| There are many things to do while visiting Seattle | | | | military structures that tell the proud history of this |
| Washington that are either free or inexpensive. Many | | | | island. It is also surrounded on three sides by salt |
| of the free things to do in and around Seattle are | | | | water. While there are many similarities between Fort |
| outdoor activities. Because of the incredible views and | | | | Worden and Fort Flagler, the latter is only open for |
| magnificent scenery in and around the area it makes | | | | campers for part of the year. Day visitors are allowed |
| perfect sense that several of these would be visiting | | | | year round, however. It is the stunning view of the |
| the many state parks in the area. | | | | Sound and the surrounding mountains, however that |
| Keep in mind that not all state parks are free to visit | | | | makes this park so spectacular. I hope you have the |
| but below you will find information on some that are. If | | | | chance to visit. |
| you are a lover of nature and the outdoors then this | | | | Finally, there is Lime Kiln Point State Park. This park is a |
| should really get your blood pumping. Remember to | | | | 36-acre park that is only for day use. The park is |
| bring along all the fun equipment that makes the | | | | located on the western side of San Juan Island and is |
| outdoors fun. | | | | an excellent location from which to watch Orca |
| First of all there is Deception Pass State Park. This | | | | whales from land. In addition to whale watching you |
| park has salt water, fresh water, camping, hiking, | | | | can go hiking, tour the lighthouse, and enjoy viewing |
| boating, spectacular views, and a few areas with | | | | various other wildlife here as well. Diving is possible |
| playground equipment for the little ones. There are | | | | here but very dangerous as the currents are quite |
| many activities available and appropriate for the island: | | | | strong. The lighthouse here still serves as a navigational |
| hiking, horseback riding, boating, fishing, swimming, white | | | | aid for ships in the Haro Strait. While this particular park |
| water kayaking, diving, clamming, crabbing, bird | | | | offers less in way of amenities it remains my favorite |
| watching, mountain biking, and simply viewing the | | | | simply because of the lighthouse and the possibility of |
| wonderful scenery that nature provided. | | | | seeing whales while visiting. The months of June and |
| Next, there is Fort Worden State Park. Fort Worden | | | | July are the best for whale watching but any time |
| was originally used to guard the entry into Puget | | | | during the months of May throughout September, |
| Sound. Fort Warden became a state park in 1955 and | | | | whale spotting remains a possibility. |
| remains a popular park and convention center. | | | | While not everyone is interested in nature or |
| Convention and camping facilities are opened on the | | | | experiencing the great outdoors, state parks such as |
| park year round and there is plenty to do to keep | | | | these mentioned above make it much more |
| guests busy, happy, and entertained. In addition to the | | | | enjoyable-especially when you consider the fact that |
| traditional hiking, biking, diving, water skiing, swimming, | | | | there is no admission fees for visiting these parks. If |
| boating, and animal watching, Fort Worden offers | | | | you love the outdoors and nature as much as I do |
| baseball, basketball, softball, and volleyball facilities. If | | | | then you would probably have been more than willing |
| that isn't enough there is also a museum and incredible | | | | to pay for the privilege of visiting any one if not each |
| views that simply invite the photographer within to | | | | and every one of these parks. It is my sincerest hope |
| come out and play. | | | | that you will find something that is fun, frivolous, and |
| Fort Flagler State Park Fort Flagler, like Fort Worden | | | | most importantly free to do while you are on vacation. |
| originally guarded the entryway into the Puget Sound. | | | | You know how the saying goes, "the best things in life |
| Also like Fort Worden, Fort Flagler became a state | | | | are free". |
| park in 1955. Fort Flagler still has some of the original | | | | |