The state is about to be a lot friendlier for vacationing cyclists. The Washington State Parks' new Scenic Bikeways project will recognize routes of scenic and cultural import, labeling the trails and roads with signs. Nominations for the inaugural slate of bikeways were due last year, a list of up to 15 standouts will come out in March, and official designation is set for July. The Scenic Bikeways map will be a collection of the state's best places to bike, with useful repair and dining spots marked along the way.

On July 4, the United States will celebrate the semiquincentennial of the Declaration of Independence, and while the federal government is kicking off "America 250" events, not everyone feels like toasting the whole American experiment at the moment. It's a good year to instead connect with the nations who were already here in 1776, like at Neah Bay's Makah Museum. The Ozette archeological exhibits reveal how life was lived in Washington 300 to 500 years ago. Closer to Seattle, the Hibulb Cultural Center tells other Coast Salish stories.

Sometimes you don't know what you've got until it's (almost) gone. In December, it was announced that the area's only theme park, Wild Waves, will close after the 2026 season winds up in fall. Born Enchanted Village in the 1970s before growing into a joint amusement and water park, Wild Waves will leave a roller coaster–shaped hole in our hearts. Visit for the last time beginning in May.

The past year has seen a flurry of new direct flights announced from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport: additional Seoul and Taipei trips, a route to Manila, a Delta nonstop to Barcelona, and more. Alaska Airlines will begin trips to Rome in 2026, and its Boeing 787 Dreamliners will launch a new tail design this spring. Gone is the familiar Native Alaskan face ringed in fur, in favor of northern lights colors on the tail. We'll see if it's stylish enough for Italy.

For a city on the water, Seattle doesn't host many whale-watching trips from the city itself. While there are plenty of options from nearby ports, the local offerings get a boost this year when FRS Clipper debuts its new whale-watching boat. The 103-foot catamaran Emerald Clipper will set sale this spring with two wildlife-viewing decks and hot food served onboard. Whale sightings are guaranteed or you get a free second trip.

Our sister publication Portland Monthly shared details in its fall issue on a major 24,000-square-foot expansion of that city's art museum, which was visited by more than 40,000 people in the two weeks after its November reopening. The new section is named for Mark Rothko, the Russian-born artist who grew up in Portland and became famous for his abstract paintings. The show The Art of Mark Rothko features his work (though not in the pavilion named for him), but there's more to see with the renovation. A David Hockney show launches in 2026, a new bike path cuts through the building, and Portland Monthly's Matthew Trueherz called the whole project "a purpose-driven design, and a necessary update, not candy for the jet set."

Big new hotel projects in Washington are few and far between in 2026, but there's plenty to catch up on from last year. The Populus in downtown Seattle is open for staycations, and Woodinville's new Somm launched as a wine-themed destination surrounded by tasting rooms. Look for our full take on the latter in coming weeks.