Until I met him, I didn’t think people like Robert Portello actually existed.
Portello, a physical therapy assistant from Graham, has lived in Western Washington his entire life without ever taking so much as a step into Mount Rainier National Park.
When he confessed this to me a year ago I wasn’t quite sure what to say. So I ridiculed him. I called him things like the 40-year-old virgin (which isn’t entirely fair because he’s only 39) until he agreed to let me take him for a short hike at Sunrise.
If you are going to be a Washingtonian – especially a lifelong one – there are things you simply have to do. What that list is comprised of is debatable, of course, but it probably includes things like learning to pronounce “Puyallup” and “geoduck” and wearing Gortex at the beach.
But what’s not debatable is that at the very tippy top of that list should be a visit to the mountain. In fact, I told Portello, I’m pretty sure you need special dispensation from the governor to reside in the state as long as he has without visiting Mount Rainier.
Portello has plenty of excuses for never visiting Mount Rainier National Park: His golden retrievers, Cooper and Hawk, aren’t allowed in the park, his parents tried to take him when he was a boy but they turned around because the drive bored the kids and he already has a pretty good view of the mountain from his house.
When we arrived at Sunrise it was a bit overcast but Mount Rainier still dominated the sky in front of us and Portello seemed impressed. We were about 6,400 feet above sea level, the highest Portello had ever been without the use of an airplane, but he seemed unfazed by the altitude and took to the trails like a veteran hiker.
We hiked to the Fremont Lookout, which offers one of the most popular and dramatic views of Rainier. When he reached the deck of the lookout and turned back to see the mountain he said just two words.
“Holy guacamole.”
We ate lunch on the deck and Portello talked about coming back to see other parts of the park. I told him I’d be happy to take him, but, for now, I was just glad he was finally a proper Washingtonian.
Or, so I thought.
“You know where else I’ve never been?” he said a little later. “Mount St. Helens.”
What? This was more serious than I thought.
But if we learned anything by this little visit to Rainier, it’s that it’s never too late to take in Washington’s icons.
So, inspired by Portello, we’ve developed a list of 10 Washington wonders that ought to be required visiting for all state residents.
The list starts with Mount Rainier (nps.gov/mora), of course. Here’s the rest:
9. MOUNT ST. HELENS
Thirty-one years ago Mount St. Helens violently blew its top, leaving behind a spectacular crater. The once-lush forest is now a moonscape that has to be experienced rather than just viewed in photographs. Johnston Ridge is a great place to take in this scene but if your legs are up to it, make the nine-mile round trip hike up the back side of the volcano to the crater rim. Info: Fs.usda.gov/mountsthelens
8. SAN JUAN ISLANDS
Whether by foot, bike or kayak, the San Juan Islands are a great place to explore. Watch whales on the west side of San Juan Island, bike the shoreline of Lopez Island, travel to the top of Mount Constitution on Orcas Island, visit farmers markets, tour art studios and enjoy traveling by ferry. Info: Visitsanjuans.com, sanjuanisland.org, lopezisland.com and orcasislandchamber.com
7. WASHINGTON COAST
Washington’s beaches might be muddier than Hawaii’s and more overcast than the sun-soaked shores of California, but their sea stacks, tide pools and rocky points give it its own stunning landscape. Long sections of the northern coast are preserved by Olympic National Park and perhaps the coast’s most scenic spot is Point of Arches in the northwest corner of the state. It’s an eight-mile hike to reach this area packed with natural arches and sea stacks. Info: nps.gov/olym
6. GRAND COULEE
The Grand Coulee Dam, one of the largest dams in the world, is a must-see when visiting Washington’s Grand Canyon. The dam makes for an interesting tour and it even has a nightly laser light show. But the real highlight is the Grand Coulee. Many believe it was the Missoula Floods during the last ice age that carved the 52-mile-long and 900-feet-deep coulee. Make sure to visit Dry Falls, Steamboat Rock and the Lake Lenore Caves while you are there. Info: Grandcouleedam.org and parks.wa.gov
5. HOH RAIN FOREST
The moss-covered trees and thick coverage overhead blocking out the sun make the rain forest as eerie as it is beautiful. Look closely through the mist and you might see Bigfoot or even a vampire with chiseled abs. This region inspired many to search for sasquatch and Stephanie Meyer to write her wildly popular “Twilight” books. The rain forest attracts visitors from around the world so it can be busy, especially during the summer. Info: nps.gov/olym
4. LAKE CHELAN
At 55 miles long, this is the biggest natural lake in Washington. And at more than 1,400 feet deep, it is the third-deepest lake in the country (Behind Crater Lake and Lake Tahoe). It’s also packed with things to do from water sports and fishing to the Lady of the Lake ferry, which can deliver you to such secluded getaways as Holden Village and Stehekin. Info: Lakechelan.com
3. COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE
Washington and Oregon share the scenic and historic gorge that once led Lewis and Clark toward the Pacific Ocean. It’s still beautiful, not to mention a great place to fish, windsurf, hike and view waterfalls among other things. Dozens of scenic viewpoints line the gorge and there are also numerous chances to mix in visits to wineries and spas. Info: crgva.org
2. SNOQUALMIE FALLS
By far the most popular waterfall in the state, seeing the Snoqualmie River plunge 268 feet requires only a short detour off Interstate 90. A short hike allows you to take in the falls from various angles or, if you don’t mind shelling out $250 to more than $1,400 for a room, spend a night at the Salish Lodge overlooking the falls. Info: Snoqualmiefalls.com
1. NORTH CASCADES HIGHWAY
We’re singling out the North Cascades Highway and its stunning views as it winds its way along the Skagit Valley and North Cascades National Park. But the truth is its one of a handful of stunning drives in the state. Some of the best scenic drives include Washington’s portion of the International Selkirk Loop, state Route 542 to Mount Baker and state Route 410 from Enumclaw to Naches. Just as famous is driving U.S. Highway 101 around the Olympic Peninsula. Just make sure you take time to tour state Route 112 along the Strait of Juan de Fuca while you’re there. Info: Byways.org, experiencewa.com
Craig Hill: 253-597-8497
craig.hill@thenewstribune.com
blog.thenewstribune.com/adventure
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