6 Things That Belong On Everyone’s Washington Late Summer Bucket List

Is summer done, or is it late summer still, or am I coping? As much as I love the fleece blanket that is the Pacific Northwest winter, there's no denying the beauty that is a Washington State summer. Though we might bid our sunshine adieu, make no mistake .... there's still time to accomplish a few warm-weather activities!

1. Get into the mountains.

In Washington, the prime time to visit alpine areas is mid-June to September. Though some routes may remain open longer, others may close early due to early snowfall or deteriorating trail conditions. As we edge away from summer, now's the time to tackle those strenuous but oh-so-rewarding hikes you've been pushing till tomorrow. Whether it's Ptarmigan Ridge (the route pictured here) or another one of our state's breathtaking trails, you'll be happy you made the effort to see our mountains before they're covered once more in snowfall.

2. Dig for some fossils.

Whether it's taking up karate or cannon-balling in the pool, I maintain that every adult has an activity or two they'd love to try if they weren't too embarrassed to commit. Mine is digging for fossils and it just so happens that Eastern Washington is home to several rich archeology beds. While the fair weather lasts, pop over to Republic, a button-sized town located alongside breathtaking State Route 20. Here, Stonerose Interpretive Center & Eocene Fossil Site lets regular folks like you and I play archeologist for a day. Best of all, on-site experts will identify whatever fossils you uncover and allow you to take a couple home!

3. Go foraging for mushrooms.

Nothing puts a positive spin on all the Pacific Northwest's rain like appreciating what it does for local mushrooms. With our verdant forests and proliferate damp, we have the perfect environment for an array of fungal species, delighting chefs and mycologists alike! Foraging for edible mushroom species can be risky solo, so book an outing with an expert-led group. You'll be spotting morels in no time!

4. Head to an apple orchard.

Did you know that Washington is the country's largest apple-producing state? In fact, Washington State University has developed some of the world's most popular varieties, including a recent favorite of mine, the Cosmic Crisp. With this in mind, few things are more quintessentially "Washington" than spending the day in a U-pick orchard. And, as it happens, these delicious fruits are perfectly in season.

5. Learn how chocolate is made in Seattle.

Is this a personal bucket list item? Perhaps. Still, I maintain that chocolate is an effective medicine against the endless gray of Washington's winters. After all, if seasonal affective disorder is a thing, then so too is post-truffle bliss. Learn how one of Seattle's premiere chocolatiers, Spinnaker Chocolate, creates their confections and stock up like a squirrel for a rainy day.

6. Go glamping.

This close to the winter months, we're pushing our luck if we count on good weather. With the innovation of glamping, however, we don't need to rely on sunshine for a fantastic trip! Before winter arrives and makes a night al fresco truly untenable (or, at the very least, an entirely different enterprise), book your stay at a cozy glamping spot like this snug gem in Duvall.

We might be nearing the end of our good Washington weather, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still mark things off our summer bucket list. What are some activities you plan on doing before the rain sets in?