Guide highlights ‘trips of a lifetime’ in Washington

TACOMA — If you want some summer vacation travel tips or an idea for a weekend getaway, get the new “Washington State Visitors Guide.”

Travelers can read the guide online and order a free copy through the website. The 140-page guide highlights 10 travel regions in the state and includes regional maps, travel trips, itinerary suggestions and contact information for some local businesses and attractions.

This year’s guide also features “trips of a lifetime.” Among the suggestions are hiking to Stehekin at the head of Lake Chelan, climbing to the 14,411-foot summit of Mount Rainier, riding the American Empress on the Columbia and Snake rivers and sailing in the San Juan Islands.

The guide also looks at the national and state parks, and highlights Native American museums, golf, fishing and birding.

This year’s guide comes with three cover options: the golf course at Chambers Bay, Cascade Cliffs Vineyard or the Seattle skyline as seen from a ferry.

There will be 375,000 copies of the 16th annual publication of the guide available. It is free at visitor information centers and online, and for purchase at some retailers. Order or view a digital version from the Washington Tourism Alliance at www.experiencewa.com, the state’s official tourism website.

Travelers also can access versions of the guide for iPads, Android tablets and smartphones at www.stayinwashington.com.