Washington

END OF THE TRAIL – The Lewis and Clark Expedition reached its goal, the Pacific Ocean, in the vicinity of what’s now Cape Disappointment State Park (no, they weren’t disappointed; it was named by an English ship’s captain who tried and failed to sail into the Columbia River). You’ll find it easier to get here than any of those explorers, and less disappointing: The park offers marvelous views of the Pacific, and lots of little beaches for your own exploring.

BACK IN TIME – A little town just east of the Cascades, Winthrop manages to pack a lot in. You’ll think you’ve stumbled into the Old West when you enter town, and they try not to disappoint you. Nearly every weekend features some kind of event, many of them Western-themed. Town Hall is the old Duck Brand saloon, and Shafer Historical Museum does a pretty good job of depicting life in these parts in the 1800s. Learn more at www.winthropwashington.com.

THE EASY WAY TO CATCH FISH – OK, it’s been photographed and televised more than Paris Hilton, but the Pike Place Market in Seattle is still very cool. What seems like miles of fresh produce and seafood is complemented by street performers of every stripe and, naturally, the salmoncatchin’ fishmongers. Hook yourself a big one. First, go to www.pikeplacemarket.org.