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Discover the best of Washington State + WIN a trip there 

Washington State is a destination rich in nature, history, and fascinating attractions. We recently revealed how fab Seattle is, but could your clients really jet into the Emerald City without experiencing the Evergreen State? Not once you’ve read this dreamy 5-night Washington State itinerary; your clients will love it. Plus, you could WIN a trip there! 

Washington State is a destination rich in nature, history, and fascinating attractions. We recently revealed how fab Seattle is, but could your clients really jet into the Emerald City without experiencing the Evergreen State? Not once you’ve read this dreamy 5-night Washington State itinerary; your clients will love it. Plus, you could WIN a trip there! 

Sometimes you look back at your work week and wonder what even happened, with so little crossed off your to-do list. Travelling through Washington State is the opposite experience, a time warp where so much can fit into five days! Washington’s outdoor activities, historical attractions, and natural wonders leave visitors breathless.  

On the fabulous 5-day Cascade Loop itinerary, magic happens. Not like Harry Potter magic, but enchanting forests, fairytale-like attractions, and expansive vistas that seem more vivid dream than real life.  

Day 1: Seattle – Snohomish – Leavenworth (202km)

The Bavarian village of Leavenworth, Washington delivers a memorable mountain escape ©Leavenworth Washington
The Bavarian village of Leavenworth delivers a memorable mountain escape ©Leavenworth Washington

After touring Seattle, the giant Future of Flight Aviation Center awaits. From here, an hour’s drive sees your clients arrive in Snohomish, the antique capital of the Northwest. A self-guided Victorian homes walking tour is a must!  

Onwards to Leavenworth, a pretty Bavarian Village where authentic Bavarian meals delight.  

Day 2: Leavenworth – Chelan (88km)

Enjoy year-round lake fun at Lake Chelan ©Lake Chelan
Enjoy year-round lake fun at Lake Chelan @Lake Chelan

For your adventurous clients, scenic river rafting is a must, along with Leavenworth’s fabulous local wineries.  

An hour northeast, the Chelan County Pioneer Village and Museum offers a deep dive into Pacific Northwest history. Chelan’s fertile soil allows Ohme Gardens, one of America’s most gorgeous gardens, to flourish.  

Day 3: Chelan – Twisp – Winthrop (98km)

The tiny old western town  of Winthrop ©Greg Balkin
The tiny old western town of Winthrop ©Greg Balkin

Cruising Lake Chelan is a highlight today. A float plane ride over this glacier-fed lake is also recommended.  

Onwards to the lush landscapes of Stehekin’s Rainbow Falls. Alternatively, travellers enjoy Stehekin’s scenic trails or exploring the valley by bike.  

In Winthrop, a cowboy BBQ dinner is a top way to end the day. 

Day 4: Winthrop – Laconner (242km)

Diablo Lake North Cascades National Park Washington shutterstock
Less than three hours from Seattle, the alpine landscape of North Cascades beckons ©Shutterstock

The jagged peaks and 300+ glaciers of North Cascades National Park are a tour highlight, especially when seen from a hot air balloon ride! Views of Ross and Diablo Lakes from the Washington Pass Overlook also impress. 

There’s more to enjoy in the region, including a Skagit River boat cruise and historic mountain town of Newhalem.  

Day 5: La Conner – Whidbey Island – Seattle (80km + 20min ferry ride)

Deception Pass Park, Washington. Deception Pass is a strait separating Whidbey Island from Fidalgo Island, in the northwest part of the U.S. state of Washington. ©Edmund Lowe
Deception Pass strait separating Whidbey Island from Fidalgo Island ©Edmund Lowe

So many options to squeeze into day five! Choose from whale-watching excursions to kayak tours to the Anacortes Historical Walking tour to road-tripping the length of Whidby Island. It’s an outdoor lover’s paradise!  

There are also the charming old-world vibes of Oak Harbour, Washington‘s second oldest town, Coupeville, and the majestic views at Fort Casey and Fort Ebey State Parks. From Langley, it’s an easy 20-minute ferry ride back to the mainland and Seattle. 

Check out Linkd Tourism’s 5-day Cascade Loop itinerary for more insights, attractions, and travel tips. 

National treasures 

Silver Falls, Mount Rainier National Park ©Greg Balkin
Silver Falls, Mount Rainier National Park ©Greg Balkin

Washington has three gorgeous national parks, each with distinct scenic wonders and vibes.  

Choose Mt Rainier National Park for the state’s highest peak, see the ‘American Alps’ at North Cascades National Park, and escape the ‘real world’ at the lesser visited Olympic National Park

Cruise and stay 

Shutterstock editorial image Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess is docked at Seattle's Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 dated 2011
Port of Seattle’s two terminals are the gateway for Alaskan cruising ©Shutterstock

Did you know Port of Seattle’s two terminals are the gateway for Alaskan cruising? Gold star if you did! With nearly 300 Alaskan cruise departures a year (plus Pacific Northwest and West Coast cruises), this is the place to set sail. 

As it’s high on many Aussie travellers’ wish lists, knowing how to pair Alaskan cruise aspirations with pre- and post-Seattle and Washinton State activities is useful when creating that trip of a lifetime.

Discover more about cruising from Port Seattle here and get answers to FAQs here.  

Want to win a Washington State trip? 

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Knowledge is power when helping your clients book their perfect Seattle and Washington holiday. Second only to experiencing it, of course.  

Take care of the knowledge-is-power part now in step two of Washington State’s fab competition.  

And the experience part? How do flights to Seattle, accommodation, 4-day rental car hire, plus tours sound to let you experience Seattle and Washington for yourself? Hella good, if you ask us (‘hella’ is Seattle slang)!  

Follow these three steps to be in with a chance:  

  1. Visit Linkd Tourism’s dedicated State of Washington agent resource page 
  1. Watch the 30-minute fact-filled Seattle and Washington State webinar 
  1. Once complete, click here to enter your details and answer questions about the state. You’ll then be super inspired to write, in 50 words or less, what you love about Seattle and Washington. Don’t hold back, passion is everything!  

There will also be runner up prizes of 5 x $100 AUD/NZD visa gift cards.

You have until Friday, 22 September to enter, with the lucky winner announced on Thursday, 28 September. Just think, at the end of this month, you could be jumping up and down announcing “I won” to your co-workers/family/cat. 

Discover more 

Chuckanut Drive Snohomish County ©Whatcom County Tourism
Chuckanut Drive Snohomish County ©Whatcom County Tourism

Looking for more Washinton State inspo? Check out the regions, itineraries, and travel tips here

For more Seattle intel, check out Visit Seattle and for all things Port of Seattle, head here. 

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