Visiting Eastern Washington

Eastern Washington, divided from Washington’s drizzly west coast by the Cascade Mountains, is literally on the sunny side of the mountains. Gifted with natural resources including Lake Chelan State Park and Riverside Park, summertime is ideal to enjoy eastern Washington's great outdoors. Travel to destinations including Grand Coulee Dam, Fort Spokane and the wineries of southeastern Washington for relaxing summer getaways. Enjoy the excitement of the Omak Stampede in the heart of Washington’s cattle country; visit the Tri-Cities region of southern Washington to relax in the heart of Washington Wine Country; or travel to Moses Lake in central Washington for a concert at the Gorge.

George, thirty miles west of Moses Lake, is home to the Gorge Amphitheater. The Gorge is the place for music fans to kick off summer. The 2012 Sasquatch Music Festival is Memorial Day Weekend, May 25th through 28th. A full lineup of artists includes the likes of Jack White, Beck, Feist and Blind Pilot, filling five performance stages over four days. The Sasquatch Music Festival is a right of passage into summer for music lovers.

In the heart of over 100 Washington wineries, with ten challenging golf courses,and fantastic weather, Washington’s Tri-Cities region never lacks for entertainment, and summer adds even more fun to the area. Fourth of July 2012 sees the 26th Annual River of Fire Festival in Kennewick at Columbia Park. Enjoy a day on the banks of the Columbia River topped off with the area’s largest fireworks show.

A not to be missed summer event, Pasco and Kennewick host the 47th Running of the Columbia Cup July 27th through the 29th, 2012. Catch the excitement of Unlimited Hydroplanes racing down the Columbia River. With turbine engines propelling the watercraft to speeds nearly 200 miles per hour, events don’t get more exciting. Also featuring the HAPO “Over the River” Airshow, there is never a dull moment. Take a break at the Kids Zone in Columbia Park featuring inflatables and shows for the little ones, and check out the radio-controlled hydro races at the Family Fishing Pond.

Omak, in scenic north-central Washington, is the heat of Okanogan County. Home of the World Famous Suicide Race, the 2012 Omak Stampede and Suicide Race is August 9th through 12th. Celebrating its 79th year, this is a must-see rodeo. Events include the Omak Stampede Indian Encampment, Western & Native Art Show and the Davis Shows Carnival. All the traditional rodeo events are topped off with the famous horse race down Suicide Hill towards the Okanogan River.

Eastern Washington Hotel Map