Exploring Washington by Train, Boat, or Hot Air Balloon
Washington state’s diverse landscapes come alive through unique modes of travel that offer memorable perspectives on its natural and cultural treasures. Near Seattle, the Cascade Line route of the Amtrak Cascades train invites travelers to experience the verdant stretch between the city and Tacoma, roughly 35 miles south. Boarding this sleek, modern train offers a scenic journey along Puget Sound’s edge, where passengers enjoy panoramic views of water and forested hills. Watching ferries and cargo ships glide beneath Mount Rainier’s distant silhouette enriches the trip, especially in clear weather during spring and early fall when the skies are crisp and visibility is high. This route stands out for combining urban convenience with glimpses of Washington’s maritime heritage, making it a refreshing alternative to driving.
Southwest of Seattle, the San Juan Islands sit about a two-hour ferry ride from Anacortes, a small city about 80 miles north of Seattle. Taking the ferry across the Salish Sea to Friday Harbor offers a quintessential Washington boat experience. Upon arrival, visitors can stroll the harbor, explore local galleries, or rent kayaks to paddle near the shoreline, where playful seals and orcas sometimes appear. The ferry trip itself is a spectacle—passengers often spot bald eagles aloft or porpoises surfacing by the vessel’s wake. Summer mornings are ideal for this voyage, when calm waters and warm sun create ideal conditions for wildlife viewing and photography. The archipelago’s mix of marine and island life, combined with its easy access from the mainland, makes it an unbeatable spot for boat-based exploration.
For a truly elevated outlook, Ellensburg lies about 110 miles east of Seattle and offers one of Washington’s premier hot air balloon experiences. The Central Washington Ballooning Festival launches near the edge of town, nestled in a wide valley framed by the Yakima River and nearby rolling hills. Early morning flights here provide breathtaking views of the surrounding drylands, vineyards, and distant Cascades peaks. The region’s clear skies and steady winds create perfect ballooning conditions from late spring through early fall. Floating gently above this less-visited side of Washington reveals a different kind of landscape—golden grasslands and agricultural fields stretching toward rugged mountain silhouettes—making it a serene yet thrilling way to see the state from above.
On the eastern side of the state, the scenic Columbia River Gorge begins near the town of Vantage, about 120 miles southeast of Seattle. Visitors can board the historic Ginkgo Steam Train, a heritage railcar that chugs along the Columbia River’s edge. This slow-moving train ride showcases spectacular basalt cliffs, hoodoo rock formations, and stretches of desert-steppe ecosystem unique to eastern Washington. The train’s intimate scale and vintage design evoke the romance of early 20th-century travel while providing close-up views of the river’s power and the surrounding sagebrush landscape. Sunset rides add a magical glow to the gorge’s rugged beauty, making it an unforgettable way to experience this dramatic corridor by rail.
Crossing over to the Puget Sound region, Tacoma sits about 30 miles south of Seattle and offers an iconic maritime boat adventure on Commencement Bay. From here, visitors can embark on a narrated boat tour that winds around the harbor, past historic naval ships and modern port facilities. The tour provides insight into Tacoma’s transformation from an industrial hub to a vibrant arts city, with views of the Museum of Glass’s striking architecture on the waterfront. Late summer evenings when the light softens and the water calms are the best times for a peaceful cruise, perfect for spotting seabirds or catching glimpses of Mount Rainier framed against urban skylines. This harbor boat trip blends Washington’s maritime industry with cultural renewal, making it a dynamic waterborne journey.
In western Washington’s Mount Rainier National Park, a less conventional yet spectacular ride is a hot air balloon adventure launched from the nearby town of Enumclaw, about 40 miles southeast of Seattle. Ascending above this iconic volcano reveals an unparalleled vista of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and thick old-growth forests. The park’s wildflower-studded Paradise area, accessible by trail below, contrasts beautifully with the panoramic sky views from the basket. Early summer mornings, when wildflowers bloom and thermal currents stabilize, are the most favored times to lift off. Drifting silently over one of the nation’s most beloved national parks is an experience that combines natural grandeur with the quiet thrill of flight.
Finally, the historic town of Leavenworth, about 120 miles east of Seattle, offers another unique train journey via the Wenatchee River Train. This heritage steam and diesel railroad follows the Wenatchee River through the verdant Wenatchee National Forest. The trip reveals lush river valleys, old-growth forests, and rugged mountain backdrops that illustrate the state’s diverse biomes. Leavenworth itself enchants visitors with its Bavarian-style architecture and year-round festivals. Riding the train here in mid-fall puts travelers amid a dazzling palette of changing leaves, framed by crisp air and golden sunlight, capturing the magic of Washington’s outdoors in a nostalgic moving picture.
Whether skimming the waters of Puget Sound, chugging through basalt gorges, or floating above vineyards and volcanoes, these experiences reveal the state’s rich geography and culture in ways no ordinary road trip can match. Each mode of travel highlights a distinct slice of Washington’s character and invites visitors to savor its vast and varied beauty from new perspectives.