was great to have and they were very quick! I’ve been to other indoor waterparks (Kalahari) so feel like they could have a better selection of rides and really need a bigger hot tub! Need more showers. Overall a great trip
Lacy Hussey — Google review
Yes, there are a lot of people, and it can be overwhelming. But honestly, the staff and facility do a great job of having plenty of fun activities for everyone. They even provide plenty of free activities! We just had a one night two day visit that created life long memories. The new room layout are modern and clean. The new magiquest was a blast be ready to get your steps in and have a great adventure with your kiddos!
Anne Lamping — Google review
A great getaway for the weekend. Fun for both a toddler and child. Service was excellent and I was impressed with how coordinated everything was. Rooms were clean and comfortable. Water park was clean as well. A great place to visit with kids as they have a ton of activities to keep them occupied during our 3 days there. Breakfast buffet was tasty and had lots of options.
Joslyn Flores — Google review
I’m not one to write a review, but I HAD to write one! This was our first visit to Great Wolf Lodge, and to be completely honest was NOT worth the money at all! Upon arrival parking was $15 a day which is ridiculous when paying over 2000 for 2 nights, check in was easy, our room was spacious but very very cold, the thermostat would not change at all. The toilet paper was worse than gas station toilet paper and the jetted tub was dirty I had to clean it first before giving my kids a bath. If you hate crowds then avoid coming here. The lines for everything were very long, the cost for everything was outrageous, the soda machine you had to use a QR code to fill any cups and was timed which I thought was weird. we had 3 kids 11,7,5 our younger kids enjoyed the water park, the slides were cool but it was smaller than we expected and hardly any seating. Dining was not the best either it was a 40 min wait for the grill but no wait for the Buffett, it was great for the kids but was lacking for adult options for the price. We did get the wolf pass which was awesome for the kids! And the man working the build a bear station was awesome! He was the best part of this experience! I know we will not be going back!
Ashley Skinner — Google review
This was my first time to Great Wolf Lodge. Let me just say it was amazing! I came by myself with my 3 year old. The resort was fantastic. The check-in process was easy. The room was ready early and looked great. We walked the grounds prior to hitting the fun stuff just to see what was there. The layout was easy to navigate. The front entryway was phenomenal. The kid activities that were set up in the front area were fun and my son had a blast. The employees putting on the meet-and-greet, yoga, and all the other activities were fantastic and engaging. They seemed interested in having the kids there. I would come here every year and plan too it was so much fun. So this is all the good stuff, on to the lesser.
I am a little disappointed with some of the staff. I had never been here before. But not a single staff member asked me if I had, every person I met worked with me under the assumption I knew what I was doing, even though I did not. I did not know I used my band to check out towels. I did not know my son needed a separate wrist band based on height. I did not know the towel was tied to my room and if not returned would end in a $15 charge, which I unfortunately got. I did stand at the entrance for the wood fired pizza restaurant for about 4 or 5 minutes and no one came to seat me, I eventually left and got food off the grounds.
I will say that we spent the majority of our time in the waterpark area. In the little kid section my child could do everything with no issues at all. My child really wanted to do the slides that were under the big bucket. I got up there only to find I could not ride with him, which makes total sense. What I didn’t know was that the people running the slides would “catch” him at the bottom. As one parent, I cannot be at the bottom waiting for him and at the top getting him on the ride. When the lifeguard said they could catch him that opened up the slides to him, he would go first and I would follow up. If this is a normal policy, great. If this is not a normal policy, it should be.
UPDATE - their aquatics director reached out to me and let me know that this "catch" is not a policy that they have in place and the reasons for such, which make sense. My recommendation would be try to come with two adults if possible.
James Golder — Google review
We returned to Great Wolf Lodge after not being there for a couple of years. The rooms are nice and the staff is super friendly. The water park is nice, though some of the sprayers in the toddler pool area were broken and could use maintenance.
Also, the dragon quest in the magi experience was broken yesterday. My boy, as well as several other kids couldn’t complete the quest. The experience just got stuck and wouldn’t reset and nobody could cast any spells. Most of the other quests worked fine, though the equipment is showing its age.
The staff was really helpful when we needed an extra bed. There are decent food options on site. Overall, my kids had a great time and my older son is already asking for a return visit.
Robert Kangas — Google review
We have gone twice now and had a blast both times. My kids enjoyed a normal two queen room rather then the kid cabin because they said the kid beds were not comfortable and the blankets were scratchy. The service is awesome though anywhere you go and they are very good with allergy concerns. The buffet is our favorite but buckets at the water park has good food as well.
All in all an awesome place to stay for a few days and totally worth it.
Stephanie Norwood — Google review
Expect theme park pricing, but this is a great family destination. The bunk beds in the kids area are too small for most teenagers, but if you have younger children, the cabin suites are a good deal. The staff is friendly and helpful and the check in and out process is smooth. The water park is a bit small, but definitely enough to fill a day. Magiquest also comes highly recommended as a fun activity. This was one of my kids big summer ask and it did not disappoint.
Jennifer Farley — Google review
We has fun. It was expensive. The staff was nice. They don't have microwaves in the rooms. They have one at the end of the hall. Breakfast is 20 dollars a person. They have all these extra items but they cost extra.. I think this place would benefit from a playground. The water park is cute.
LaCinda Paasch — Google review
I took my family for my son's 10th birthday. It was so fun. We went over labor day weekend so it was pretty busy but we always got good service. We loved going questing after a delicious all you can eat breakfast before going swimming. The food was all so good from all the different options. There was always something for each of my kids(10,5,2) to do that they were never board. We loved the birthday decorations and cake that was in our room when we arrived. The front deak was able to save us a bunch of money at check in and because of that I was able to do the Sip & Savor adult badge. We will definitely be going again soon!
Natasha Wann — Google review
Overall experience was not bad. My kid had a lot of fun and the place was nicely decorated for Christmas. The only concern I have is the lack of sound insulation in the room. I was bothered with kids running down the halls, screaming kids, loud banging of heavy feet on the floor above us, doors slamming and possibly jackhammering. This all happened between the hours of 10pm to 11pm. I understand that this is a hotel filled with kids but I would think this was put into consideration during construction and made the place more sound insulating.
Christian Aguinaldo — Google review
Great place to visit with your kid or kids. Plenty of fun for the kids (and adults) at the waterpark, water slides, arcade, candy store and shops. Kids also get to do a "Magi Quest" (which lasts for days or about 7 hours) around the resort. Be prepared to get your steps in parents ;-)
We spent 3 nights here and it was more than enough. Would definitely recommend for a visit, but wish they had more adult facilities like a sauna, steam room and cold plunge.
Prices at the restaurants and shops were quite high for what you got, but can't complain too much about the food. Breakfast buffet however, was way over priced.
In general, good place for a visit while kids are still young. Our 7 yr son had a blast!
Bart Pukacz — Google review
The place is what you'd expect, lots of kids, lots of opportunities to spend too much money 😂. It didn't smell like chlorine everywhere which was nice, the food was not very good but always available, and the staff were helpful. One small thing I really appreciated is the padded flooring in the hallways. It made it a lot quieter when kids were running up and down the hallway going from the water park to their rooms.
Bibby Haviland Moore — Google review
Wow, where do I begin, we had a such a wonderful time! We stayed one night and got the wolf pass, it was so worth it. Our daughter is going to be 9 in May and was over the moon in excitement the whole time. The water park was great, the mirror maze was cool, she uncovered pretty gems in the mining activity, the arcade was fun, she completed the Magic Quest and participated in the Master Magi Ceremony. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Everyone we spoke with had such a good energy and were amazing with kids. The lifeguards are so attentive. The food and drinks were delicious. If you plan on doing the Magic Quest, bring comfy shoes. I absolutely loved the activities they do in the lobby, the craft was so cute (origami bunny) and bingo was a blast. It was very convenient to link the card to the wrist band and to be able to enter our room that way. Highly recommend!
Ashley Reynolds — Google review
Absolutely wonderful time. This was our first time here and it didn't disappoint. The room was spacious, and very clean. Check in was easy and efficient. There were tons of activities to do with the kids from the mining to the pool. Staff definitely cared about the safety of everyone and were extremely helpful when we needed help or had a question.
The breakfast buffet was delicious. It was a long line but moved very quickly. We did the dinner buffet the first night we stayed, and it was good for the kids. A bit lacking for the adult selection for the price.
We definitely plan on coming back again in the future!
Tiffany Dixon — Google review
Our recent stay at The Great Wolf Lodge was a whirlwind of excitement and fun for our family. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this resort was designed with kids in mind, and they certainly had an absolute blast.
One of the standout features of The Great Wolf Lodge is its year-round accessibility, making it a convenient option for families living in the Pacific Northwest. The ability to escape to a water park paradise regardless of the weather is undeniably appealing, offering a welcome respite from the often rainy climate of the region.
The water park itself was a hit with our kids, who couldn't get enough of the slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. The variety of attractions ensured that there was something for every age and interest, keeping them entertained for hours on end.
However, as parents, we couldn't help but notice a couple of drawbacks during our stay. Firstly, the size of the resort felt somewhat smaller than anticipated, especially considering the price of accommodations. While the amenities were undoubtedly enjoyable, we had expected a bit more in terms of space and variety.
Additionally, we found the cost of dining at The Great Wolf Lodge to be on the higher side. While the food was delicious and satisfying, the prices felt somewhat inflated compared to similar establishments outside of the resort. This added expense was something we hadn't fully anticipated and did impact our overall experience.
Despite these minor drawbacks, our family thoroughly enjoyed our time at The Great Wolf Lodge. The memories made splashing in the water park and bonding over delicious meals will undoubtedly be cherished for years to come. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option, the convenience and year-round availability make it a worthwhile destination for families seeking a fun-filled getaway in the Pacific Northwest.
Jordyn O — Google review
I read a lot of mediocre reviews and was concerned. I went in knowing I would give them a fair shot. Check in was easy and the front desk staff were very nice and competent. Our room was ready early. Room was clean and up to my family's standards on how a room should be cleaned. We had a great time there. Had the morning breakfast buffet and it was up to the standards of most "free" breakfasts at major chain hotels so paying $18 each for this food was underwhelming.we had dinner off-site and would recommend others to do the same since there "dinner restaurants" were charging a arm and leg for subpar food. The water park was fun but there is a lack of chairs for people to sit in. So be prepared to stand while watching your kids swim. I need to state that all staff were great and engaging. Even with construction the hotel is kept pretty clean. Had an issue with room TV and an employee came up to fix it within 15 minutes. I would definitely stay there again, just not during peak summer months. We got a great deal on room so it made our stay affordable. I just wouldn't pay full price of $400 per night for the room during the summer. I paid 53% less to stay in February. Would I go there again? Yes I would.
beau hopson — Google review
Right off the freeway and near a bunch of restaurants. This place is not cheap it charges for everything and then some.But can you swim before your room is ready and after you check out? YES so that would be the best part.Eating at the lodge would be crazy because of the places you can go in less than a mile. Water slides,wave pools, small kids area, hot tub,and the giant bucket that will put you on your back side so be careful when that bad boy drops. Magic quest,mining and a mirror room for dry entertainment. Good thing for the family to do together, rooms are nice a couple of different styles to stay in.Definitely had to save to go but in the end good memories for sure.
Steven — Google review
The room I got for some reason was an ADA room with a sofa bed. The bed was super hard and it squeaked anytime you moved. So sleeping for my husband and I was so uncomfortable. You pay so much for a "nice" hotel and you can't even sleep. Caught one of the off the clock employees sitting in the "clean" towel bin with their shoes on. I brought this up with management already. Just hope this is resolved in future. Rooms are super clean, but I doubt we will stay again anytime soon. At least not until our backs feel better.
Walking paths & driving tours to view moose, American bison & bighorn sheep, plus birds of prey.
This place was a lot of fun. We were on the Sunday, 10:00 am driving tour. The only thing we did not see was the moose. The walking area is great too, many animals to see. They have a kids play area that is pretty nice too. The staff were very knowledgeable about the animals.
Judy McConnell — Google review
Loved it! It was my son 3rd birthday the day we were there! It was mid week and we were there shortly after the park opened. Everything was amazing and we had a blast! The children's playground was pretty magical with a little creek running through and plenty of places to climb! We did the drive tour as well and got to see even more animals! We will definitely be going there much more often now!
Heather Ann Laginess — Google review
Our family had a great time on our Mother's Day visit! We did the drive through adventure and got to see several animals along the way. The tour guide was really informative and made the drive really enjoyable. The park was fun too. It was a really hot day, but there was plenty of shade to keep us cool. Lots of animals out and about, our kids really likes the bear exhibits the best. Only bummer of the day was the Kid Zone didn't have the water feature on, which would have been nice on the hot day. Otherwise, an overall fun day and we look forward to visiting again in the near future.
Mark McGillis — Google review
Great for family and especially KIDS. I had a blast as a solo traveler. I went to attend the "wild drive" driving tour. This tour was great. Saw all 7 wild animals they had to display. This tour is great if you have an amazing zoom in camera because some animals are really far. One thing i wish is we could've stop our car to take good steady pictures. On the tour you always moving around 5 mph. Tour guides are very knowledgeable and throw a few jokes in. Ill def come back again.
Tarik Melo — Google review
Great way to spend the day. Make sure you plan to go earlier in the day because you're ticket will include both a driving tour (about an hour) and walking around the park for your entire car (around 8 people i believe). The trek around had one steep incline but had greatly placed benches all around the park. Not sure this place would be that fun for younger kids as many of the animals are harder to spot, but my 11 year old enjoyed it.
Heather Erickson — Google review
We went April 9th with our 2 boys 3 and 6. we did the 10 am wild tour. The girl that did our drive was amazing. She knew so much info. She talks the whole drive about how it started and about all the animals. I loved her. Then we went inside and did the whole tour inside. 10/10 for sure and will go back. I recommend if you go to go early spring or late fall when it cools down so you see more animals. Its a better cost to pay the $90 that gets up to 8 people in for the tour and the entire park.
shannon K — Google review
Very relaxed visit as there were no crowds. We saw a few animals on the driving tour but not real close. Walking through the shady paths was nice on this 80 degree day but apparently animals are more visible on cooler days. The 6 year old in our group didn't have any trouble walking through the park and enjoyed Child Trek, a kids play area, complete with a small stream to walk in, barefoot of course. Benches available for watching adults in sun and shade.
Laurie Carlson — Google review
We did the Wildlife Trek and the zoo/park area on our visit with my mom, my 6 year old, my husband, and myself. Each of us absolutely LOVED it! Somehow we went on a day where almost every single animal was out and active (first rainy day in awhile, if that helps)! The animals were so cool and the trek was absolutely worth it! - Things to Know: •For the trek, buy tickets in advance and show up a tad bit early! Plan your drive accordingly with traffic and possibly road work (which we ran into). •Parking is free for the zoo/park area. •Bring comfy shoes if you do the zoo part as it's quite a walk (but absolutely gorgeous). •If you do the trek, tune into the radio station they tell you to. Lots of info and lots of directions for keeping you and the animals safe. •Look ALL around on the trek! We saw animals everywhere, not just the main focus ones being talked about at the time. •Give yourself time! If you do the trek and the zoo, give yourself time for it all. •Be prepared to see some cool animals! A lot of the animals were "up close" than I've seen at other zoos. •Go into the buildings that are there/open (wolf viewing, kids area, etc.). •Plan out bathrooms (they're all over, but also spaced out). •Be careful where you stop under the Bald Eagle area (bird poop and all that). •There is a bear viewing platform that is amazing! •The cafe is small but good! •The kids park area is pretty big, but super fun!
Heather N — Google review
The ride along (car train tour) is So worth the price, and it INCLUDES getting to go into the zoo itself! This place FOCUSES on conservation, and better relationships with the land we live in and the animals we share this land with! Please please please consider coming here! It's so cool and informative!!!
(I ended up with So So So many videos and pictures of all kinds of creatures, but I think what is super important is to show all the plaques and signs in the zoo, they're educational about the plants, the woods we live in and the different habitats and education on the animals they have there!)
Our lead for our driving tour, I cannot remember his name right now, but he was SO SO GOOD! 🙏🏽🧡
He said he used to visit this zoo/park when he was a child and now he works there, educating on the animals and the land, and he said it felt like he's gone full circle. And I Love that. Thank you so much for sharing you knowledge, we WILL be coming back again!
Vaesen Pastry — Google review
Did the driving tour, and it was enjoyable. Saw almost everything but 1 species of animal. The moose were "babies" but still gigantic. Hard to take photos as you can't stop. Pricey for just 2 people in the car. You can have up to 6 but it's the same price regardless.
Afterwards, went inside and walked around. Most of the animals were out.
The 2 black bears got into a little scuffle when the little one was drinking the water, walking back to the other side. The big one then chased the little one off after.
A.j.m — Google review
Love being able to see local nature. The kids area is awesome now. So much to climb on and slide down. The kids had a blast and all but 1 animal was open out in plain sight. Such beautiful creatures!
Sheena Nessly — Google review
We are season pass holders for NWT and have been for two years. We definitely get our money's worth. We go 2-3 times a month. It's a nice change of pace for walks. The play area is a highlight too! I recommend allotting time for the kids to play there! All of the animals are so well taken care of. They do enrichment and extraordinary enclosure maintenance for the animals.
The tram still isn't open which is a major bummer, but they will give you a free ticket for when the tram is open if you ask about it. The new electric tram is scheduled to open Spring 2023. ☺️
Esprit Dunn — Google review
This truly is a great experience but I was very disappointed that we could not take the bus ride around the park to see the Bison and Elk, etc. That's the main and best part in my opinion and it's currently halted until some electric bus thing is installed.
They should have some way to still do this until the electric bus is installed.
Outside of that, it was a nice trip. Most of the animals were out. The cats were still sleeping though. We went from 10am to 1pm. Kids really enjoyed the play area and the food is no badly priced.
Allofus Ra — Google review
This is a great experience and in a beautiful setting in the shadow of Mt. Rainer. I hadn't been here in several years (10+) and I was happy to see it was just as good. Like any drive through wildlife park where the animals are free to roam, what you see is hit or miss because the critters are free to do as they want. We did manage to see a lot of elk, some deer, a few bison, and a couple sheep (the last two weren't even spotted by the guide).
The walking exhibits are also good to see and while still in a very natural setting, are more visible than those in the driving area. It's a great experience for kids and adults alike. It's about a 3.5 hour drive for us, so we likely won't be back for another 10 years or so, but still highly recommend it (it's worth the trip at least once).
Kevin — Google review
We paid $90 for the driving tour. It was a little underwhelming, but cool to see the animals right there. I got to take some nice pictures of the animals during the ride. Having the radio tuned to the host was really good, she gave a lot of good information during the trip, but maybe next time she should get more sleep. I have never heard a presenter yawn so much before...anyway, I found out that $90 also gave us entry into the zoo. This was a nice surprise and made it worth the $90-to do both things. The zoo part has the animals I looked forward to seeing as well. Just remember, the animals like to take naps as well! Sucks to see the wolf sound asleep but he/she needs his rest. I wish the areas the animals are kept in were bigger, but I guess that is the best that can be done.
The staff is very friendly and I am glad we stumbled on this place while out driving. Not sure if I will go back, but it doesn't hurt to see this place at least once. The staff I interacted with seem to really care about their jobs and sharing their animal knowledge with us.
The Reats — Google review
First time I've been back in about 15 years. Honestly, I don't love seeing caged animals, but the animals at NWT are either being rescued, restored, or protected, which makes it much easier to enjoy paying to view them. The only animal we didn't get to actually see was the Wolverine. We will definitely be going back. We walked through the animal park area and then did the Wild Drive. Great place for families!
Reba VanBrunt — Google review
It is beautiful! The sights themselves are amazing and even better with the animals! The tram is wonderful. You get to ride around and look at elk, moose, bison, and more! Then you get off the 5 you get to see the bear, wolves, cougar, bobcat, lynx, and so much more it's an amazing experience and an amazing place to visit!
Cierra Russell — Google review
The zoo was amazing. Do note that it is a small zoo, so if you go, keep that in mind. But the exhibits give you a great view of the animals and the staff are amazing.
I did the drive-thru tour where you drive your own car. It was $110 for my car, which at first I thought was a little expensive. But then I learned that includes allowing ALL people in your car to enter the walking part as well.
I was very happy and felt it was worth it for the family to enjoy the day at the zoo!
Justin Heaston — Google review
Purchased the combo household membership so we can visit this zoo plus the point defiance zoo unlimited for a year! They do offer 10% military discount but you must buy in person. Credit and cash only, no tap to pay.
Took the jeep tour and it was amazing. Lots of information and saw so many close encounters.
Would highly recommend!
Angela Roy (Travel CNA) — Google review
This was a great experience. 6 out of 7 species on the drive and a cool walk around the habitats to see predators and small animals. The lead car/tour guide was very cheery and kept the caravan involved. Will go gain.
tyler dietrich — Google review
I love coming here. It's smaller than Point Defiance, but still has a good amount of animals. There are a lot of beautiful trees, flowers, and other plants.The walkways are mostly shaded, so it doesn't get too hot or risk sun burns. There's a great play area for kids when they're done looking at the animals. We only had the fries and ice cream, both were good.
Gateway to the volcano with exhibits like a working seismograph, plus a wetlands hiking path.
Very beautiful place! Very people friendly wildlife.
Trails were spacious & clearly marked.
Sturdy boardwalk over the water was beautiful! Informational boards along the way.
Versatile impact trail if taken at your own pace.
Beano Trombino — Google review
Great visitor's center! Very informative, but interesting, too. Several hands-on things for kids and teens. Our whole family enjoyed out stop and really learned a lot.
You'll find restrooms and hiking trails, but the actual observation deck is a good drive away. Check in to make sure it's open and what the weather is like so that you don't make the drive for nothing
The visitor's center and observatory are pretty rural so plan on getting gas and food in Castle Rock proper.
Jennifer Nolen — Google review
Glad I stopped! Was headed to seaquest state park but unfortunately they are closed this year. The grounds keeper was super kind and informative while I stopped and asked her about the parks near by. A cute little nature walk about a mile was available to walk. It was a quick stop and super pretty views
Kay — Google review
The hall wasn't open, but the ranger was available as was a kiosk gift shop. The real draw was the marsh walk, with amazing views of Mt St Helens.
Jacintha Highland-Foorde — Google review
This is a very informative place, where you learn much of the history of the water bodies in the area. The lake, rivers and wetlands have all been drastically changed over eruptions from Helens. There is a single, day use parking lot right as you exit the highway, for Discovery Pass users who simply want to enjoy the wetland trail and not visit the visitors center. There are two larger lots, further in for those looking to partake of the center as well. We were lucky enough to enjoy the wetland trail for about forty minutes, before two busloads of visitors arrived...shortly after 1pm. There are multiple, beautiful spots to pause and take in the bounty and breadth of wetland flora and fauna. I learned about a plant that eats water dwelling beetles through traps in it's root system. On a clear day, you can enjoy distant views of Mt St Helens from the wetland boardwalk.
Dogs who are respectful and on leash are welcome. Our little ten pound putz enjoyed herself.
There are volunteers randomly walking around who will ask if you have any questions. The guy we ran into was knowledgable, quiet spoken and friendly.
The visitors center has bathrooms but none are accessible for only the trail. I highly recommend people check out this natural beauty.
Kelly Kirk — Google review
I've loved this place since I was a child. Moved here in 2000. Simple and serene little nature trail just along the Visitor Center that I enjoy walking. Rangers are very inviting. Neat and informative exhibit for those desiring to learn more about Mt. St. Helens. I'd recommend everyone coming here at least once.
Manon Kaufman — Google review
A very nice and well kept visitor center. Great key chain selection. You have to pay an extra $5 to see the exhibits and documentary. Its outside the park technically. Very well maintained.
Alex Melendez — Google review
This is a PERFECT outing for littles. The boardwalk loop is about a mile long, completely flat and very accessible (only struggled with one or two little bumps in the wheelchair). Nice educational signage throughout. Parking was abundant when we went, bathrooms were very clean, and there were plenty of places for them to stop for a rest or a snack. The views of the wetlands and foothills were stunning. Keep an eye out for fun bird species! Admission was only $5 and the interpretive center was fabulous. I highly recommend catching the short film if you can. Rangers were super friendly, enthusiastic, and informative. This place really sparked my oldest's interest and now we can't wait to venture closer to the mountain!
Chelsea Sonnenberg — Google review
The exhibits weren't open yet but there were rangers available on staff in the gift shop, which was still open. This signs on the road leading to the park may have been misleading to some indicating it was closed. The staff were very knowledgeable and helpful with all of our questions. This was a very nice facility and the gift shop was incredible with its selection. I would definitely recommend stopping in if you are visiting the park in the future.
Martin ONeal — Google review
Really educational and not that expensive to get in. I really liked the movie that goes over what happened in detail. Beautiful walk around the back. I find it strange that it's nowhere near the actual mountain, it's like an hour's drive away but I'm European and used to everything being close together. Gift shop prices were insane though.
Deer Bones — Google review
Nice place to stop on the way up the mountain. The exhibits are nice but nothing special. There is an overlook above the building that overlooks the valley. They have telescopes and we could see some wildlife. When we visited they had a volunteer up at the overlook pointing out wildlife and points of interest. There are benches outside and a little gift shop. Staff were friendly and helpful.
chris m — Google review
Great small educational center! We went on a pretty cloudy day, but the staff was super polite and informative. Definitely plan to visit during the summer.
Emi M — Google review
April visit was cool and overcast, but still lovely. Hwy 504 is not open to the Johnson Ridge Observatory due to road damage.
Jean Hauritz — Google review
Educational and fun. Easy drive from Portland, great way to introduce kiddos to volcanoes.
Mini movie about the eruption is neat and teaches everyone something.
Cool model displays and oodles of learning in the museum. Great gift shop with any kind of mementos you could need.
Plenty of parking and shaded parking too, there’s even an area to walk your dog. Paths are very accessible though there is a small incline to access the loop through the marsh, you could definitely roll it or navigate with cane.
Tables and spots for picnics and if you don’t pack anything, the snack bar is reasonably priced and has caffeine.
Well worth the drive.
Aria — Google review
Very informative. There is a great view of Mt. St. Helens, but --- only after mid-day. Otherwise, it is backlite and the mountain top fades into the bright skyline. The grounds and buildings are wheelchair accessible. There are two levels, about 5 steps, but there is a ramp also.
Christopher Light — Google review
Beautiful Visitors Center at Mt. Saint Helens. It provides lots of information before you set out to discover Mt. Saint Helens. The Park Rangers are friendly and knowledgeable. There is a well-done display and a very informational movie; there's a $5 charge if you choose to see it. Of course, there's also the requisite Gift Shop on site.
Ruth Jones — Google review
I enjoy coming here very much. The trails are nicely maintained, the bathrooms are clean too. It is great to have places to visit that are free too. Thanks I will be back!
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Headquarters
National forest
Nature & Parks
Office of the National Park Service offering trip-planning information for the 110,000-acre park.
Yesterday, we did a private hike with guide Eileen Kiely up to the Crater Glacier Overlook. What an awesome day we had! Not only were we fortunate enough to have the perfect weather, but the wildflowers were in full bloom; the views of Mount St. Helens National Monument (including the crater, Spirit Lake and the expansive pumice plain), Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams were absolutely stellar; and the overall experience to be in the crater itself was one I will never forget. I highly recommend this hike!
Steve Carples — Google review
Worth visiting this national monument! The observatory has a lot if info and a great video. The views of the mountain are incredible.
Stacy Kunnassery — Google review
Recently participated in a hike into the crater with MSHI, and the entire experience was fantastic. The guide staff was very passionate, knowledgeable, and attendant to our safety while climbing. Outside of actually climbing into the crater, the staff provided a very comfortable camping experience, with just the right mix of 'roughing it' and creature comforts. I felt the whole experience was a great value especially given the campfire songs led by guided, Sarah and Sierra! Thanks, HSMI. Oh yeah, they fed us REALLY well, too.
Steve Olenchek — Google review
Setting aside land for a National Monument is a big deal. It means that future generations can see the setting in a mostly untouched state of being. There's much to see and experience in this area where mountain meets mankind.
Melanie Holmes — Google review
Staff were awesome. Sometimes the folks working the counter aren’t familiar with the locations but the young lady helping me was able to pick out the best places to view the mountain.
If you need directions, this is the place to stop.
Bushmaster 6 — Google review
A Washington Icon! Everyone knows the story, but to really understand the damage, even 40 years later, you have to visit for yourself. I highly recommend the Ape Canyon Trail, it snakes along the mudflow from the eruption along the SE side of the mountain.
Deirdre McAteer Gee — Google review
Great hike and visiting Mt. Saint Helens. Beautiful scenery.
Irish — Google review
Extremely disappointing and unorganized. They make people wait for 1 day at 9 AM to buy permits to climb the mountain. There site sucks big time. It wouldn't work. I've been trying since 9 am to buy 2 permits and had one issue after another issue. I tried to call, but they don't answer. There email was broken too! What a disaster and totally not acceptable. The federal government needs to take this back and run it with people who can actually manage it correctly!!!!! I'm so mad and upset! I've waited so patiently for this day to come only to be so disappointed. At 9 AM the site wouldn't even load correctly. Then by 9:30 it was partially loading. Finally around 10 AM it loaded and there was still 90 permits available for my date!!! Yeah.... so I thought. Selected my 2 permits only for the purchase button not too show up at all. I kept calling and calling... but no answer. Then at 10:40 AM the site actually let me select to purchase and enter my credit card. One would think this was a success, but not. There bloomin "submit order" button was broken. 8 tried various browsers on the computer and my cell phone. All with no success! 😢 Why is this even allowed? I did everything right and I got nothing except disappointment. They all need to be fired. Each year they get worse and worse. Thought it was suppose to improve!!
The Portland Japanese Garden is a tranquil, peaceful space with features like a waterfall and teahouse that offer stunning views of the cityscape. The garden is composed of five different styles of gardens spread over 5.5 acres and offers visitors a chance to learn more about Japanese culture through displays and activities.
You should definitely check out this Japanese Garden if you're in the area because it is totally worth it. You have to pay an admission fee to enter but it's not a lot and you're supporting the garden. You have to take a small hike to go to the main entrance but it is well worth it. They have a little cafe here but there isn't a lot of options so just be aware. The view that you get of the waterfall, design and being with nature is wonderful. You can spend a good 30 minutes just walking around and enjoying your view. There are also workers around the garden as well if you need help or someone to take your picture. We really like the main little waterfall that they have here. Parking is not free I think so just be aware that you might have to pay for that as well. They have a little gift shop where my wife got an earring from. Just follow the pathway and you won't get lost.
Peter Xaymountry — Google review
The garden was beautiful! It was a little smaller than I expected, but it had nicely paved paths, nice spring blooms and a peaceful vibe. The queue for the Japanese cafe inside is super long, so make sure to reserve your spot first thing when you get in. Would be even more beautiful if the cherry blossoms weren't at the end of their bloom.
Amy Wu — Google review
Definitely worth a visit! It was super peaceful and so beautiful. They have tours there but it seemed like most just walked through on their own. It’s not huge so you can get through it somewhat quick so take your time. The paths are uneven but there was a sign saying they did that on purpose so you would be forced to take your time. It’s all very intentional which is super cool. All the sounds of nature are really pretty and it’s well groomed. Bought our tickets ahead of time so we got in pretty quick at our allotted time. There is parking up top and I think it’s a couple bucks an hour but we just walked our way in. I’m sure the parking fills up quick though. There’s a nice little cafe and gift shop and information center at the top before you walk into the garden as well. The gift shop was cool and it seemed like the cafe had some authentic options.
Tristan C — Google review
Really lovely, the map you get given does look like it's a big place but when you walk around, it's actually not as big as you think. So take your time, enjoy it. It really is an amazing piece of artwork.
Sam — Google review
Absolutely stunning and peaceful. The beautiful nature combined with the maintenance of the garden is just incredible. So many beautiful statues, structures, settings, and more. We went on a lightly rainy day and walked around for approximately 3 hours. It was definitely a hike, so be prepared shoe wise. Be respectful.
Jessica Hughes — Google review
At first I thought the price for entry was a bit on the pricey side, but I think it was well worth it. The garden was very peaceful and relaxing. Went in the morning when it was still cool and crisp out. The sounds of the flowing streams and the few small waterfalls while staring at the zen garden make all the difference. 10/10
B P — Google review
The Portland Japanese Gardens extraordinarily beautiful. I happened to go when it was a perfect day and I enjoyed every aspect of it. I read some complaints about the hike up, but to that help to segment the garden to its own world. The gift shops were really awesome. There were a pretty large variety of items to purchase. On top of that there was a showcase of art right next to it. The garden itself has multiple sections to walk through. Each segment had its own unique identity. Truly my only complaint about the garden is one it’s entrance fee and two it’s size. I felt that for how small it was the fee was not up to par. If it was bigger I’d honestly be completely okay with how much I spent. Though I wouldn’t let that deter any new newcomers because it’s still an amazing experience.
Sonam — Google review
Walk into a place of tranquility and rediscovery. This is oasis hidden among the city. A leisurely walk through the garden will put your state of mind of calmness and escaping the day to day. The views are beautiful. The bonsai trees are a very welcoming addition. Go from place to place and see what a bit of meditation can bring around. Take in the air in its purest form. This is definitely a place that I'll come back to visit again. Gift shop, restrooms, and a fairly decent sized restaurant. There are plenty of customer service attendants walking around if you do have questions regarding the area. Go by and see. Look into your own personal life and see what happens.
Robert Herrera — Google review
Beautiful, of course. Can't take in outside food or drinks. There is ramps in places, but a lot of stairs and uneven ground. Lots of benches to stop rest or take it all in. Think fall would be the best time to come and enjoy the mapels showing off and a nice chill in the air
Misky B — Google review
Very beautiful Japanese garden. A wonderful and educational place for family pastime and enjoy Japanese culture. We walked for 2 hours and enjoyed it very much. We managed to see the feeding of koi carp, it was very interesting for the children. Beautiful and very picturesque place, solitude and peace. Wonderful gift shop. There is a restaurant nearby in case you get hungry after a 2 hour walk through this incredible place. The price justifies expectations. Thank you very much, we will definitely be back.
Kseniya Pfau — Google review
Our early October visit to the Portland Japanese Gardens provided us a monochromatic view of the beauty of the gardens. Having read some of the Google Maps Reviews, we saw how other visitors have contributed photos of beautiful gardens full of color. We missed that season by months, but that didn’t take away from our visit. We were fascinated by the textures, the variety of steps, the water. Even though the clouds were low and it began to lightly rain, it didn’t distract from our visit.
We did take advantage of the free shuttle to the top of the hill and enjoyed our stroll down.
There are no restrooms by the entrance; they are at the top of the hill.
Would love to return and visit during the other seasons.
Sue Martindale — Google review
This is an oasis in Portland. The grounds are meticulously kept, and the buildings are beautiful recreations of historic Japanese structures. There are tours offered, a gift shop, and a modern tea house on site. However, it was an hour and a half wait on the Sunday we visited, so we had to skip it. It is a hike to get from the shuttle drop off area or parking to the top of the hill where this resides but there is also a free shuttle back and forth from the top fi you need it. Limited options for refreshments: On Sunday afternoon we went, I was informed they had sold out of water, but there were a few water fountains available. The bathrooms are nice, and the garden areas are varied. Your experience may be affected by others who don't understand keeping their voices subdued in tranquil and relaxing settings. There are plenty of small seating areas to enjoy some snatched privacy or the views. On a clear day like we had you can also catch an amazing view of Mount Baker in the distance towering over the city.
M A — Google review
I go here every month with my family and it’s so fun! Never gets boring. It has a very nice cafe and gift shop :) I got my friend a really nice birthday gift from there. 10/10 would definitely recommend! Although I suggest getting a membership because it can get really crowded on some days.
silly — Google review
Very nice design. It has three levels, ground entry level, middle exhibition level, and garden level. You can enjoy the design concept that combines artificial with nature in an elegant way. You need to spend at least 1 hour to appreciate the beauty of the garden.
Zhong Shang — Google review
This place is beautiful! Very relaxing and amazing place to take pictures. My girls really enjoyed the fish and site seeing. They have a Cafe restaurant, a gift shop, a learning center and bathrooms. The walk is not crazy long but it took is about 1 1/2 hours to go through it all. Most of it is up hill , with some leveled areas. If you have never been it's definitely a place to try out.
Parking was tight lots of people on a Sunday. You have to pay for parking and then line up to pay the entrance fee. Children 5 and younger are free.
Jessenia Renteria — Google review
What a great start to our weekend Portland trip. The grounds are beautiful and so well maintained. It took us about 1.5 hours to wander the grounds. The only feedback I would give is that when I researched the garden before going it did not mention that there is a bit of a hike to even get to the garden. I navigated it fine but I could see this being an obstacle for others.
Meghan McGee — Google review
This is definitely one of my favorite places in Portland and one of my favorite garden spaces in the country. What a gem of a space. Definitely sign up for a tour as it is time well spent getting the background and history of the space and learning about all of the thoughtfulness and intentionality that went into this beautiful space. It was great to catch a tea ceremony demonstration and to have tea in the tea house at the end. This is one place in Portland I will plan to visit on every trip.
Ryan C. Van Wyk — Google review
It is best to arrive early to avoid the crowds and truly soak in the serenity. This was my first time, and even at 11am on a summer Wednesday, there were lots of people on the paths. There's a lot to enjoy from the bonsai, trees, bushes, bamboo, coi fish, stone pathways, streams, and gift shops. It was inspiring to consider some of these designs for my own garden.
Sabrina Lozano — Google review
This is a wonderful place to stroll through. The ticket price is justifiable considering this is a private funded garden. We spent 2 hours walking through. Fun art installments and gift shop. Not to mention the cultural performers. This is a fun outing and worth a visit. Thank you Portland Japanese Garden!
Nik Ledger — Google review
Probably THE Most popular tourist place in Portland city. Claimed to be the biggest Japanese garden in north America. True to the fame, the garden is really well designed and staffed. Beautiful view throughout the year. Often you can find surprise local Japanese capture presentations at the site for free. Also right next to the Japanese garden is the beautiful rose garden. so lot of things to do there. At the top of the hill, some time it could get chilly. Bring a thick jacket if needed.
Shrek Wynn — Google review
The Portland Japanese Garden is a serene oasis that offers a tranquil and beautiful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. As you wander through the paths, you’re greeted with meticulously maintained landscapes that showcase the art of Japanese gardening. Each area of the garden has its unique charm, from the peaceful Koi ponds to the stunningly manicured trees and plants.
The attention to detail in every aspect of the garden is remarkable. It’s a place where you can truly appreciate the changing seasons, each bringing its own unique beauty. The garden also offers lovely views of the city, adding to its charm.
The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, contributing to an overall welcoming atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot for contemplation, photography, or simply a peaceful walk. A visit to the Portland Japanese Garden is a must for anyone looking to experience a slice of tranquility and beauty.
Nihar Bendre — Google review
If you're out in Portland visiting, I highly recommend coming here! It was raining when I went, but I was still able to see everything the garden had to offer. The views are absolutely breathtaking, and there's enough to keep you occupied at least for half of the day. It wasn't too crowded either and very peaceful to walk around the garden. There's a decent sized parking lot, but you do have to pay. Also, you do have to walk uphill and climb a few stairs to get to the actual garden as a fair warning. But I had a great experience and would come back again!
franchesica kilt — Google review
If you’re coming here you probably have an interest in Japanese gardens or wanted a pretty place to be in nature whether by yourself or with friends and family, well I have to say it was indeed beautiful.
I’d say if you were to really speed run the sites you can walk through the whole park in 30 minutes to an hour but considering we should be mindful of the details that go into this beautiful garden I’d say if you’re an adult you can properly take in the sites and surroundings in 1.5-2 hours. So many small details and signs of beauty you would miss if you hurry through.
It was a great way to spend the day, it was gorgeous and I really did feel at peace here while trying to be mindful of the work the staff put into maintaining this beautiful garden. On a clear day there’s a wonderful view of Mt. Hood? And you could spend much longer than 1.5-2 hours there if you chose to do so. You can walk up from the entrance to the main gardens or there is a bus and or parking that can get you up to the main attractions (I think). There’s also an area in the gardens where they hold exhibits, the current miniature exhibit (as of 02/24) was great and interesting and I’d recommend checking it out as well.
There were no real negatives but I’ll list out what I wish I knew, as of now (02/24) the koi aren’t out in their usual numbers as they are doing something to keep them healthy until spring time comes in. And the traditional tea house is not what’s generally open to the public but a place where you can take photos of and walk by. I’m sure you can reserve a tea ceremony somehow, but I was excited to drink tea in a traditional tea house and didn’t realize the tea house/cafe on site was more modern (yet good and welcoming but not what I was hoping to do while here).
Overall it’s gorgeous, a good time and when in Portland I’d recommend checking it out for sure, even in the winter (02/24) it was gorgeous and I can’t wait to experience this place during the different seasons!
Joe Johnson — Google review
We went 3/24 - the cherry blossoms were gorgeous and in full bloom, along with the camellias and magnolias. It was a wonderful stroll but definitely not very accessible, lots of stone pathways and rocky slopes. I would also suggest putting your name in for the cafe when you first get there - you can then enjoy the garden and have tea after as there is usually a long wait it seems.
Hayley Resk — Google review
I've been to the Portland Japanese Garden twice, once with a buddy of mine and then again with my partner. It's such a tranquil environment to spend some time in a controlled and well-organized mixture of culture nature. The garden itself isn't huge and you can explore a lot of it in a couple of hours, but I would recommend taking your time in viewing the scenery and experiencing the places with all senses possible.
If you're able to go on a weekday, it's especially well worth your money, as there are less people and you can enjoy the calmness of the environment. My partner and I went here on Valentine's Day and had an amazing first part of our day. It can get distracting and hectic here on the weekends with more people and a lot of kids involved, which I feel can be detracting from the place, though they do a good job attempting to combat that problem by setting a limit on how many people can enter at a certain time.
The garden is different during all four seasons, and now my partner and I want to experience all of them together. There are a lot of reasons to go back besides that, though. It's a nice way to spend some time and decompress while still being outside and feeling productive. They have a cute little café and gift shop. Employees are kind and knowledgeable, and they look happy to work at this place.
Angelyka Cava — Google review
Our visit to the Portland Japanese Garden was really nice. Walking through the garden felt like stepping into a peaceful place, far away from the usual hustle and bustle. The paths, the well-kept plants, and the calm atmosphere made our time there very enjoyable. The Umami Cafe offered We especially liked the small ponds and the view. It's clear a lot of care goes into keeping the garden beautiful. Adding to the experience, the Umami Cafe offered great-tasting tea and pastries that are definitely worth trying. We had a great time and definitely recommend a visit.
Aysa Fan — Google review
Wrapping 2023 in a peaceful and tranquil place. As soon as you walk in the garden you feel relaxed and your mind quiets down. Everything looks so green and fresh in the rain, I’m sure that spring time is gorgeous with all the flowers, I will have to go back to check it out then. There is a little cute shop when you get to the top of the gardens and also a miniature sculptures exhibit. On a nice clear day you can see mount Hood. There is enough parking space but you have to pay for parking, and of course a restroom on premises.
The International Rose Test Garden is a public garden in Southwest Portland, Oregon, United States. It is 4.5 acres (1.8ha) and has award-winning rose varieties, as well as Shakespeare Garden adjacent with flora mentioned in the Bards most famous works and roses named after characters from his plays. The garden is open daily from dawn to dusk during the summer months.
We when here a few years ago and I absolutely loved it! It's such a beautiful place to walk around and take pictures with the many different types of roses! The fact that it's free is a bonus in my book.
Ashley Roberts — Google review
An awesome place to visit! You get to see so many varieties of roses and colors ! It’s very gorgeous and feels so good. Best of all there is no entry free to visit this place. You just need to get parking or can opt for pay by your parking. Do visit this place in jun end types for full bloom. You can easily spend two hours.. there is also a open area where you could plan a picnic with kids n enjoy leisurely the beautiful garden! You can’t get enough pics of the roses !
Amruta M — Google review
The garden was an absolute delight. Even though the majority of the roses weren't in bloom yet the grounds are beautiful. You also get a lovely view of the city and mountains. The park is very hilly but has good ramp access. Although the park was very serene, unfortunately, my car was broken into. There didn't seem to be any security or cameras in the parking lot so do not bring any valuables to the park.
Altinay Cortes — Google review
Definitely not in season for roses but still beautiful! Loved the blossom trees. $2 per hour parking spots you can pay at meter with card or cash.
Jaslin Guiles — Google review
All the roses are in full bloom now! Now is the best time to see this garden! This Free entrance rose garden is one of the best rose garden I ever seen. So many pretty roses! It surely is garden lover’s dream come true. Try to avoid the huge crowds go on weekdays or late afternoon on the weekends. Parking is a little hard to fine, but I can guarantee you that this place is worth your patience to drive around for a parking spot.
J C — Google review
The rose garden is so beautiful and if you come on the perfect day then it just makes it more amazing. My wife and I came here today and the weather was great. The sun wasn't out yet, it was in the mid 60s and the air was fresh. We uber here so we didn't have to look for parking. The roses here are all amazing and you'll have a beautiful background no matter where you take your pictures. They also have a little Gazebo if you want to sit under there and take photos. The gift store here also have some nice products. My wife got 2 of their purses because she like the roses design. There a bathroom near the gift shop and they also give free tour at 1pm. You cannot go wrong by visiting this place because it's also near the Japanese Garden and amphitheater.
Peter Xaymountry — Google review
Such a beautiful place with so much to see. Find any colored rose here even tie-dye roses. Easy to access and get around with many places to sit and relax or to take a small break. Very very recommended. Close to the zoo, the children's museum, Japanese garden and a few other places you can spend an entire weekend in and near the area parks.
ExplOregon Jerry — Google review
This is our second visit and we live 2000 miles away! The roses are so beautiful and the variety is fantastic! Acres of the most amazing flowers you’ll ever see! The most peaceful experience you’ll ever have with the exception of the Japanese Gardens across the street.
Mickey Berry — Google review
If you appreciate roses and beautiful gardens with pleasant pathways, and stonework in general, you’ll love the International Rose Test Garden at Washington Park.
This lush, tranquil and large garden setting is a perfect place to get your mind off the mundane day to day whilst taking a stroll or reading a book. I would recommend the summer months til October for the optimal experience as the roses are obviously not blooming in winter through early Spring (not sure why some reviewers were so surprised at this). Parking right now in October is best especially if you’re going on a week day, if you want to have a good experience here and avoid crowds definitely go on like a Monday.
Finally I’d recommend taking your time to fully enjoy the blooms, beautiful greenery and lovely setting, it’s a garden so strolling is best not a place to grab a few choice shots and then be off…
Shylo Saragosa — Google review
My family had a nice time visiting the rose garden and we will have to revisit again to be able to explore it in it’s entirety. You could easily spend a couple of hours here. They have different sections the roses are organized in. There is the Shakespeare Garden and an amphitheater. It was free to look around, we only had to pay for parking which was around a few dollars. Everything was very well kept, nice and neat.
Veena Violeta — Google review
06/11/23: what a gorgeous And fabulous rose garden!! It has different varieties of roses and they smell SO GOOD! aha, I would say it is an enormous garden connecting to different spaces (picnic areas, Japanese garden, Washington Park) and there is a fine for removing roses!!
There is no ticket and tons of paid parking lots in front of the garden. It does worth a visit and I would love to make several more visits to this beautiful garden
Danny Tram — Google review
We loved the International Rose Test Garden! It is so beautiful and they smell amazing!! Parking was only $3.50 for two hours, and it was right by the gardens. They have tennis courts, a botanical garden, and an ametheater. People were having picnics, doing yoga, and playing soccer throughout the gardens. It is a relaxing and awesome place to go see.
Callie Main — Google review
This is one of the best rose gardens I’ve ever been to. There are so many varieties of roses to choose from, and I love how many colors there are. If you visit Washington Park, make sure to stop by. The garden appeared to be in full bloom in mid to the end of June. There is no fee to walk through the garden, so take your time.
Mary — Google review
Lovely lovely lively! Many variety of roses to see and smell. The roses are in full bloom during this time of the year. They were beautiful and scentuous. We went on a weekend so I think there were more people visiting than on a weekday, but can't say for sure as I never been here during the weekday. Parking can be hard to find so you may need to park farther away, but the walk is not bad. There's a free tour, but they're only for a specific time of day. You can also do a self-guided tour. There are restrooms and even a souvenir shop.
Giuli C — Google review
The time and care and love put into raising these gorgeous roses is made evident by the luscious lawns and vibrant petals that cover these grounds. It’s well worth a visit, even though parking can be tight on days with good weather.
Excellent place for a date, boys and girls 😘
Ryan — Google review
The roses were not blooming yet. However, I enjoyed the rest of the scenery and the peacefulness of this garden. There’s also other beautiful gardens in walking distance to explore.
Vilma Yoder — Google review
Beautiful place and garden. Roses were still blooming as of Oct 22. The parking is $2 per hour. I found it easily. It's an amazing place with great views of the buildings as well. The Japanese garden is also closest. A lot of trails around and you can see a bunch of people running, walking and strolling their dogs. Definitely check it out if you can.
Sunny Binjola — Google review
Came here to spend a Saturday afternoon while visiting Portland. Very impressive varieties in all shapes, sizes, and colors. You can easily spend 1-2 hours just walking around the many varieties. They allow you to walk along the rows, trusting you won't touch the roses or bees pollinating the flowers. Basically, leave no trace behind.
There's different sections from the test garden, gold medal garden, Shakespeare Garden, climbing roses, miniature roses, landscape roses, shrub roses, grandiflora roses, floribunda roses, etc... Even if not a rose or flower expert, you can easily appreciate and learn about the many different varieties of roses. Definitely worth the free cost to walk around the roses.
LeWayne Ballard — Google review
We visited just to get a preview of what to expect in the spring. Loved the lay out, plenty of space. It seems to have a good variety of rose plants... love the serenity!
David Wynia — Google review
So wonderful! I love the rose snow ones in the summer, but year round the whole place is gorgeous. I wish there were more sheltered spaces so people could come and enjoy the view in the winter months, but it's a cute spot! Bathrooms are not the cleanest, but what can you really expect from a public park?
Lily L. — Google review
Beautiful park. If you love nature you will find it breathtaking...the flowers didn't bloom yet, but the park is beautiful
glamsense divas — Google review
Very nice and peaceful place to go for a walk. When the roses are blooming they look great right now I'll have to wait until spring. I highly recommend this location.
The Lan Su Chinese Garden is a tranquil botanical garden in the Old Town Chinatown of Portland, Oregon. The garden features rare plants native to China, decorative stonework and a tea shop.
We went there yesterday and we love it. Great place for tea time and relax. We ordered 2 cups of tea and enjoy our time there. When we headed out, the security guy asked us if we would need a bottle of water as it was hot yesterday (so nice of him). Recommend to spend about 1 hour - 1 hour 15 mins for a self guided tour including photography and tea time. Pay with app would work best if you need to extend the parking time. We ordered 3 cups of tea, around $6.5 each. We love the view :)
Ngoc D. Nguyen — Google review
I got here for the Chinese new year and it was decorated decently. I love what they have done with just a small space, worth a ticket to go and see. I enjoyed the waterfall the most, I love them. So peaceful and calming. The tea and gift shops were neat and the the teas were tasty!
White & Gray Matters — Google review
My friend and I had a great time coming here. Very peaceful and casual. You are totally free to wander about at your leisure and take as much time as you want. It was not crowded either. Plenty of cool architecture and things to look at. Amazing bonsai trees, statues, and mostly shaded by beautiful trees. What really made this experience special was the tearoom. The tearoom is absolutely amazing, on the second floor. An amazing selection of high quality teas to choose from. You can try several, and they serve it to you with a kettle of hot water so you can re-steep your tea as many times as you like. While you enjoy nice views of the entire garden out the windows. Very relaxing, and great experience. Highly recommend!
Phil Foster — Google review
I like what they’ve done with such a tight space!
Very peaceful and quiet inside. I loved the pond and little bridges & pavilions built over it.
The tea shop was good! I tried the mint & Tulsi herbal tea and quite liked it. The red bean mooncake was good too. Nothing to rave about, but good!
The gift shop has some interesting little souvenirs. Overall, I wished it was a bigger space - especially for that admission fee of 13 bucks.
Swap — Google review
This was a true zen experience. It doesn't draw the crowds that the Japanese garden does, which means the lines don't exists either. Purchased tickets ahead of the visit online, parked in a nearby lot and walked to the gardens. It was delightful and surprising that once inside the gardens a lot of the city noise dissipated. It was beautiful and the tea house was such a pleasant stop.
Bri — Google review
First-time visitors are in for a somewhat quick and short walk through. It's not too big good for a short visit. Easy access to walking. Limited with space for walkers or wheelchair. Just because the pathways are somewhat narrow. Would be definitely good to go first thing in the morning before it gets crowded. One-time visit.
Robert Herrera — Google review
Wonderful oasis in Old Town! It's nice to see thriving businesses and locations in the neighborhood. There's a great amount to learn visiting the garden and ultimately it's just a nice place to clear your mind. Definitely a Portland gem.
Kareem Alston-Rosales — Google review
I loved my visit here. I had concerns about going due to the location but I'm glad I went. It's a tiny paradise. They offer a tour and you can wander around at leisure. The teahouse was lovely and smelled amazing like tea and incense. I will probably buy a cup next time. The staff made us some complimentary Tangyuan...tiny dessert of glutinous rice balls filled with sesame paste in a hot sweet sauce that tasted like sweet tea. We did a fun scavenger hunt also as we walked around. I'm grateful for the Chinese community for keeping this garden and old buildings maintained to perfection for the public to enjoy.
Laura Core — Google review
This place is small and amazing. I like the atmosphere and decorations. It looks very expensive to maintain. It cost 15 dollars to get inside. It is a nice place to walk around and take photos. Sit down and enjoy some tea. I like it here more than the Japanese garden. Wished it was bigger
Johnnie Lau — Google review
They had a cool dragon dance to celebrate lunar near years! We took refuge in the tea house for warmth. Would definitely come back spring/summer - I imagine it’s even prettier then.
Trung Phan — Google review
A cute tiny garden within downtown with attention to detail about architecture & art. Has a restaurant that serves bit pricey teas and snacks. Parking is curbside.
Ram Dongre — Google review
Not a bad place to go and chill out. They had some fun activities for kids but, as someone who doesn't like being around kids, they were actually easy enough to dodge so kind of best of both there. Tea house had some good views.
Christian Pate (trekkie1701c) — Google review
Love visiting the Lan Su Chinese Garden especially around Chinese New Year. This is the Year of the Dragon (obviously). The tea house has undergone some renovations and we would have stayed if we had more time. They have a very old Poncirus citrus trifoliata, Flying Dragon Tree, in one of the courtyards while we have one that is just a few years old by our front door. Very cool tree! It's in one of the pictures. From their website: "Lan Su Chinese Garden offers infinite paths to discovery, whether you are a visitor simply taking in the beauty of the garden for the first time or a member who comes back day after day to sip tea in the teahouse. One visit just isn't enough to take in the depth and abundance of experiences. Lan Su is ever-changing —by the minute, by the hour, and with the seasons. Something as simple as the shifting of light throughout the day can dramatically alter the garden's appearance and your experience. You'll always discover something new at Lan Su."
Kelly Thomas — Google review
Beautiful garden! Loved the feel. It's in the middle of the city so a big juxtaposition between serene garden and run down buildings. I loved it, it was pretty but $14 for something that took us 30 min max to do was steep.
Lisa Zauner — Google review
An absolute oasis of tranquility in the heart of Portland. Easy access from the Max line also makes it convenient to get there from many locations. Fully walled off with tranquil water features, this is a reproduction of a Japanese scholars home from centuries ago. Plenty to see and do, guided and non-guided tours available, and a tea house on site. One note is that as of October 2023 the tea house is closed and being renovated, bit they are opearting a pop-up tea shop where you can buy tea and accessories and a cup of hot tea during your visit. I'm glad we took the time to visit while in Portland for a convention, totally worth it.
M A — Google review
Wonderful gem in Portland. Authentic style Chinese Garden with lovely architecture and details. Tea house was closed sadly but I understand it will be coming back thankfully. Fun tip is to take off your shoes and walk barefoot on the amazing polished stone walkways for a nice foot massage. 100% recommend this place. The plantings, detailed architecture and authenticity are worth seeing. Also it's critical to support local gems like this.
Andrew Engel — Google review
A really beautiful garden and awesome tasting tea. It's only $3 entry for EBT/Snap card holders. The only downside is the area of town is covered in homeless. I didn't feel safe walking with my daughter here or parking our car nearby. Have someone drop you off and pick you up later if possible.
Rachel Flaat — Google review
We spent a lovely drizzly time here yesterday, enjoying a docent led tour and spring blossoms. Will surely return to savor more of this beautiful space!
The Oregon Zoo is a large zoo with many different animal exhibits. It is focused on promoting conservation and has many endangered animal species.
Went on the first of January and they still had some snow from the week before but all the pathways were very well cleaned and salted. Couldn’t see some of the animals because of the cold I guess (it was a 27° kind of day). Some staff giving out some good information here and there like in the polar bear place. Cute Christmas lights all around and enough coffee and food shops. Some fun places for kids all ages to play around too. Totally wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Daniele de Oliveira (Dani) — Google review
07/08/23: the ticket is $24 per non-membership adult, and I thought it was a little bit expensive for a zoo ticket. However, the zoo experience did not disappoint me, and I enjoyed every minute of there
There are tons of animal shows which are at 11:15 am and 1 pm. We visited on Saturday morning, and it got crowded quickly with parents and children.
The Oregon Zoo is completely beating the Seattle Zoo in many factors: animal diversity, sceneries, and food trucks. I would love to be back soon
Danny Tram — Google review
fun zoo the pathway is a little confusing sometimes and did cause us to backtrack to see the penguins. By far the coolest seal enclosure I've seen. the elephants seem well taken care of with lots of space compared to other zoo's. we went on a very hot day so some of the animals were away which I cant blame them one bit. overall good zoo experience. we have a 2 year old that almost never got out of her stroller cause she was tired and the zoo is very stroller accessible.
MacGyver Glaser — Google review
It's worth the membership.
I have a toddler and anytime we need an activity this is an easy go-to. The animals are well treated, the staff is decently friendly and, more importantly to me, trustworthy.
Twice I've lost items that were sent straight to the lost and found by the time i exited the park.
Plan ahead! See any of these viewings and you won't be disappointed:
Penguin feeding, Bird show, Elephant bath
You can also pet goats in the mornings, if you're into that sort of thing.
My toddler loves the train ride! It's super short and you won't see animals, but we always enjoy a little choochoo ride.
Find the harbor seals and the otters! They are my personal favorites.
I'm adding some holiday zoo lights photos as well.
S BB — Google review
This is definitely one of the most unique zoos I have every been to. It was beautiful with huge enclosures for all of their animals. I was especially impressed that you can see the animals pretty much anywhere they were in their enclosure. There are several ways to view each enclosure so you can be sure that you will get to see almost every animal they have. When we arrived at the zoo the bear cubs were high up in a tree and you could see them from the front gate. That was pretty awesome! My favorite enclosure was for the polar bears. They were playing in the water and were the most active I have ever seen polar bears in a zoo. There appears to be a lot of enrichment for the animals at this zoo and they appear to be pretty content. While we were there I would say we saw 95% of the animals they have which is pretty good in my experience. Usually there are animals put away or in areas that you cannot see. The way the zoo is laid out is really nice as well. We were there on a Tuesday morning in April and the zoo was fairly empty. It was really easy to get around and spend as much time as we wanted at each animal enclosure. I would definitely recommend going to this zoo if you are near Portland.
Rosie Turkin — Google review
With a membership it’s a steal! Me and my kid and their friend were free. Only 21 for my boyfriend. Today was extra special because my daughter got to see her favorite animal -the cheetah up and close. We also saw an elephant playing with toys and numerous other animals! This zoo is a beautiful place set with numerous walking paths through wooded areas. A little water fall along the path and plenty of areas where kids can play. Good eats and you may also pack your own food. Just a word of caution…it’s very stinky in the area of the penguins and bats, so plug your nose! My kid wanted to leave immediately and I was hoping she would stay to watch the penguins more. Enjoyed the carousel and watching the train. You can easily spend all day here! Also, FYI the bathrooms near the elephants have more stalls than the front. If you need to go, that’s where you go!
Daisie Sutton — Google review
This zoo was nice...I could see all the animals. When u get there....u need to get a parking ticket. Price is determined on how many hours u are gonna stay. Then I noticed that I needed to buy my ticket online so did that by the entrance...very fast...done. I enjoyed the zoo even though it was raining this day.
Nikki Kobayashi — Google review
Wife and I had a great time at the Oregon zoo. It was amazing to see the Polar bears. The zoo keeper calling them so that the public could see. They have a great structure in the zoo. Nice food (must try the elephant ears), great washrooms, lots of places ti site and take some rest. You can see the animals are well cared for. The gift shop is also a great stop, with lots of sustainable gifts. Staff is very polite and helpful.
Clauzi Guerini — Google review
A bit pricey at $24 per person, but overall a great experience. We visited on a Sunday and even with timed-ticket entry the zoo was crowded. There were multiple animal "shows" like scheduled feedings that were fun to watch. Very well planned walking path through the zoo, so visitors can view an animal enclosure from all sides and multiple angles.
Pete Johanson — Google review
Our family loves visiting this zoo. Besides normal visits, throughout the year, the zoo hosts fun events, like zoo lights, zoo nights, Halloween, etc. Our son loves looking at the variety of animals, especially the ones he has particular interest. The zoo also has a train he loved riding on, which does cost for each family member to ride on. If you plan on visiting more than twice I'd recommend getting an annual pass. Also, keep in mind you'll need to reserve a time slot before arriving. A great place to enjoy any time of the year!
Derek Masuda — Google review
This zoo is a really fun place to take your child. I've also taken dates here in the past and that was also fun. There are so many exhibits to see and interact with. Plenty of statues, and photo opportunities. The only problem I had was how expensive the food and drinks were. If I could give you one piece of advice it would be to bring all of your own food and drinks. You are allowed to bring your own so take advantage of it and do it. The zoo is already expensive unless you are low income and can show you receive food stamps or TANF. The elephant exhibit is amazing and I suggest seeing it.
Ian Kruse — Google review
Best medium sized zoo I've been to. The winding paths and elevation gains and losses create an adventure walk. Everything seems very well designed, organized, and enjoyable. The one way design makes navigating the crowds easier. Lots of food options about half way through is great. Elephant ears were a hit and we enjoyed the lunch we packed under a 4 bench picnic table with an umbrella. It was a workout making our way back up to the entrance. If we had more time, we would have enjoyed the train ride. Plan to go back if in town again in future.
Courtnie Wilder — Google review
Beautiful zoo! We went in late summer-early fall when the zoo was full of gorgeous flowers and plants between the exhibits which made for an amazing nature walk. The animals seemed well taken care of and happy. Fairly easy parking available with a lot of restrooms throughout the zoo and even free water filling stations which were nice on a hot day. They also have places you can buy lunch, dinner, etc; however, it is pretty expensive. For a water be prepared to pay $4+ and I believe a pb & j was pushing $7-10. You can bring your own picnic stuff though so come prepared. We didn’t make it into their store to shop as the day went by too quickly and we ran out of time. Check-in was simple with a quick scan of our mobile tickets. The online ticket situation was a bit confusing as they didn’t make it clear with the timed entry if that meant you only had a certain amount of time to be inside the zoo or they just wanted an idea how many people where inside. We were never told we had to leave in a set amount of time which was nice as the zoo takes several hours to make it through. The paths were clearly marked, they also have a zoo map available online and we also rode the zoo train that was fairly priced and our younger child really enjoyed it. Note there are not many animals you can see other than than elephants if they are where you can see them. It was a great family outing and we plan to go back again in a few years.
Tori — Google review
We did the Zoo Lights event! It was very well organized, free over flow parking with free bus ride to the front gates. There were some concession up with things like kettle corn, and elephant ears. The train ride is fun and you get so see even more lights. They do an amazing job getting so many lighted displays up. My 5 year old daughter really loved train and the trees that were wrapped in lights. The bug house was open for warming up and for viewing bugs. Most animals were not viewable, but elephants are awake at night and we were able to go to the indoor viewing area. 3 elephants were in their playing and eating! The keep was setting out hay bales to reach for and eat. It was wonderful.
It was sold out… but felt a bit crowded for my liking. Our group worn fun Christmas lights and it made it easier to keep track of each other with so many other people around.
Erin B — Google review
Went to the Oregon Zoo with family. Age range from 65 to 1 ½, with stroller.
Nice February Sunday afternoon. Everyone had a good time. A lot of the activities / informative shows were not in operation. Some animals were not visible, hibernating or just hiding. We still had an enjoyable time
I definitely recommend.
Wendell Hickerson — Google review
first of all this zoo is amazing! not only do the animals looks happy, it’s a gorgeous place to walk through, but what we really noticed the most was the staff! The staff were so vibrant and happy to share their love for the animals they care for. Every staff from the gate entry to the custodial worker were happily talking about the baby bears that were out that day! We had a great time and can’t wait to bring our family here!
Kate — Google review
Amazing experience! So many animals to see. Easy walking with all paths paved. Purchasing tickets online is easy. 3 hours was barely enough time to scratch the surface of what this Zoo has to offer. Early morning is best to avoid crowds. Will be back!
Dana Jara — Google review
I felt this zoo is underrated and should be more famous. The setting is beautifully done and each animal is given a lot of space to move around unlike the typical zoos. Probably this was the reason, every animal in here was actively moving around rather than lethargically lying in a corner. This makes it a fun experience for adults and kids alike. There were also some unusual exhibits like - Vultures feeding on a whole deer carcass which you can view at your own discretion, a beaver who has an underwater home inside a tunnel, weaver birds busy weaving pretty nests, playful otters, a mountain goat and much more. It's divided into ecosystems like African savanna, Polar passage, Primate forest, Great Northwest etc. There are other interactive experiences at different times and also a zoo train for five bucks. We went two hours before closing and had to rush through everything to complete on time. Ample amount of paid parking available.
Varna Vincent — Google review
You can be Around 10am or 11am is perfect and you could see Wild animals shows. And They feed to animals that around noon or 1pm. You can see them how to eat and enjoy the meals. Restrooms are clean mostly. Cafe and restaurant are pretty ok and little bit pricey. Parking lots are big but sometimes overcrowded. Summer time Friday and Saturday are busiest days. Sunday is little bit less people. But still busy. Animals mostly are happy and napping all the time. They seemed to clean up cages a lots. Kids have a great time. Best family time in Portland Oregon.
Morai Ball — Google review
Wonderful place for an easy and sweet date! We have a membership and popping over for a quick visit is so relaxing. Consider visiting on a hot day. Our last trip was over 90 degrees and the zoo was pretty empty. They set up misting stations and have cool drinks and plenty of shade. We were able to enjoy the trip without overheating!
Charlotte Bryan — Google review
Wow what an amazing zoo! The amount of trees and shade is wonderful on a hot day, the animals had a lot of room to roam and looked very healthy, and all the facilities were well kept.
We came on a Friday morning when they opened. We bought our tickets via mobile phone maybe 15 minutes before we entered prior to getting into our car to drive there. There was still a decent amount of availability. Entering was easy with the QR code we received.
We saw some otters, bears, went on a merry-go-round, and had a blast!
Paul M — Google review
We really do have a nice Zoo. The animals were all out and lively. The Red Panda was so adorable, I didn't get pictures, though. The Lions are just so majestic, I dropped everything and took pics of them.
However, the so-so food is really over priced, and they close way too early. They wouldn't let us go into the gift shop 30 minutes before closing. We were ready to overspend in there, but they were more concerned with closing the doors on time. That's fine. We will just bring our own food next time, and go earlier I guess.
Monika — Google review
The Zoo is a everlasting source of joy, offering year-round fun for all ages. With kids in tow, our visits are never hurried, and that's part of the charm—we always discover something new every time we visit.
Having cherished memories of this zoo since my own childhood, I've witnessed remarkable changes. The upgrades and new exhibits have transformed it into a captivating space. And let's talk about the Zoo Lights—it's a must-see! While there may not be many animals on display during this event, the breathtaking lights make up for it.
The Zoo Lights experience is pure magic. The dazzling display creates a spectacular atmosphere, and the best part is, you can go at your own pace. It's a mesmerizing journey that adds an extra layer of enchantment to this already fantastic place.
In summary, the Zoo offers not just a fun time but also a touch of magic, especially during Zoo Lights. The upgrades and thoughtful additions have truly elevated the experience. Highly recommend for families and anyone seeking a delightful escape!
Ariel Sasser - Local Realtor — Google review
I love this zoo. It is constantly improving. I've been going to the Oregon Zoo for 30+ years. It was fun to spend the day reminiscing about the way it used to look. Where the entrance used to be. What animals and events I'd been to over the many years. I love the knowledge of the volunteers and the friendliness of the staff. The animal enrichment keeps the animals rewarded and engaged and is so fun to watch. Membership is worth the price.
Stephanie Wisdom — Google review
First off, I really liked the loop design where you follow a one-way path all the way through. The exhibits are organized into biomes, and the Pacific Northwest part was my favorite due to the shade and tree coverage above the walkways. Good and semi-reasonable priced cafes at the entrance and exit. Also plenty of restrooms and water fountains throughout.
Connor M — Google review
The Oregon Zoo is absolutely amazing. I especially appreciate their elephant habitat. It is absolutely huge compared to any other zoo. They do a great job at providing their elephants with space. There is an enormous indoor space for when it rains. There is an elephant size pool, deep enough that the elephants can actually swim. The enclosure wraps around a significant portion of the zoo. Elephants can range quite a distance. Zoos are always a bitter sweet experience. Seeing such a large variety of majestic wild animals in one place is a great educational opportunity. On the flip side seeing the animals confined to enclosures instead of ranging freely in nature is always a bit sad. The Oregon Zoo does a great job of balancing the quality of life for their animals against the ability of the public to view and experience the animals.
Daniel Green — Google review
I was impressed. One of the most beautiful zoos I've been to and the high quality of animal care was apparent. We saw some playing tigers and bear cubs, a young orangutan, and something I'd never seen up close before - sea otters! The interpretation was also good at noting conservation efforts for the species and how guests can take action themselves.
A few critical notes. The zoo key felt like being robbed since the machines were hard to locate and rarely worked. We also were turned off by the large cutouts of cartoon animals stationed around the zoo. I think they were going for a fun whimsical take on wildlife, and sure, art is subjective, but our group found them to be rather undignified and running counter to the zoo's apparent goal of encouraging respect for animals. The other upsells like the carousel and train were also pretty underwhelming.
All in all a good visit and worth taking a look. Just please be respectful and kind when observing the animals!
S P — Google review
Loved loved loved!! Absolutely amazing how the zoo felt like it was part of the natural landscape. Amazingly curated of animals with educational information to learn more about the individual animals and its species. The way the zoo flows just makes sense and keeps the flow of people moving.
(*only thing I would say is don’t go in a colder day because some of the animals were not out to see)
Corey — Google review
The Oregon zoo is a wonderful zoo. The animals are well taken care of, and staff was friendly and knowledgeable. The elephant exhibit was amazing and the indoor part is so nice. Bathrooms are clean and well stocked. The zoo art is also very unique and fun to look at. If highly recommend visiting the zoo if you are in Portland
Matthew Mason — Google review
The Zoo lights during Christmas holidays are very nice, they did a great job decorating the beautiful lights in different animal shapes, and the big Christmas tree at the entrance is very cool. We enjoyed walking around in the park and seeing all kinds of animals lights. Definitely a good place to go at night with family and friends to have some holiday fun.
Prepared for big lines for the train rides.
Wish they have opened more areas, it feels smaller than before.
Lila C — Google review
Love the Oregon Zoo! One of the best zoos I've had the pleasure of visiting. Just went last weekend and got to see the polar bear, red panda, and a baby rhino! Fantastic activity on a nice sunny day.
Note: parking can be a headache when the Zoo is busy (usually on sunny days), so I recommend either getting there early or being prepared to park farther away and take the free shuttle in!
Ben Kirkpatrick — Google review
Had a wonderful time touring the zoo with the family. Got to see almost all of it in an afternoon. Even stopped for an elephant ear treat. We loved the exhibits. It’s nice to have stops along the way to walk in for air conditioning.
Would love for their to be more dietary options, especially for Gluten Free people. My husband ended up not eating anything because he didn’t want a salad. Lactose free ice cream options too would be awesome! We love the zoo and will continue to be members!
Melissa Dasaro — Google review
Pleasant stroll through a ni E well maintained zoo. The animals seemed well taken care of and they had a little of all the main zoo animals. The elephant portion is huge and I guess they're known for their elephant program. Swing by on a weekday, not as big if a crowd.
We just had a short stay here for our 8 year anniversary, but my husband and i had a lot of fun staying at one of the treehouses, mini-golfing, going to the aerial park, enjoying the gorgeous scenery, and eating all the good food. The room was very clean and cozy, the bed was comfortable, and the staff were all so very kind, warm, and welcoming. I'd love to come back here and try axe-throwing, zip-lining, and whatever else we may have missed. So much to do in such a beautiful place.
viktoriya morgunov — Google review
Very fun experience on the Zipline adventure! All participants are double clipped at all times and I never felt unsafe. The guides are friendly and extremely competent. Highly recommend!
Julee Ryan — Google review
Charming lodge on the Columbia River. Nestled in beautiful natural surroundings like valley gorges, waterfalls and man made feats like the Bridge of the Gods. Plan on spending some time in the area to explore. Well worth it.
Tanya Rosie — Google review
The staff was amazing. From the front desk, the gift shop and restaurant to the amazing guides on the zip line tour. Kelly and Lori were awesome. The bed was way stiff for our liking and there was a wedding that had music shaking the building until 10. But the experience was money well spent. I recommend the river view rooms, spend the extra money!
Bobby Jarvie — Google review
The guides were knowledgeable and respectful in ensuring we knew what we had to know so we would have a fun time. And they both were FUNNY! I LOVED this and the guides really helped make it a super fun experience! EVERYONE was super helpful, including the gentlemen in the office!
Mighty Ncy — Google review
Went Zip-lining during a company trip on 7/29 and had an absolutely amazing time. Our guides (Adriana & Bella) were so welcoming, knowledgeable, and patient. Would definitely recommend.
Corey Richard — Google review
We came to Skamania Lodge to celebrate my daughter’s 21st birthday and wanted to do something new and exciting. The zip lining was so perfect and took us through the beautiful surrounding forest. Our guides were awesome and we had so much fun! There were some that were a little scared and they made everyone feel comfortable and added a little extra fun for the daredevils. We will definitely be back!
Deanna Palmer — Google review
We had a great time on the zip line course. We were there as part of an ACL cruise. As first time zip line participants, we were very impressed by the safety measures and care given the equipment and orientation. Most importantly our guides Lori and Kelly were simply outstanding. Careful professionals who used humor to calm nerves, they were as comfortable with newbies as with experienced folks. They made the tour!
Kevin F. — Google review
It was our first time zip lining and our guides were so helpful and kind. We felt safe & secure the whole time. They made the experience extremely fun & memorable for us. Worth the money! We plan to be back for more zip line adventures for sure.
Jaima Mavity — Google review
The zip lines are a blast, the two guides did a fabulous job making us feel safe and secure at all times. But really a super good time and money well spent.
Tony Monroe — Google review
We had a blast on the Zipline Adventure today! The guides were fun, experienced and very focused on keeping us safe while having an excellent time. I highly recommend this as a birthday gift or just a fun way to spend time together. We tried having a meal on the bar deck but were unable to get service. Surprising for such a beautiful and expensive venue. No worries...we drove to Vancouver and had a delicious meal at the Cove. Highly recommended! 😎
Joyce Schofield — Google review
I'm afraid of heights but our tour guides made it easier to relax, reassured me and were very funny. They thoroughly explained things every step of the way. Made my 54 RI Arthritis Birthday very eventful and made my day! I highly recommend this facility. Safety was a priority here.
Dawn Jimenez — Google review
Such a fun experience! Highly recommend. Even in a drizzle, it didn’t matter! The trees keep you from being wet and uncomfortable AND the course is a great blend of quick and lengthier zips. We had a great time, good conversation and made joyful memories while visiting close to home.
Kimberly Gwin — Google review
My wife and I had a great time last weekend on the Zip Line tour. Our guides Kelly and Bella did a great job. If you get a chance we highly recommend giving it a try.
Matthew White — Google review
Overpriced, but pretty much the norm for these kinds of experiences. The guides (Chris and Bella) were great, super friendly and helpful. They did a great job keeping both the younger kids and the adults entertained and happy (and had Venmo tipping options at the end). The ziplines were fun, nothing sketchy, and the tour length was good too. None of the lines were draw-jopping amazing or anything, but it was still really fun.
Alan Johnson — Google review
Worth every penny and then some! Good food, GORGEOUS views, friendly staff and OMG the zipline tour was the best. We were both scared as were the other team with us. Small group just us 4 girls and the 2 guides, made all of us more relaxed and by the last zipline we were all eyes open and laughing not screaming! Makes sure you sit outside for some breathtaking sunrises!
Tanya Abbas — Google review
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1131 SW Skamania Lodge Way, Stevenson, WA 98648, USA
Vista House is an octagonal rest stop and observation point that was constructed during the early 1900s. Situated at Crown Point, it offers breathtaking views of the Columbia River and mountains spanning up to 30 miles in both directions. While other highlights along the highway remain closed, Multnomah Falls Lodge has thankfully been saved from a fire and can be accessed via the Interstate 84 parking lot. Visitors can drive up to Vista House which offers some spectacular scenic routes.
Beautiful spot to view some amazing views ! Car accessible. Went with kids and it was fun. However reached after 5, hence couldn’t tour inside. Good view of river Columbia gorge. Even the drive up was scenic.
Amruta M — Google review
Worth visiting even if the house itself is closed! Recommend going an hour/hour and a half before sunset, too, the colors are beautiful and crowds are limited. If visiting during hours, a great 360 view, and very plentiful gift shop! Love this outlook. Fret not if it seems cloudy or views obstructed, those will usually clear out within 10 minutes
Adna Mujovi? — Google review
One of the best viewpoints. It's definitely windy and cold so dress for the occasion but you won't get a view quite like this anywhere else. It's best to go early in the morning, and when it's not so cloudy. But when the fog comes in you'll feel like you're in twilight.
One of my favorite places to go!
Jayson Tullo — Google review
Breathtaking vistas! Such a cool resting area. The history in Vista House is well documented. Be sure to go downstairs for a look around after you finish on the main floor. Also you can go upstairs and outside for more views.
A Godley — Google review
It is a nice place to visit if you want a panoramic view of Columbia River Gorge. The wind is strong, and they describe it as the famous gorge wind. Indeed, you will not forget that force. We were not able to enter the house since it only ipen on Fridays and through the weekend. Worth a visit.
Eric Libarios — Google review
It's an amazing view of the Columbia River Gorge on the Oregon side viewing the Washington state side running East and West. If you get a chance it's an absolute incredible view. East access on and off the scenic byway. Also inside Vista house you can go up a short set of steps and have anneven more clear view without all the parking lot and pavement. A very real natural view. I absolutely recommend.
Bettina Alvord — Google review
Can’t believe we have visited multiple places alongside Columbia River but never check this place out. It is the best place for a Columbia river overlook. Easy access, half hr drive from Portland city, no hiking, family and kids friendly. We arrive at sunset, building already closed yet you still got to see the stunning river overlook! Highly recommend if you are looking for some view points close to the city!
Yuxi Shen — Google review
They opened 1917.!! Can you believe it? How history place.! View is the best amazing beautiful. Always windy and chill when you be there bring your jacket and hat. Inside building isn’t big but beautiful architecture and design. No public restrooms and sanitation facilities. They have few parking spaces you must parallel parking around street if you can’t main parking space.
Morai Ball — Google review
The crowds mid day on a weekend made it difficult to park, if you can come on weekday or early morning it might be more enjoyable. The views are impressive and Vista House has been on my list of places to see for a while now. The gift shop on the lowest level has fun tourist trinkets and some nice history displays.
Bri — Google review
Really interesting place! I highly recommend checking out the museum on the lower level and also the gift shop. I was really surprised at how reasonable the prices were on everything. I picked up a book about the history of the house and so far it's fascinating!
Jara Christensen — Google review
Beautiful architecture, amazing views...but extremely busy. Parking is very difficult, if you are lucky to get a spot. We were there on a Saturday, weekdays are likely much better. The views are astounding though, even with the crowds
Anna Tegarden — Google review
Absolutely spectacular. The views from this location are amazing, one of the best in Portland. Mountains, water scenic highway all in one location. The Vista building itself is a timeless treasure. When you go downstairs it shows the history of the area along with a gift shop. You have the option to walk upstairs or if you a disability security will let you ride the elevator. From the balcony you get to lookout over the area. On the backside of the building are stairs that allow you to sit and view as well.
Cheryl J — Google review
It is a very beautiful, gorgeous vista house overlooking outstanding views like the Columbia River Gorge. I went on an extremely windy day so the building was closed. Other than that, everything was amazing
Danny Tram — Google review
This has been on my list of places to see for a few years. I finally got around to it yesterday. There are plenty of distant views. There is a gift shop, as well as displays of clothing typical of the early 1900's...when it was built, stones and rocks found regionally, and photographic comparisons of 1917 to 1997. It's interesting to see what buildings existed when. Many local buildings burnt down and had to be rebuilt. All of this is touched on, along with photographs. There is also some history on the building, purpose and related controversy of the Vista House.
I snagged some carved, metal, feather magnets, outlining a flying bird. They are being used as holdbacks for my kitchen window curtains. They work beautifully. I also purchased a pendant with a raven and the three moon phases from the half off box. Unfortunately, the chain busted when I removed the price tag (sticky wrapped on chain). I will need to replace the chain because of that. I wish they used a different method to tag the necklaces.
Parking is a pain as there is not near enough. Tour vans were also bringing people to the site, so it was very crowded. It's worth the visit, but be prepared for unaware people blocking walk paths and sometimes being rude about blocking areas.
There is a coffee shop and fully plumbed washrooms.
They are only open Friday through Monday to tour inside and get to the top level. There is no fee as of the time of my visit.
Kelly Kirk — Google review
The Visitor Center was closed (they’re open Fri-Mon), but the view of the Columbia River Gorge is breathtaking and definitely worth the trip up! Peaceful, beautiful, and puts the size of the Columbia River into perspective.
Brian R — Google review
One of the best views of the Columbia River Gorge without hiking. A must see for anyone in the area. While you’re at it, go for a nice drive along the historic Columbia River highway and enjoy all the waterfalls and lush woodland terrain. The vista house itself is nothing spectacular (in my opinion), but the view is what you come for.
Phil Foster — Google review
Amazing view for an international person to see! Highly recommend checking this out at least once. As it is spring, the moss has really peaked and shown itself to be quite a beautiful sight.
Melissa Wolf — Google review
This was incredible to see. The views are just spectacular, and I was absolutely in awe standing here taking everything in. I recommend going up top and checking everything out as well as going downstairs and seeing the historic info. The gift shop has some amazing finds in it, and I found some great gifts for my family to bring back East with me.
Hoosieronthemove — Google review
Such a cool place to go. The view is absolutely incredible. It's also cool learning about all the history that happened. Must see place if you happen to be in the area
Reed Heit — Google review
Nice view point of the river and the mountains too… if you go below this point through the same road there’s a beautiful waterfall too…
Shantanu Walunj — Google review
I love stopping here on travels up the gorge. This building is so impressive, with amazing history and design. Wonderful views! There is a gift shop and coffee shop in the basement, as well as restrooms. They even have a penny swisher machine, my favorite souvenirs!
Being a historic building, there are stairs to access, I believe, every aspect of the building. They are not difficult, but a little narrow. Even if you are unable to utilize the stairs, there are still wonderful views to be seen of the building exterior and of the gorge itself from vantage points around the building.
-stacey. — Google review
Beautiful lookout place, you can see both Oregon and Washington, the views are amazing. We went inside the house to see more history, it was fun and well presented.
Lila C — Google review
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40700 Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, OR 97019, USA
Multnomah Falls is a picturesque spot that attracts visitors with its striking cascade of over 600 ft tall. The Multnomah Falls Lodge, which was saved from the fire, is now open again through the Interstate 84 parking lot and serves as the best way to visit this beautiful location. The waterfall features an old bridge that adds to its uniqueness and romance, surrounded by nice hiking trails that offer between half an hour to a couple of hours of outdoor activities.
Wow! I have driven by many times but this was my first trip all the way to the top. Beautiful views and a strenuous hike up 11 switch backs.
charlie sliwoski — Google review
I was lucky enough to see Multnomah Falls in a huge snowstorm in February 2023.
There were only a few people there, so I not only got a front row seat to the amazing falls, I also got the opportunity to get some great photos of the falls in the snow.
Bruce Len — Google review
The falls are of course beautiful and impressive! It is quite enjoyable on a less-crowded day. The trail beyond the main viewpoint leads up to the top of the falls and offers some great views.
Debojyoti Ghosh — Google review
Tourist Trap. Yes I had a good time. The trail has beautiful views at certain spots. The bottom has the best view of the waterfall, hiking to the top is great but nothing spectacular. Paid Permit required. Very Crowded, but it’s a great place to take kids for a nice workout. Nice Random Benches. Overall it was a nice hike on a beautiful day.
Kevin Tipton — Google review
This is definitely a must visit place. There is parking across the highway and adjacent to the falls. Parking could be hard to get on a busy day. We went on the new years day and it was packed. There was no parking slots available and I had to park my car a mile away and walk all the way to the falls. But that was definitely worth it. You can hike all the way up and the trail is well maintained. There is a gift shop and small cafe.
Anjith Jayaraj — Google review
What a nature beauty! The views are breathtaking. We were lucky enough to visit the falls after big storms. The water was aplenty! It could be icy in the winter. Proper shoes are recommended.
Bruce Liu — Google review
Simply best of the best place to visit. Ours second time here, reached early by 10am to avoid parking issue. A short hike to the bridge view point and has couple short hikes if you would like. Had good breakfast at the historical lodge overlooking the falls. Slightly raining with fog and it was just magical!
Ram Dongre — Google review
Stunning and breathtaking nature. A MUST and recommended visit when you visit Oregon! I love, love it! This place did not disaappoint me! Free Entrance and parking. Easy and short walk to the falls. Wheelchair accessible to the falls. Theres a short hike to the bridge. Theres a small souvenier shop, coffee shop and most importantly, clean and nice bathrooms!!!
TUTZ H A — Google review
Came at around sunset on a Sunday. Was not too crowded and the falls were beautiful. There's a small hike up to the bridge and the bridge itself and onwards is pretty slick and icy, but you shouldn't need to go further than that for views.
Kallen Tu — Google review
Such a beautiful waterfall the Multnomah Falls has. The view is totally worth it if you make out the drive to here. Just be aware that if they get too busy then they won't let you in which we saw happen. My friend dropped us off in the front and went to park his car but afterwards they stopped letting people from the parking lot in because there were too many people. You'll enjoy the view of the waterfall from the bottom or at the bridge. The hike to the bridge is not too bad but the hike to the top of the waterfall to oversee the top edge from the waterfall can be difficult. My wife and I was able to do it but we saw some older couple give up or was very tired by the time they got to the top. The viewing deck from the top is not that big so if they are busy, you'll just have to wait. If you're into hiking or exploring then the hike to the top is worth it. If you're not into hiking then you might like the view from the top because it's nothing too exciting.
Peter Xaymountry — Google review
You need to reserve a spot online (at a minimum, the day before unless you want a later in the day slot), it’s only $2 per group. Recommend either going to one of the first morning slots or sometime after noon due to the sun. Once it’s overtop, it makes for a glare. It’s definitely busy here. It’s 1 mile zigzag to the top of the falls, to the bridge it’s like .2 miles.
You can see it from the Highway as well.
Tam Henders — Google review
Always love stopping here. Didn't go up the trail this time or get food.
The associates working in the gift shop were funny and nice.
Train went by while we were there.
The guy's restroom had no water available to wash hands.
Amie Conant — Google review
One of the longest waterfall in Portland. Short walk from the parking to the base of the fall. Only 5 min hike from base to the bridge - must visit. Plenty of parking sports, gift shop, food and clean restroom at the starting point. I would at least plan for an hour to visit this place to enjoy the beauty! Kids and pet friendly. Drones are not allowed! Last hike from bridge to the top of the fall is only 1 mile but moderate complexity so make sure your knees are prepared for it going up and coming back down. It gets a bit muddy so have waterproof hiking shoes with you if you plan to enjoy the best view from the top of the waterfall. Enjoy!
Dipen Patel — Google review
This is a definite stop for anyone who wants a beautiful pic of an iconic waterfall. Parking is easy and a short flat walk to the gift shop. It's a bit uphill from the shop to the first view point. For most this is all you'll need to get your fill. If you are in good shape, you can take the path up to the bridge, which is your second view point. You'll get a great view of the Columbia River. The last bite point is at the top of the falls. This hike is not for the faint of heart! The sign reads 1 mile but it's all uphill, no breaks. 11+ switch backs that get progressivly longer until you get to the top. I almost turned around but glad I didn't! It's a fantastic view once you get there!
Robert Schott — Google review
Lovely falls in Pacific Northwest. A pretty easy hike to the top as well.
They have good restrooms , snack bar and a gift shop.
Highly recommend this if you are in Oregon
Gaurav Hegde — Google review
Beautiful, unique waterfalls with this old bridge, very romantic. You can go here to spend time between half an hour and a couple of hours, nice hiking trails around. Cloudy in the morning but around 9.30 it cleared up. It was great. Went there on a Friday and did not recognize any of the things said about parking, too many tourist etc. also fun gift shop with reasonably priced hats. Was good for us Californians driving up for the weekend 😂
Floor Boogaart — Google review
Beautiful falls! Took the Columbia Gorge Express from the Gateway station, HIGHLY recommend doing that for anyone else! Amazing trails, too, and the ice cream was great!
Red June — Google review
Lovely nature playground! Great views! Bathrooms. Parking. Sign up online for “tickets” $2 to park and enter. No vegan options (only junk food). Clean. Definitely hike to the top of the falls, it’s a steep 1 mile hike with switchbacks and it’s lovely. People of all ages were engaging in the hike but it looked tough on some people.
Cortney Palm — Google review
This is probably the most popular waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge, and for good reason. It's absolutely stunning but can get very crowded at times. Either come early or late in the evening to avoid the crowds of people.
Michael Looney — Google review
I had always wanted to stop and see the falls every time I had driven by it before and was finally able to stop and see the falls. There were quite a get people there when we stopped late Friday afternoon. The falls are very beautiful and the viewing areas are positioned for the best views of the falls possible.
Sheri Richards — Google review
absolutely beautiful. parking is easy and abundant. you can walk up to a beautiful view of the falls and there’s a walk you can do to get up to the bridge. there is a a gift shop, food and bathrooms located here.
also for the twilight fans - this waterfall was in the background of the vampire baseball scene.
lor — Google review
Insanely beautiful! Plenty of parking during the week. Fairly long walk to the falls but very easy and scenic the whole way. Huge gift shop and there is a restaurant and snack shop on site as well. Dogs are allowed but not indoors.
Anna S — Google review
I’ve been to many waterfalls and this is definitely a must see! It’s very unique and stunning. The parking lot right in front of the waterfall is usually always full and you may have to wait for a car to leave. Though there’s another parking lot off of the highway and it has a path directly to the fall. The gift shop is very cool and FULL of things. Definitely recommend going in there.
Elsie D — Google review
Beautiful! Possibly the most beautiful waterfall in the US!
Easily accessible for all ages and abilities! If you want you can just drive by it, you can see it from the parking lot. Just a short hike to the bridge and 1 mile to the top of the falls!
Cute gift shop as well!
Conceptual Reviews — Google review
Stunning waterfall, the water is putting on a big show, streaming from the top of the mountain, going down the river, making people admire the natural landscape. Oregon did a good job making this place safe and welcoming.
Lila C — Google review
What a beautiful waterfall! Just a 30 minute drive from Portland city and you are at Multnomah waterfalls. 5 minutes walk from parking lot to the falls and if you wish to hike up you can go up to the top.There are many parking lots available and their is a Visitor centre with a small cafe, gift shop and a restaurant.
Annu Maria Martin — Google review
Beautiful location to stop and see the nature. The hike to the bridge is very easy, but can be very crowded. Make sure to get a ticket in advance online to get quick access! They will not let you leave the parking lot to go under the highway tunnel and get to the falls without a ticket, and we did not have phone service in the parking lot and would have had to leave if we did not do it in advance. Easy to fill out online.
Evan Engel — Google review
Visited during the late morning hours in early February, not overly crowded at that time. There is an accessable parking area and ramp for people who may need those types of accommodations. The viewpoint from the bottom of the falls is fairly easy to access, a quick walk from the parking lot, and there also trails to the bridge and other areas around the falls. On site were clean restrooms, a gift shop, a place to receive information from a Park Ranger, as well as a restaurant. This place is absolutely beautiful, 100% recommend visiting, even if it's raining/foggy/cold- the views are worth getting out for.
Amanda H — Google review
Stunning and breathtaking. Best thing is that this place is hardly 30 mins from downtown Portland. Scenic drive with views all around, ample parking and a very short trek to the bridge. Even the top of the fall is accessible post a 1 mile trek. It’s one of the most beautiful waterfalls I have ever seen. User friendly trails. Picturesque.
The cafe and the gift shop is cool too with the falls as its backdrop. A must visit place for all.
Mount Hood is an impressive volcanic mountain located in Oregon, featuring the historic Timberline Lodge and offering skiing, climbing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. It is considered one of the seven wonders of Oregon and boasts North America's only year-round ski resort situated on a volcano. Visitors can take OR-35 south from Hood River to see this famous peak and admire its breathtaking views. With friendly staff and a fun course, Mt Hood offers great outdoor experiences for anyone seeking adventure in nature.
I had a great time at Mt Hood! The staff was super friendly and the course was really fun. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a great time outdoors.
Camboy Artistry — Google review
Amazing summer snowboarding! Although the majority of the mountain was exposed volcanic ash, there were a decent amount of trails with slushy/playful snow. Park set-ups were a great playground to practice new tricks and perfect old ones. Never in my life did I think I would get to snowboard in a t-shirt. Incredibly memorable vacation.
Luis Diaz — Google review
Mount Hood, Oregon,USA. The mountain stands tall in the area around it for many miles alone and it is from volcanic origin. A must see area even if you are 100 miles away. There are a lot of trail around it and it is a magnet for hikers of the area. Not to be missed. Two highway run south and east of it. Driving those two highways gives you a sense of how big is it.
Abd Elhamid Elsayed Halayeb — Google review
From the first time I traveled to Portland Oregon, to visit my Grandmother. She owned a house at the edge of a park on Mt. Tabor, I have admired the beauty of this gorgeous dormant volcano that rises up above the Columbia River Gorge. If you have never been you really need to experience it up close and personal. The violent way that this region was built has given us these awe-inspiring extremely beautiful landscapes. As always leave it better than you found it for generations to come, enjoy 😉
Richard Scherer — Google review
Summited Mt. Hood with two friends on July 24, 2022 up the Old Chute Route. It was a challenging and rewarding experience!
We got to the Timberline Lodge around 7PM on 7/23 and got our wilderness passes from the Wy’East Lodge. Make sure you bring headlamps, trekking poles, an ice axe and crampons! You will likely need all of those things to reach the top.
We slept in a van in the parking lot until 2AM. Once we woke up, we made some instant coffee and headed to the mountain. We hiked for about 2 hours until we reached a place where our boots were slipping in the snow. That’s where we put on crampons. We used crampons for pretty much the rest of the climb.
We reached the summit of Old Chute around 6:45AM. Once we made it to the top, we ate a quick snack and took some pictures. Then, we started the descent.
We got back to the van around 12PM. All told, we were on the mountain for about 10 hours. It was a fantastic time, and quite challenging! If you’re planning on summiting, make sure you do some research beforehand. We rented mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axes and helmets from “The Mountain Shop” in Portland. This is definitely a climb where you want the right kind of gear.
Luc Gensler — Google review
Climbed it for the first time last weekend. Being a holiday it was more crowded and I think took longer than normal. Still, easy enough climb up until the final ascent where it gets technical. Only had 1 ice ax and definitely wish I had two
Adam Wengronowitz — Google review
Amazing! One of the most spectacular places I have ever been. A world where you can ski and mountain bike in July.
mike copioli — Google review
This is right next to the Timberline Lodge (which is a must-visit place, the history of that place is incredible). The mountain view is breathtaking and makes you appreciate nature and sparks your curiosity. We spent some time walking around soaking in the view and taking pictures. Then we visited the lodge and learned so much about the amazing history of that place.
Peter Assad — Google review
My favorite Mountain to take photos of. Blessed to live so close to it.
Brandon Krupp — Google review
In the first days of our trip, we took nature walks around Mount Hood and enjoyed it very much, we had a very enjoyable time, we took hundreds of photos of the waterfall. Then we saw such neat places and had such different experiences that when we look back, my wife said that it was like a municipal cultural park here, next to the others. In the end, I'm posting this here by saying that every photo with a combination of mountain, stone, water, family is worth sharing 😬❤️
It felt pretty cool to walk in the woods on snow again. It made me start thinking about winter adventures to be had again, soon. ❄ 😊💙
Farizqun Karim — Google review
The city of Mt Hood and the huge mountain itself is just off of the Columbia River which separates Washington State from Oregon. There is snow at its peak 365 days a year and it’s huge! This is a great place to visit or stay. The city of My Hood is situated just west of The Dalles Oregon and is a quaint little town and the mountain is just south of the city. There are hotels, Airbnb, small pubs and a microbrewery downtown. Plenty of things to do such as hiking around Mt Hood Park, off road driving the fire trails around the mountain, fishing for sturgeon in the Columbia, visiting and touring the dam and local parks to enjoy the outside weather. There are giant waterfalls nearby and just across the Hood River bridge, there’s a little town called White Salmon Washington located way up on the hill overlooking the city of Mt Hood. There are restaurants and pubs and a small grocery store there as well. You can’t purchase alcohol on Sunday in Washington State but you can in Oregon! It only took me about five minutes to figure that out when I lived there back in 2018. All in all this is no doubt one of the most beautiful places to visit or live in the country. There’s nothing like the forests of the Pacific Northwest! Just have to be careful not to disturb Bigfoot!
Billy Dehn — Google review
Mount hood is a beautiful area to explore with many vantage points to see the mountain. Several lakes in the area have resorts, camping and rec opportunities. There is tons of dispersed camping around as well. It's so amazing to see mount hood in all its glory.
Jenn Richardson Photo — Google review
Really beautiful area. Great to hike!! Try to use byroads, it is well worth it. Bring plenty of water with you and make sure you have a full tank of gas. Service areas are sparse and few AND close really early. This is a must see at least once in your life!! The whole area is beautiful!!
S J — Google review
Mt. Hood is always very nice experience. Picturesque view, pleasant weather, nice trails. Parking in this area is slightly inconvenient, and essentially no place to eat, but those factors should not affect the rating of a place that is meant for hiking/mountain climbing.
Ashish Kushwaha — Google review
Unforgettable mountain who is standing tall and welcoming all in all season. We went in summer but love to go back in winter for winter sports and skiing.
Tapolina Das — Google review
Very beautiful snow-capped mountains, she is like a sleeping beautiful girl, waiting for you to wake her up
Aaron Feng — Google review
Great beautiful mountain I saw it all the way, and we got closer right at the Timberline Lodge. Amazingly, the ski resort was still open and operating normally. The mountain looks even better when you are right there. A very nice stop and great view here at the lodge. You can also see another snow covered mountain from the lodge -- Mt. Adams of Washington. Very worth to have a stop here and enjoy the great mountain view.
High Desert River Outfitters is a well-established company with exceptional customer service and experienced guides. They offer a variety of trip options, catering to both tame and daring experiences. The company ensures COVID compliance and provides outstanding photography services to capture the adventure. Multiple testimonials confirm the expertise of their guides, making it a highly recommended choice for river outings.
Been using this crew for a decade, although the owner of the original High Desert River Outfitters Co. Has passed and since has been bought out by Raft California I will try to support the new crew with continued dedication.
Josh Arreola — Google review
This is a company that has been in the business a long time and definitely knows what they are doing. Outstanding customer service, COVID compliant and some of the best guides available. The guide for our day trip was Zach Williams and not once did I question the safety of the hands we were in. Several other guides and rafters we encountered along the trip confirmed it by telling us "He's the best guide out here". Multiple trip options to choose from and the experience will be as tame or daring as you and your group chooses. It was so much fun and the pictures the company photographer took really captured it. My group and I are looking forward to the next one. I could not recommend this business more!
Rachel Matthews — Google review
I had never been rafting and was nervous. Especially because we were bringing our 7 year old son. Everything was great. Our guide, Paris, was fabulous with us an our son. She listened to our requests to go easy and it was very easy to follow her commands on the raft. We loved it and will be back. There was another boat in our group that flipped, but they went down a level 4 rapids. If you want to take it chill, talk to your guides before getting on the water. It was a day trip we will remember fondly always.
Julie Casson — Google review
Did a half day trip, with Jim as our guide, and it was probably the best rafting trip I have been on (even though I got tossed out of the boat). Just a fun trip, and we will be coming back for a full day for sure.
Lonnie McDonald — Google review
We participated in the 3 day 2 night rafting/camping trip on the Lower Deschutes River. It was an amazing experience. Truly, the memories will last a lifetime!
Amanda Gomez — Google review
My family (wife and two teenagers) were excited as well as apprehensive about white water rafting, that is until they met our guide, Kirk. Kirk, his positive energy and high level of skill truly made our trip one to remember. Our son is autistic and while he enjoys adventure, we thought this might be pushing the envelope. Nope. Kirk caught on fast and made sure to help our son feel capable, included and best of all, Kirk made sure Connor had a great time. We can't wait to head back next summer! Hopefully we get Kirk again.
Alan Barnum — Google review
I've never been whitewater rafting before, but this trip will definitely make me a regular! I plan to go back every summer now! Our guides were amazing and the Groupon price was a steal.
Amanda Stanek — Google review
We had a fantastic trip on the river today! Our guide Beck was fun and knowledgeable. We felt safe and like we were in great hands. We had so much fun we are rafting with them 3 days in a row!
Smith Rock State Park is a renowned destination for rock climbing enthusiasts, situated in a dramatic canyon with primitive campsites and hiking trails. It's located about 40 minutes northeast of Bend and is known for its stunning natural beauty. This park offers plenty of opportunities for climbers to scale various rock walls, while hikers can enjoy long walks amidst breathtaking scenery. However, visitors should be mindful of the leash laws for dogs enforced within the park boundaries.
This is such a stunning state park! Pay the $5 for day parking at the machine and then you’re good to go! Lots of hikes and trails available for all levels and an excellent spot for climbing too. Well worth the visit if you are in the area. Dry and rocky climate.
Jamie Waller — Google review
This is an impressive park. We hiked Misery Ridge Trail (in reverse). Instead of going to the right and going straight up, we went to the left and followed the river then went up to the ridge and down the steep part. It was in the 90's when we were there with hardly any shade and the signs posted say to bring water and drink 16-ounces per hour! The trail was difficult in some areas, especially going down Misery Ridge Trail. It is steep and zigzags and you can easily lose your footing and slip. My toes were actually sore and even a little bruised the next day because it was so steep. Using hiking poles would have been a good idea (if I had any). We stopped a lot to take pictures, so it actually took us around 3 hours to do the hike. If we do it again, I would like to go in the spring and start early in the day when it is cool. The views from up top though are amazing! So bring lots of water, where good shoes and bring those hiking poles. There are some flush toilets at the park which is always a plus for me.
A Richardson — Google review
An amazing spot for hike - feels like a totally different planet. Pack water and take good hiking shoes (there are some steep bits). Morning is better for pics than the afternoon, but at sunset it’s pretty as well.
Walt Nicholson — Google review
A gorgeous slice of Utah in Oregon 😍 the hikes range from easy to moderate and there are tons of spots for climbing. The river is beautiful especially at dawn and dusk as the light moves along the rocks shifting reflections on the water. We saw deer and lots of birds. Everywhere you turn is like a postcard. We loved it and would happily go back
Fiorella Calderoni — Google review
This place appeared on the horizon when driving to Bend, I knew right away I had to get there. It’s EPIC! Lots of long walk and if you’re a climber so much rock walls to climb. One should absolutely go here and I’ll definitely go back someday. Only downside is leash laws for dogs but we’re used to this.
Mike Hagans — Google review
No rock climbers in our group, but our group really enjoyed hiking in the rim and river trails in this beautiful park. The rim trail offers nice views for hikers and non-hikers alike. Wide, flat trails, offer easy access to the river and canyon trails below.
We had limited time there, so we didn't climb the steep, exposed trails to the top of the mountains. Instead we hiked along the river snapping photos of the impressive cliff faces and scads of climbers.
The park was crowded on a cool, sometimes stormy, Spring day, but the trails were never crowded. It's a beautiful place, so I can see why! We'll return to hike over the mountains soon. It will surely be worth the effort.
Ardor Bard — Google review
What a wonderful place to go for adventure. This was my first time visiting this wonder of Oregon.
Please take plenty of water and wear the right shoes. With the combination of altitude and heat. It is easy to become dehydrated and experience heat stroke.
It was amazing to see rock climbers at various stages. Families enjoying the beautiful scenery.
I was able to see an eagle and various wild life.
If you want a place to go to, worth the drive. Plenty of picnic tables and beauty.
Oregon is amazing!!
Lisa Parks — Google review
Truly a gem in Oregon! Nearly everything for an outdoor adventurer to do. Views are amazing. Nice big lots for parking and a turn around with a view point for quick 15 stops or less. Trails are well marked for hiking. The rock climbing is like no other here. Does get pretty hot during the summer months so come prepared (early and lots of water) Common areas were well kept and clean even with a giant yurt for a visitor center. A must see if you are in central oregon.
Dani Lesh — Google review
Visiting from California went for a great unexpected crazy hike but Loved it. If you're looking for a good hike or any type of rock climbing, this is definitely the place. You don't have to climb the mountain. But if you want to take the hike up to the top, it's definitely worth it.
Darren — Google review
This is a hidden gem in Oregon, which could qualify for a national park in my opinion. Not far away from Bend, it's very convenient with spectacular scenic view. The hiking(Misery Ridge & River Trail) is a little tough but manageable and fun. You will be rewarded once you are on the top. I highly recommend the hiking, this trail going up and around the peaks. The trail along the river is much easier, while the other part goes to the rocks is kind of tough and challenge, so be prepared. This place is relatively hot and dry in the summer, and you need to bring lots of water, hiking shoes are highly recommended. The monkey face rock is amazing, a great place for rock-climbing. You can also see snow covered mountains far away from the top, very gorgeous view and really worth it. There are lots of interesting places, rocks, rivers etc. to explore. The hike could take hours or a whole day.
J. X. (JX2069) — Google review
What a sight to behold! 🥹 A must see with your family and friends. Restrooms/porta-potties in parking lot, and even down in the canyon. Hiking up and down isn't for the faint of heart though. We hiked the trail along the river as we watched several rock climbers scaling the mountains. Grassy area at the base of the canyon to relax before the climb back up to the parking lot. A picnic area at the top to sit and have lunch at. Kids' play area with a small rock wall for them to try. I really enjoyed visiting this beautiful park 🏞️
Raelyn Rodriguez — Google review
Beautiful state park and easily accessible. There are lots of different hikes for different levels. Also fun to watch rock climbers at different difficulty levels. Peaceful too.
5 dollars is a bargain. The park is well maintained and clean toilets.
Kit Lai Pine — Google review
Awesome hike! My wife and I did a party that ended up being about 3 miles, and the scenery was gorgeous. Went about mid day, and although there were plenty of cars in the parking lot and side road, because the area is so large we hardly ran into anybody.
You could spend hours exploring all the twists and turns. You’ll also probably see some rock climbers (experienced and learning)!
John Ebert — Google review
Absolutely breathtaking views! We took the lower trail due to medical reasons and my 5 year old son being with us, and it was doable even in the heat of a summer afternoon! Great exercise, fun adventure, and amazing views!
Kendra Hlad — Google review
It’s a great place to visit in Oregon. Close from Bend. Hiking trails can be very long. I only tried 2 mile trail though I would like to try something longer. The wall which many people climb, the river, the view, I love it. There are quite a few picnic tables, bathrooms, water faucets, nice place, I have visited 3 times and it does not get old.
Eiko Ross — Google review
We were recommended to visit here. I'm so glad we did. The two easiest trails were beyond beautiful. My four year old enjoyed them as well. Not too many people earlier in the morning, which made it great to stop and explain nature to our son. We were able to walk over a well-maintained wooden bridge with ease. We would definitely come back for another visit with better shoes.
Jenna Frisby — Google review
Always spectacular to hike, the colors are amazing. Have to visit in both the spring and fall to see the differences. A truly special place. Words don't do it justice, you just have to go there.
Thomas Howard — Google review
I’ve never felt so unwelcome on a mountain bike even though they’re allowed on all the trails we went on and we used respectful trail etiquette. Probably just the type of people this place attracts from Portland and California. Met some nice Japanese tourist's thought.
Jake — Google review
One of the most gorgeous hikes I’ve done. The nature it’s just simply beautiful and different from your typical forest hike. This park is very famous for rock climbing fans. Parking is $5dll and it has restrooms.
Mariana Geraldine Vazquez Leyvas — Google review
Very long hike but so worth it. Go counterclockwise on the trail. It’s gonna be rough and steep but it’s short! As soon as you hit the peak it’s smooth hiking all the way back around. If you go clockwise you’ll be going uphill longer (not as steep but wayyyyy longer) and the hike back down would be super steep and kinda dangerous.
Bella Drawe — Google review
A beautiful place for a picnic & hiking or rock climbing! Hikes range from easy to difficult! A photographers delight! Don't forget to stop to look at Monkey Face!
Cheryl Brooks — Google review
One of the prettiest hikes I have ever done and neatest little river. This is an epic spot easy to see and get to from Mt. Hood highway and from Bend, which is just one of the most beautiful pockets of the country overall. My only regret was coming over here when I was tired, but its one of the most memorable spots I have ever seen.
Bronson Allen — Google review
Beautiful, lesser known part of Oregon. It was fun to see more of the desert side of Oregon and loved the drive in through the canyon. I had a 15 mile race here that kicked my butt, and was grateful for the gorgeous views that motivated me to keep going. I wish the trails were marked a little better, I got lost at one section and had to loop back. Overall a beautiful park and worth the trip.
Grace Mitton — Google review
What's not to like about a cool rock sticking up out of the ground, the remnant of prehistoric cataclysmic events? Add in a meandering river, rock climbing, cycling, and hiking and you've got a sure-fire winner for adventure.
The trails are well-maintained and there are adequate bathrooms at the top (where you park) and also down below (near the river and river trail. The views are amazing.
Things to remember/keep in mind:
The trail can be very steep, including the first section as you head down to the river. If you don't feel confident heading down, you'll feel worse coming back up.
Misery Ridge is named appropriately. Remember, too, that you are hiking at some altitude: you may feel like you're going to die.
The weather tends to change rapidly.
There are rattle snakes. Stay on marked trails and watch and listen where you're going.
Don't leave valuables in your vehicle.
Zach — Google review
Beautiful scenery and very easy to get to. A must see on a beautiful day and a lot of different trails and levels to do.
$1 for a handy map at the welcome center.
Aaron Cervantes — Google review
Great park. Tons of hikes. Tons of climbs. Got pretty busy towards the afternoon but still great! The geese are a little aggressive right now. Got hissed at 👀