Four Excellent Evergreen State Destinations
Explore Yakima, Seattle Southside, Tri-Cities and Snohomish County for exciting outdoor activities, scenic trails and watersports year-round
WELCOME TO WASHINGTON!
WHEN IT COMES TO NATURAL BEAUTY, few states can match Washington’s array of mountains, forests and crystal-clear lakes. When it comes to sports fervor, Washington is also virtually unmatched as its fanbase for both professional and amateur sports are among the loudest and most passionate in the nation.
Pair those two things together and you will be in the perfect state to host your next sporting event.
From professionals to amateurs, Washington is an inclusive state that proudly offers sports for everyone. Washington hospitality goes beyond the sporting venues: Our luxury hotels, award-winning restaurants and range of leisure activities make for an ideal experience for both locals and visitors attending your event.
Pickleball, soccer, and flag football are growing sports and creating fan excitement within our communities. These three sports have gained national exposure over the last couple of years. Pickleball is the official sport for Washington State. Seattle is one of the cities hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026. Flag football is a sport in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
With our natural beauty, we are known for outdoor adventures. Outdoor adventures and sports happen across the state. For the outdoor enthusiasts, choose from watersports, triathlons, golf, mountain biking, and archery. Our communities have a array of outdoor sports based on each of our communities. These sports are becoming popular more and more each year.
Lovers of outdoor activities will also cherish a visit to Washington, as we are home to three national parks, 140 state parks and a multitude of hiking and biking trails amid a picturesque backdrop that will dazzle any lover of the great outdoors.
The people of Washington will be your loyal fans, sponsors, promoters, and hosts. Dedication –It’s how we do things in the State of Washington.
Sincerely,
Tammy Dunn Executive Director Snohomish County Sports Commission
to discover more of what Washington offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com
Lovers of outdoor activities will cherish their time spent in Washington.
By Billy Stampfl
2023 NFAA Outdoor Nationals at Darrington Archery Range
Photo courtesy of Snohomish County Sports Commission
Washington State is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a blend of natural beauty and diverse activities across its varied landscapes. From the rugged coastlines of Puget Sound to the sweeping rivers of eastern Washington, there’s something for everyone. Whether it’s hiking, watersports, or exploring local parks, Washington’s unique combination of urban wonders and natural attractions makes it a mustvisit destination.
This article highlights four standout regions: Yakima, Seattle Southside, the Tri-Cities, and Snohomish County. Each area has its own array of outdoor activities and picturesque settings, perfect for travelers seeking adventure or relaxation. In Yakima, you can try skiing, fishing, and scenic drives. Seattle Southside offers botanical gardens, lakeside parks, and scenic trails. The Tri-Cities region is ideal for watersports and biking along rivers, while Snohomish County boasts beautiful lakes and trails across its charming towns.
YAKIMA
2024 Lake Tye Triathlon at Lake Tye Park
Photo courtesy of Snohomish County Sports Commission .
peaceful sound of the babbling brook.
For a family-friendly outing, head to Angle Lake Park, a beautiful lakeside area fit for swimming, playing, or simply relaxing. Kids will love the playground and spray park, while the lake itself offers designated swimming areas for cooling off on warm days. Plus, with easy access from the Link Light Rail’s Angle Lake Station, it’s a convenient stop for visitors exploring the area.
If you’re up for more activity, grab your bike, rollerblades, or running shoes and hit the Interurban Trail. This 14.7-mile trail connects multiple cities from Auburn to Tukwila, providing a scenic route through natural landscapes. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely ride or a more intense workout, the trail offers fresh air and beautiful views, making it a perfect way to end your day outdoors.
TRI-CITIES
Yakima Valley is a hub for outdoor adventure, offering year-round opportunities to explore its stunning landscapes. With an impressive 300 days of sunshine annually, visitors can enjoy the region’s beauty no matter the season. One of the top winter destinations is White Pass, where skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels can carve their way down slopes with breathtaking views of Mount Rainier. The pass is known for its relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned athletes.
For those who prefer scenic drives and hikes, the Chinook Pass Scenic Byway delivers. This two-lane road winds through the northeastern flank of Mount Rainier, offering dramatic views of the iconic peak and access to numerous outdoor activities. From exploring old-growth forests to hiking along rivers, this route has something for every adventurer.
In addition, Yakima Valley is blessed with three major rivers that form 109 lakes, providing ideal settings for fishing, rafting, and paddleboarding. Outdoor enthusiasts can easily combine morning skiing, afternoon mountain biking, and evening golfing at the renowned Apple Tree Golf Course, a 6,900-yard course with rolling fairways and a famous island green on the 17th hole. Whether you’re into winter sports, scenic drives, or top-notch golf on the grounds of a 100-year-old apple orchard, Yakima Valley has an adventure waiting for you.
SEATTLE SOUTHSIDE
Seattle Southside offers a variety of outdoor experiences perfect for nature lovers and families alike. Start your adventure at the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden, a serene escape just a few blocks from the airport. This hidden gem boasts stunning collections of roses, lilies, and fuchsias, along with a traditional Japanese garden. The garden is a tranquil retreat from the city’s bustle, ideal for basking in the sun and enjoying the
The Tri-Cities region is a watersports paradise, situated where the Columbia, Snake, and Yakima Rivers converge. Offering stunning river views, this area is perfect for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and other outdoor adventures. The Columbia River also hosts the famous HAPO Columbia Cup, where Unlimited Hydroplanes have raced for over 56 years on its 2.5mile course, making it a must-visit for thrill-seekers.
For those looking to explore on land, the Sacagawea Heritage Trail is a scenic 23-mile paved loop that runs through Pasco, Richland, and Kennewick. Starting at Sacajawea State Park, the trail loops along the Columbia River, providing interpretive areas that highlight the natural history and cultural significance of the region. This accessible trail is dedicated to Sacagawea, the Native American woman who aided Lewis and Clark, and offers a perfect way to experience the unique landscape of the Tri-Cities.
SNOHOMISH COUNTY
Snohomish County is known for its diverse blend of outdoor adventures and picturesque settings. Lake Tye Park in Monroe is a popular spot for water sports and athletic events, including the 2024 Nautique WWA Wakeboard Nationals and the U.S. Wakesurf Nationals, along with the Lake Tye Triathlon. The lake is also great for recreational paddleboarding. Lake Stevens, the largest lake in Snohomish County, regularly hosts events such as the Spring Sprint Regatta and the Lake Stevens Triathlon. It’s a perfect destination for paddleboarding, rowing, canoeing, and boating.
For those seeking land-based adventures, Lord Hill Regional Park offers excellent trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The park is home to events like the Lord Hill Trail Run. A fun event during the Fall is Northwest Trail Runs’ annual Corn Maze Craze at Bob’s Corn and Pumpkin Farm.
For another unique experience, head to Darrington, which offers a Bike Skills Park and an archery range. Meanwhile, in Everett, visitors can enjoy kiteboarding at Jetty Island or sea kayaking along the waterfronts of Edmonds, Mukilteo, and Everett, with easy access to the Puget Sound waters.
YAKIMA VALLEY, WASHINGTON
The Yakima Valley is nestled in the middle of beautiful hills and mountain ranges in central Washington, making it an excellent place to pull competitors and spectators from Portland, Oregon and Seattle via I-82. The Valley has something for everyone within a stone’s throw distance from their great facilities. When your event is finished, head on over to the Cowiche Canyon trail system, which boasts over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails and has some beautiful views that range in difficulty for both novice and experienced hikers alike. For those that want to get away from the action, you will be right in the midst of Washington’s wine country. With more than 90 excellent wineries in the area, you can partake in a wide variety of selections for tasting. There are many local breweries that serve great food and drinks, starting with Bale Breaker Brewing Co., which specializes in craft beers and has a rotating special in their food trucks each night.
YAKIMA VALLEY
SUNDOME
Basketball, Volleyball, Boxing, Esports And More
Indoor Sports And Events
Located on the grounds of State Fair Park & Event Center, the SunDome annually hosts WIAA State Championships in volleyball, basketball and dance/drill. This multipurpose indoor facility is an ideal venue for tournament planners, where 8,000 spectators can attend tournaments, events and conferences.
GATEWAY SPORTS COMPLEX
Softball, Baseball
With a professional staff dedicated to taking care of your tournament needs, Gateway Sports Complex has you covered. This stateof-the-art complex features eight softball fields, each with first-class Musco lighting, professional infield mix, electronic scoreboards and more. The complex is the host site for several WIAA State Softball Championships each year.
SOZO SPORTS COMPLEX
Soccer, Futsal, Basketball, Pickleball And More Outdoor And Indoor Sports
The Sozo Sports Complex saw its eighth year of development in 2024— which will continue through 2028—when it continued to make progress on Sozo Arena, a 120,000-squarefoot indoor facility that will hold up to four futsal courts, six basketball courts or 12 volleyball courts. The complex is home to 13 multipurpose outdoor fields as well, making it a powerhouse for tourneys.
CARLON PARK COMPLEX
Softball, Baseball
This newly remodeled complex features four tournament-quality fastpitch fields with permanent 200foot fences and state-of-theart lighting systems on each field. The complex hosted the 2024 WIAA 2A State Fastpitch Championships among numerous USA Softball of Washington tourneys. The site also has two baseball diamonds and is right next to Selah High School for expanded parking.
APPLE TREE GOLF COURSE
Golf
Carved from the natural rolling terrain of 100-year-old apple orchards, Apple Tree is one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier golf destinations. Over 6,900 yards of championship-level course features a variety of scenic challenges, including its signature 17th apple green. The 18-hole course hosts a pro shop and dining facilities, and is home to numerous tournaments and events annually.
YAKIMA TENNIS CLUB Tennis, Pickleball
This well-maintained and visually striking tennis club is a hotspot for tournament action, seeing competition from the high school, collegiate and adult levels on an annual basis. The facility maintains 13 outdoor courts, eight indoor courts (at a separate facility), pickleball courts, a renovated swimming pool with a children’s play area, a clubhouse with locker rooms, a catered snack bar and a pro shop.
PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
“The coordination led by Rich Austin, of hoteliers, restaurants, host facilities and the local leadership is phenomenal. From the moment a team arrives in the Yakima Valley until it departs, they are treated with great hospitality. There is no doubt the Yakima Valley Sports Commission delivers more than promised.”
— Mick Hoffman, Executive Director of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA)
YAKIMA VALLEY SPORTS COMMISSION
Rich Austin rich@yakimasports.org (509) 594-2742 www.yakimasports.org
Yakima Valley Sundome
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Snohomish County, Washington is located 15 miles north of Seattle in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. The county has the Salish Sea to the west and the Cascade Mountains to the east. Snohomish County is home to the Boeing Future of Flight Aviation Center, where the whole family can experience the innovation of aviation by taking The Boeing Everett Factory Tour, watch planes on the Sky Deck, discover and engage with multiple exhibits in the Gallery. Everett Boeing is the largest building in the world. Historic Downtown Snohomish exudes a sense of nostalgia with its classically Main Street America appearance. Funko Headquarters is located in downtown Everett. Enjoy the world of POP characters including Disney, Sports, Harry Potter, and Marvel. Create your own POP character. This attraction is a family favorite.
ANGEL OF THE WINDS ARENA
Basketball, Figure Skating, EnduroCross, Gymnastics, Hockey, Wrestling
This 10,000-seat arena features two NHL-ice sheets that can be converted into a 57,000-saquare-foot space for hosting tradeshows and special events. The Edward D. Hansen Conference Center is equipped with two 900-square-foot meeting rooms and an 11,000-squarefoot ballroom.
MEADOWDALE PLAYFIELDS
Baseball, Football, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Ultimate Frisbee
This complex is one of the locations for multiple Perfect Game Northwest baseball tournaments, and USA Softball of Seattle fastpitch tournaments. The complex features three lighted adult/ youth softball/baseball fields and two lighted multipurpose turf fields which are lined for soccer, lacrosse, and baseball.
WALT PRICE FITNESS CENTER AT EVERETT COMMUNITY COLLEGE Basketball, Gymnastics, Martial Arts, Powerlifting, Roller Derby, Volleyball
This 49,000-square-foot fitness center offers a gym with a basketball court and retractable bleachers for up to 2,250 spectators, four team locker rooms, two coaches meeting rooms, concession area and a multipurpose room. The college has over 1,600 parking spaces available.
LAKE TYE PARK
Baseball, Lacrosse, Pickleball, Skateboard, Soccer, Softball, Triathlon, Wakeboard, Wakesurf
Located on the shores of Lake Tye in Monroe, this community park covers 64 acres and a 42-acre recreational lake. This beautiful multi-purpose space features a synthetic turf field lined for lacrosse, soccer and baseball, natural grass baseball field, tennis/pickleball courts and concessions.
Angel of the Winds Arena
LYNWOOD EVENT CENTER
Board Games, Card Games, Esports, Martial Arts
This facility provides 34,000-square-foot of total floor space on two floors. Two grand ballrooms with 11,000-square-foot and 6,000-square-foot can accommodate up to 1,200 people. There are 400 parking spaces available, in addition to wired and wireless internet connectivity, catering, and technology support options.
PHIL JOHNSON BALLFIELDS
Baseball, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball
Phil Johnson Ballfields, in Everett features four lighted turf fields with 200-foot outfields for baseball and softball. The turf fields are lined for soccer and lacrosse. The complex features scoreboards, pitching warm up area, and playground area. Additional amenities include a concession stand and children’s playground area.
PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
“The Snohomish County Sports Commission exceeded my expectations at every step of the way of production of the 2022 US Trail Running Conference. From the initial connection, the excellent response to our RFP that they had clearly read, connecting me with potential sponsors and partners, to the final day of the event, Tammy, Nathan, and the team have been professional, courteous, and extremely helpful. The location provided us with an amazing facility for our Conference, infrastructure to support everything we needed, and also excellent trails on which to enjoy some welldeserved forest bathing! The Commission comes highly recommended, choose them and the Pacific Northwest for your sporting event and you will not be disappointed!
—
SNOHOMISH COUNTY SPORTS COMMISSION
Tammy Dunn (425) 309-2744
tammy@snocosports.org www.snocosports.org
Terry Chiplin, Event Director US Trail Running Conference
SEATTLE SOUTHSIDE, WASHINGTON
With world-class sports facilities, tons of family-friendly parks and activities, and dozens of highly rated hotels, Seattle Southside is the ideal location for traveling youth sports teams. The region, which encompasses SEA airport and the cities of SeaTac, Tukwila, and Des Moines, is a convenient home base from which to explore Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. But visitors need not go far to find fun ways to fill their free time in Seattle Southside, which is home to more than 100 restaurants (many of which cater to teams or families), and plenty of unique attractions. At Family Fun Center & Bullwinkle’s Restaurant, the whole team can live it up with arcade games, indoor rides, go-karts, and more. Or they can get inspired at the Museum of Flight, one of the largest air and space museums in the world, which offers hands-on activities such as flight simulators. Thrill-seekers will love iFLY Indoor Skydiving, where they can (safely) leap into a vertical wind tunnel, no matter the weather. And if fresh air calls, visitors can check out one of the area’s lush parks or beaches, where they can catch stunning views of Mt. Rainier, or walk for miles along the Puget Sound coast. Whether the team wants to wind down or turn up, they’ll find the perfect activity for the moment in Seattle Southside.
STARFIRE SPORTS
Soccer, Lacrosse, Rugby 54-acre campus boasts world-class athletic fields, amenities, and staff. Features of the campus include twelve outdoor fields; a 3,500-seat stadium with press box, scoreboard, and PA system; a pre-wired pavilion for vendor tents and booths; and an 81,000 square foot athletic center containing two indoor fields, locker rooms, large meeting and banquet rooms, restaurants and retail. Home practice field to the Seattle Reign and home stadium to the Seattle Seawolves
VALLEY RIDGE PARK
Baseball, Softball, Soccer, Futsal, Basketball, Tennis
21-acre Valley Ridge Park is home to a four field multi-use synthetic turf complex with lights offering softball, baseball and soccer. The park also offers two tennis courts, full court and half-court basketball, futsal minipitch, concession stand, playground equipment, restrooms, a community center and parking.
PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
“We really like to come to the Southside area…It’s right here, so everything that you want to be able to do this right here. We can pop over to the mall, go to the Cheesecake Factory, support a small Mexican food truck; it’s just a chance to really do something that’s different than what we get back at home.”
— Graeme Sandlin, North Whidbey Soccer Club
SEATTLE SOUTHSIDE SPORTS
Cydney Marks-Nicholes (206) 743-5345
cydney@seattlesouthside.com seattlesouthsidesports.com
NORTH SEATAC PARK
Hiking, Baseball, Softball, Soccer, BMX
The 205-acre North SeaTac Park has room for everything—even a BMX track! This multi-use park is home to three grass baseball and softball diamonds and two synthetic turf soccer fields. Both soccer fields have lights, and both diamonds and fields can be rented by the hour or for tournament play. The BMX track, operated by SeaTac BMX is a USA BMX sanctioned track and hosts weekly races. The park also has paved and dirt RC car racetracks, an outdoor basketball court, and a 27- hole disc golf course.
TRI-CITIES, WASHINGTON
Centrally located within the Pacific Northwest, the Tri-Cities of Kennewick, Pasco and Richland have a slew of great activities.
Take a wagon-ride wine tour or a quiet trail ride through vineyards on Red Mountain Trails and a enjoy a wine flight and a fire pit to roast s’mores or hotdogs.
Explore the mighty Columbia River in an exclusive and unique fashion on Water2Wine Cruises. Experience a breathtaking Tri-Cities’ sunset, Northwest wines, fine cuisine aboard a 96-foot luxury yacht.
USS Triton (SSRN 586) made history in 1960 as the first submarine to circle the earth underwater, following the path of explorer Ferdinand Magellan. Port of Benton worked with the U.S. Navy to preserve the submarine’s sail and conning tower that are on display at the USS Triton Sail Park to honor submariners.
The Gesa Carousel of Dreams is the Tri-Cities ultimate historic destination for all generations young and old. Open year round the carousel features concessions and state of the art banquet facilities.
The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) seeks to open a new window on the universe using the world’s largest gravitational wave detectors. Cutting-edge science and engineering fuel the Observatory’s quest to measure the faint ripples of gravitational waves from outer space. It’s quite a trip.
COLUMBIA PLAYFIELD Softball
Located in the heart of Richland, Columbia Playfield stretches across nearly 29 acres with five top-quality softball fields. An upgrade has provided new fixtures to the park, giving it updated LED lights and aluminum bleachers with fabric covers. The complex is home to annual youth and collegiatelevel tournaments.
PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
“The Tri-Cities is a very hospitable and welcoming community. The facility and lodging staffs are easy to work with and everyone rallies around the tournament to make it a successful event”
— Steve Jensen, National Softball Association of WA
VISIT TRI-CITIES (509) 735-8486
Sales@VisitTri-Cities.com www.VisitTri-Cities.com
PASCO SPORTING COMPLEX
Baseball, Softball, Soccer
This complex, located in Pasco, hosts baseball and softball tournaments and contains six softball fields, two sand volleyball courts, a playground area, a water play area and a concession building with restrooms. Adjoining to the complex is Gesa Stadium, home field of the Tri-City Dust Devils professional baseball team, and one of the finest youth soccer facilities in the Northwest, the Pasco Sporting Complex soccer fields, which includes 15 full-sized soccer fields on 45 acres.
SOUTHRIDGE SPORTS AND EVENTS COMPLEX
Baseball, Softball, Basketball, Lacrosse, Soccer, Volleyball, Gymnastics, Futsal, Pole Vaulting
This 52-acre multisports development in Kennewick offers a variety of sporting, recreation and event amenities to enjoy. It offers baseball and softball fields, an indoor sports pavilion, multiuse fields and the Gesa Carousel of Dreams, a world-class piece of art the whole family can touch and ride. The complex houses the Numerica Pavilion, the only indoor sports pavilion in the region.
