Weekend getaways from Seattle

A Bavarian-style alpine village in the Cascades - beer halls, bratwurst and twinkling holiday lights, with Icicle Creek hikes and river tubing out the back door.

Best time: Year-round

Wildflower meadows and glacier views at Paradise beneath the Northwest's highest peak. High roads typically open July to September; lowland forest trails run year-round.

Best time: July to September

Orca-watching, sea kayaking and slow island lanes around Friday Harbor - a drive to Anacortes plus a scenic Washington State Ferry crossing.

Best time: May to September

Hurricane Ridge panoramas, the Hoh Rain Forest's mossy giants and wild Pacific beaches - three ecosystems in one national park.

Best time: Year-round

Food carts, Powell's Books and rose gardens three hours south - the largest US city with no sales tax, easy by I-5 or the Amtrak Cascades.

Best time: Year-round

Stanley Park's seawall, Granville Island market and world-class Asian food across the border. Bring your passport - border waits add time.

Best time: Year-round

BC's compact, historic capital - Butchart Gardens, the Inner Harbour and afternoon tea - reached by the Victoria Clipper ferry or via Port Angeles. Passport required.

Best time: April to October

Quaint Langley and Coupeville, Deception Pass bridge views and driftwood beach walks - a Mukilteo ferry hop that feels much further away.

Best time: Year-round

A 270-foot waterfall thundering beside Salish Lodge, with easy overlook trails and the Northwest Railway Museum in town - the classic quick escape.

Best time: Year-round

College-town breweries, the historic Fairhaven district and Chuckanut Drive's cliff-edge water views, with Mount Baker hikes an hour beyond.

Best time: Year-round