River, Olallie State Park

Less than 45 minutes from Seattle, and burred in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area, Olallie State Park is a tiny stretch of land next to a tributary feeding the Snoqualmie River. The water flows from the snow melting at the peaks, about 20 miles from the pass here. The Cascade Range is steep, lush, and similar to some of the Montana Rockies. It's the constant supply of rain throughout the year, and the roaring snowmelt in parts of winter and most of spring that keep the mountains so green, teaming with life.

Olallie State Park is along I-90; take exit 38 and then drive 0.8 miles south ( right from the exit if you're coming from Seattle; left from Spokane or the tri-cities ), park in one of the lots to the left, and follow the sound of water. The trail is short and pretty level - good for sedentary visitors.