What’s New in 2025

Air, Sea and Trains

Port of Seattle/SEA Airport

SEA Welcomes New Edelweiss Air Service to Zurich

In early 2025, Edelweiss will begin two weekly nonstop services between Zurich and Seattle on an Airbus A340-300 aircraft. Edelweiss is Switzerland’s leading leisure airline with a global route including over 90 destinations across more than 30 countries including three additional U.S cities, Denver, Las Vegas, and Tampa Bay. The airline anticipates bringing over 5,000 visitors to Seattle each summer, generating $20mil of regional economic impact. See the full press release.

STARLUX Airlines Now Provides Nonstop Service to SEA

STARLUX, a luxury airline based in Taipei, now offers service to Taipei from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Travelers flying to Taipei can connect to 23 other Asian destinations through the STARLUX network, and inbound travelers can connect to over 100 U.S. cities on the Alaska Airlines network. See the full press release.

Philippine Airlines Ushers in Nonstop Service to SEA

Philippine Airlines (PAL) now offers three weekly nonstop flights to Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Washington State is home to one of the nation’s largest Filipino populations. Travelers flying to Manila on the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft can connect to PAL’s regional network including destinations like Cebu, Davao, Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Kuala Lumpur. See the full press release.

SAS Will Begin New Route to Seattle in 2025

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) will introduce a new route to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) offering five weekly direct flights from Copenhagen starting late May 2025. Travelers to Copenhagen will have seamless connections to 39 european cities including key destinations such as Berlin, Helsinki, Milan, and Zurich. See the full press release.

Alaska Air Group Unveils New Nonstop Routes to Tokyo and Seoul Incheon

Alaska Air Group announced the launch of Seattle as a new global gateway with daily nonstop flights between Seattle and Tokyo Narita starting May 12, 2025. Nonstop service between Seattle and Seoul Incheon will begin in October 2025. This is the result of the combination of Alaska Airlines with Hawaiian Airlines. Air Group plans to serve at least 12 nonstop global destinations with long-haul widebody aircraft from the Seattle gateway by 2030. See the full press release here.

New Direct Flights from SEA To China Available
Two non-stop flights from SeaTac to Chongqing, began in May 2024. Chongqing is one of Seattle’s sister cities, located in Southwestern China, and is known as a megacity with 3000 years of history and rapid modern expansion since the 1990s. This is the eighth new international service announcement for 2024. Hainan Airlines also recently resumed service to Beijing with multiple weekly flights. Learn more here.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) Launches Accessibility Program, SEA Access

SEA Access is an interdepartmental collaboration that supports the accessibility needs of customers and workers at SEA Airport through accessible facilities, customer service resources, and community engagement. Its goal is to create a safe, welcoming, and easy travel experience for all. SEA Access is part of Upgrade SEA, an investment of around $1 billion per year for the next five years, to update and upgrade its facilities in order to give passengers more of what they need and love, including accessibility support like:

Zero-grade curbs and ramps at the Arrivals Drive to create step-free access from vehicle to curb with shallower slopes
Restroom upgrades that will add additional family restrooms and restroom facilities with both baby and adult changing tables to multi-user, all-gender restrooms
Accessible facilities like sensory rooms, service animal relief areas and nursing rooms and suites

To learn more about SEA Access and SEA’s ongoing efforts to become the nation’s most accessible airports, visit portseattle.com.

Delta Launches Flight to Taipei from SEA

On its 90th anniversary in Seattle, Delta Airlines announced it will build on its international presence and launch daily nonstop service from SEA to Taiwan Taoyaun International Airport (TPE) starting June 6, 2024. This will be Delta’s first aircraft operation to TPE since 2017. The addition builds on SEA’s status as a hub and Delta’s west coast gateway to Asia. Read the full press release here.

SEA Adds New Nonstop Service to Munich, Germany by Lufthansa

SEA expands its international reach and adds a new nonstop service to Munich, Germany. The service connects Washington with one of Europe’s most important business and leisure destinations, as Munich is the base for Microsoft’s operations in Germany. It operates daily as of May 2024, and then three times per week in the winter. Read the full press release here.

SEA Announces Major Terminal Improvement Projects

A SEA improvement project spanning C and D concourses began in mid-2022 with completion slated for 2027. The project includes some 145,530-square-feet of dining, retail and other amenities, as well as a 20,000-square-foot Alaska Airlines lounge. The heart of the space will be the Grand Stairs in the C concourse with seating, airfield views, music, art, dining and retail.

The Port of Seattle Commission approved a $399 million budget for the C Concourse Expansion project. It has a goal of LEED v4 Silver certification and will be all electric and fossil-fuel free. The multi-phase modernization of SEA’s main terminal will transform the area where C and D Concourses meet by adding four floors to the building’s current three floors. It will also update and re-configure ticketing and security checkpoints and upgrade facility systems to meet new technology and building standards. Spaces will be lightened and opened to enhance flow and the passenger experience, as well as accommodate expected growth in passenger volume with a goal of making SEA Airport the greenest and most efficient port in North America. Phase A construction began in Q4 2022 with an estimated completion in Q2 2024. Phase two began in Q3 2023 and is estimated to be complete in Q3 2026. Learn more: www.portseattle.org

Port of Seattle

Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady Begins Traveling from Seattle to Alaska in 2026

Starting in the Summer of 2026, Brilliant Lady will depart from Seattle to Alaska offering a mixture of itineraries up to 14 nights from May through September. As Virgin Voyages’ fourth ship, Brilliant Lady offers signature touches such as 20+ award-winning eateries, high-end wellness spaces including a mermaid-inspired spa, and an adapted frame allowing the vessel to navigate through the glaciers and fjords of Alaska. Read the full press release here.

Shore Power Now Available at All Seattle Cruise Berths

The Port of Seattle announced that the Belle Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 is now shore power enabled thanks to a $44M investment. Shore power allows cruise ships to plug into the Seattle City Light Grid and turn off fuel-based engines, significantly reducing diesel emissions by 80% and CO2 emissions by 66% on average while at berth. Seattle is now one of the first cruise ports offering shore power for simultaneous use at all berths. The Port of Seattle became the first port in the nation to require shore power usage by homeported cruise vessels, starting in 2027. See the full press release here.

Port of Seattle Approves 10-Year Agreement with Carnival Corporation

A 10-year agreement was approved between the Port of Seattle Commission and the Carnival Corporation for the Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Cunard brands to continue to home port in Seattle during the Alaska cruise season. This agreement supports the Port in achieving its zero-emission sustainability goals, bolsters local economic development, and helps boost the economic impact of cruises in the region. Read the full press release here.

Cunard Launches Queen Elizabeth’s 2025 Alaska Season, Roundtrip from Seattle

The British luxury cruise line Cunard Line announced the Queen Elizabeth will call Seattle its homeport in 2025. It will offer 11 voyages in Alaska, ranging from 7 to 11 nights, from June 12 until September 25, 2025. With Alaska Native Voices onboard, including a Cultural Heritage Guide, plus a Naturalist on every sailing to provide distinctive deck commentary, guests can experience the majestic scenery and local culture of Alaska than with Cunard. The trip has 24 late evening departures to allow guests ample time to explore port cities such as Ketchikan and Sitka and join whale-watching expeditions or experience the world’s largest zipline. Read the full press release here.

Additional Air News

Four Washington Airports Receive $24M in Funding

U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) announced federal grant funding for Spokane International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Tri-Cities Airport, and Yakima Air Terminal/McAllister Field through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Terminal Program. The $24M in funding will go towards addressing aging airport infrastructure. See the full press release here.

Pullman-Moscow Airport Opens New Terminal Allowing for More Daily Flights to Seattle

In August, the Pullman-Moscow Airport opened a new terminal with three gates thanks to federal grant funding. The expansion allows for more flights, including up to two more daily flights to Seattle for a total of five. The airport’s capacity is expected to double over the next decade.

See the press release here

WA Airports Receive $48M for Modernization Projects

Seven airports across the State of Washington received a total of $48 million in funding through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) for critical modernization projects. Spokane International Airport (GEG) received 18M to go towards opening a new terminal and help rehabilitate runway infrastructure. Recipients of the AIP funding include:

Spokane International Airport: $18,162,037
Tri-Cities Airport (Pasco): $12,734,150
Arlington Municipal Airport: $5,178,070
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: $5,034,379
Sanderson Field (Shelton): $4,300,328
Bowerman Airport (Hoquiam): $2,550,000
Olympia Regional Airport: $129,810

See the press release here

American Airlines Expanding Direct Service Offerings to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) from Tri-Cities Airport (PSC)

For the first time, American Airlines serves the Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco with a once-daily direct flight from PHX to PSC that began February 2024. Just three months after the new service started, the airline announced that it will offer a second daily direct flight between the two destinations. The addition speaks to PSC’s post-pandemic growth, and nearly the airport saw 800,000 passengers in 2022, making it one of the busiest years on record. Learn more here.

Alaska Airlines Adds Third Daily Flight from SeaTac to Bellingham International Airport

Starting in March 2024, Alaska Airlines will add a third flight between SEA and BLI. The new flight departs SEA at 5:30 p.m. and arrives at BLI at 6:19 p.m. daily. More information here.

Southwest Airlines Introduces Direct Flight from Bellingham International Airport to Denver International Airport

Since April 2023 and continuing seasonally, travelers are able to fly direct from Bellingham International Airport (BLI) to Denver International Airport. The non-stop, Saturday only flight comes after strong demand for eastbound flights and travelers looking to avoid the heavy crowds of the SEA and Vancouver airports. BLI now offers direct flights to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland, Palm Springs, Phoenix (Mesa), San Diego, Seattle/Tacoma and Denver on three major airlines.

Spokane International Airport Expands with TREX Program

The $150 million and 144,000 square feet expansion project, called TREX, began in October 2022 with the Concourse C project. It will add three new gates, upgrade existing gates and add additional counter locations. The larger TREX project will be LEED certified, replace aging infrastructure, expand accessibility for persons with disabilities, promote economic development in Spokane and enhance competitive air service. The Concourse C Expansion Project is the first phase of the TREX program. It is expected to be completed by 2025. For more information, visit gegtrex.com.

Ferry News

WSF Announces Partnership for Building Five New Hybrid-Electric Ferries
As a part of their mission towards zero emissions by 2050, Washington State Ferries announced a new partnership with ABB for building five new hybrid-electric ferries with 160 auto capacity. Additional efforts towards electrifying the ferry system include retrofitting six diesel ferries to hybrid electric, building a total of 16 hybrid ferries, retiring 13 diesel ferries, and adding charging power to 16 terminals in the WSF system. Learn more here.

New electric ferry to Lummi Island

In 2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded a grant to replace the 60-year-old Whatcom Chief ferry with a new and improved electric-hybrid ferry for Lummi Island. The ferry is expected to fit 15-25 cars and will help lower emissions and help provide a cleaner environment around the island. The ferry is scheduled to be unveiled in 2027. Learn more.

Trains

Sound Transit Light Rail Service Expansions

West Seattle Link Extension Route and Stations Selected

The Sound Transit Board has selected the route and station locations for the West Seattle Link Extension. Construction is expected to begin in 2027 to extend the light rail 4.1 miles and serve four new stations in the SODO, Delridge, and West Seattle neighborhoods. See the full press release here.

Eastlink 2 Line and Lynnwood Extension Now Open

The newest segment of the Sound Transit Light Rail system offers passengers a quick and safe way to travel throughout Bellevue and Redmond. The 6.6 mile line has eight stations with service every 10-minutes for 16 hours a day, seven days a week. Two stations are expected to be added in Redmond in Spring 2025. Learn more here.

The 1 Line is now extended to Lynnwood, adding 8.5 miles and 4 stations with trains running every eight minutes during peak hours. Learn more here.

Amtrak Advances Rail Yard Upgrades in Seattle and New Amtrak Airo Trains

Amtrak plans to make major upgrades to the King Street Yard to enable modern, more efficient maintenance practices. These upgrades will also support the new Amtrak Airo trains entering service in 2026 on the Amtrak Cascades route. The new trains feature a modern and spacious interior with panoramic windows, better fuel efficiency producing 90% less particulate emissions in diesel operations, reduced travel times, and more.

Convention, Sports, and Events Facilities

Seattle Home to 2026 FIFA World Cup

Seattle, along with 14 other cities in the U.S., will host the FIFA World Cup at Lumen Field in 2026. The upcoming tournament is the first-ever combined bid to feature three nations, the United States, Mexico and Canada, and Seattle will be home to 60 matches. The tournament is expected to collectively generate more than $5 billion in short-term economic activity and produce 40,000 jobs across 14 cities. Read the full press release here.

Lumen Field One of 12 Stadiums Announced as FIFA Club World Cup 2025™
FIFA has confirmed that Lumen Field will be one of 12 stadiums in the US to stage the new FIFA Club World Cup 2025. The tournament will feature 32 club teams competing for the cup over 29 days. This comes about a year before the FIFA World Cup 26™, which will also be hosted at Lumen Field. See the official press release here.

Outdoor Recreation

New Zipline at Riverfront Park Expected in 2025

Plans for a zipline going across Spokane Falls are underway. Mica Moon Zip Tours in Liberty Lake is heading up the project, which is currently in its first phase. A zipline across Spokane Falls has been in the works for years. They expect a functioning zipline in the summer of 2025.

The zipline will start at the corner of A Place of Truths Plaza, and it will go down across the river through the southern arch of the Monroe Street Bridge and land in the southeast corner of Redband Park. The route is an estimated 1,300 feet.

Crystal Mountain Opens New Mountain Commons Lodge

Crystal Mountain will be fully opening the Mountain Commons Lodge this winter season. The new 25,000 square feet facility will kick off a new open retail concept called Crystal Mountain Outfitters, additional restrooms, and an expanded slopeside area featuring an outdoor walk-up bar for guests to take in the scenic views. The lodge will host a variety of food and beverage options including the new Brew 62 Cafe, accessible from inside the first floor or via an outdoor walk-up window located behind the ticket booths, Bootpack Bar, and the Mountain Commons Food Hall located on the second floor.

For more information on what is new this season here.

Mount St. Helens Visitor Center Undergoing Renovation, Reopening May 2025

Beginning Sept. 30, 2024, the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center will close temporarily for renovations. Updated exhibits will document the 1980 eruption, the area’s recovery, and the mountain’s process of rebuilding itself over the past 40 years. The center will reopen in time for the 45th anniversary of the eruption on May 18, 2025. The parking lot, plaza, bathrooms, and Wetland Haven Trail will remain open during the closure.

Find more info here.

New Windsurfing Community Hub Opening in Bingen

Francisco Goya, former windsurfing champion of the world, is opening a new showroom for Goya Windsurfing in Bingen, WA which will offer wholesale gear and windsurfing lessons for everyone from beginner to pros, and host community events. The Columbia River Gorge is known worldwide as one of the best places for windsurfing. The expected open date is 2025, learn more here.

Return of Longboard Classic after 22-year hiatus

The Westport Longboard Classic returned this year after a 22-year-long hiatus. The competition began in the 80s and ran into the early 2000s. Surfers of all skill levels and ages gathered to compete in over a dozen categories at the Jetty in Westport, WA. Find more info here.

New Wheelchair Accessibility Programs Launched in Two Washington State Parks

Lake Wenatchee State Park installed a new Fixed Frame Beach Wheelchair and ADA compliant beach access mats that help visitors with mobility needs access the sandy shore. The beach chair is free to use and can be reserved ahead of time. Read more here.

At Lake Sammamish State Park, an Action Trackchair is now available thanks to a pilot program launched in partnership with the Outdoors for All Foundation. The Action Trackchair assists with movement over uneven terrain, allowing those with mobility needs to access the hiking trails and picnic area at the park. Learn more here.

New Nisqually State Park Developments Underway

The next phase of development for Nisqually State Park is currently underway. This is the first time Washington State Parks has partnered with a local Tribe to create a new park. Themes and details around the lifestyle and culture of the Nisqually people will be prominent in the completed project. The current phase will include the construction of an interpretive plaza and other new operational facilities, the development of a trail system that leads to the Nisqually River and multiple river overlooks. Future developments will include a welcome station, campgrounds, a Village Center, and more. Learn more here.

Same-Day Camping Reservations Now Available at 26 Washington State Parks

Visitors can now make same-day reservations at 26 Washington State Parks including Deception Pass, Lake Chelan, Cape Disappointment and more. Instead of loading up and heading out without knowing if there is a spot available, campers can secure a site before arriving. Same-day reservations can be made until 4 p.m.. Learn more here.

Stevens Canyon Road in Mount Rainier National Park Reopened

After an extensive two-year rehabilitation project to repair and restore Stevens Canyon Road, the nine-mile route is now open. The road travels through the heart of Mount Rainier National Park, connecting the east and west sides, and providing access to scenic views, gateway communities, and multiple recreation opportunities. View the full press release.

Mount St Helens Johnston Ridge Observatory Closed Until 2026

State Routed 504 is closed past the Mount St Helens Science & Learning Center at Coldwater at milepost 45.2 due to a landslide in May 2023. As a result, the popular visitor’s center Johnston Ridge Observatory is closed through 2026 while road and bridge repairs are underway. Find more information and alternative destinations here.

$15 Million in Funding for Cle Elum Ridge Landscape from Senators Murray and Cantwell

With $15 Million in funding, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources will acquire 9,700 acres of forest land on the Cle Elum Ridge. This project is intended to boost recreation opportunities including the maintenance of over 40 miles of trails, preserve wildlife habitats, protect the Yakima River Basin, and improve community wildfire resilience. Read more here.

Eastrail – New Rail Trail Connecting to Eastlink in 2026

Eastrail is currently under development, turning a historic railroad line into 42 miles of paved trail for walking and biking along the east side of Lake Washington to Snohomish, WA. Once completed, Eastrail will link to over 175 miles of existing regional trails and connect directly to the new Eastlink light rail stations. Portions of the trail are already open, with the rest slated to open in 2026. Additions include the transformation of the historic, 120 years-old, Wilburton Trestle into a 1000-foot-long trail bridge. Read more here.

Mount Rainier Introduces Trailhead Shuttle and Hiker Services

Starting Spring 2024, Talking Rocks Outdoor Company will provide trailhead shuttles and hiker support services in Mount Rainier National Park. Pick-up and Drop-Off Areas include:

SeaTac Airport
Bus and train stations in Auburn
Trails along the SR410 Corridor, including Chinook Pass and White Pass
Iconic destinations such as Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, and Goat Rocks Wilderness
Crystal Mountain Resort
Wonderland Trail and Walupt Lake
Wilderness areas like William O. Douglas, Norse Peak, and Tatoosh
Notable trails like American Ridge and Nelson Ridge in the William O. Douglas Wilderness

Learn more he r e.

New Surf Park Coming to Yakima

Barreled Surf Park, a groundbreaking attraction in development in Yakima, will provide safe, accessible and non-stop fun to Pacific Northwest residents and beyond. The WaveGarden Cove, a recent technological break-through in artificial wave technology and the park’s most anticipated attraction, will allow surfers of all levels to enjoy a variety of wave options, from a slow rolling ‘Malibu’ to a six-foot barrel. With lessons and classes, an onsite bar and restaurant selling craft beverages from the region and a retail shop for any surf-specific needs, Barreled is fun for the whole family. Guests can stay overnight at the campground, RV Park or in stand-alone cottage to keep the good times rolling. Learn more at www.surfbarreled.com.

Tri-Cities, Washington to Host IRONMAN 70.3 Washington Tri-Cities Triathlon in 2024, 2025 and 2026

Visit Tri-Cities will be the lead organization in facilitating the event through a three-year host agreement with IRONMAN and in collaboration with the City of Richland, West Richland and other regional communities and agencies. The international triathlon will also be held on September 22, 2024, September 21, 2025, and September 20, 2026. Each year, the event will bring 2500 athletes plus an additional 7,500 visitors, crews and support staff to the area inducing $6-$8 million in visitor spending to local businesses. Read the full press release here.

Snow Peak Opened First U.S. Campfield in Long Beach, Washington in June 2024

Snow Peak, the Japanese outdoor adventure brand that reimagines outdoor experiences, has opened a campground in Long Beach with accommodation options ranging from tents to minimalist cabins. The site is home to a café and store, with paths connecting guests to Pacific beaches. Long Beach Campfield is the first location in the United States. The brand has five campfields in Japan including in Niigata, Hokkaido, Osaka, Kochi and Oita. More information can be found here.

Tri-Cities, Washington Selected to Host National Horseshoe Pitching Championships in 2024 and 2027
The prestigious National Horseshoe Pitching Association (NHPA) announced in October 2023 that Tri-Cities will host the NHPA World Horseshoe Pitching Championships in 2024 and 2027. Each championship event is expected to bring in nearly $1 million in economic impact to the area. Learn more here.

Food and Beverage

Washington Welcomes Beverly as 21st American Viticultural Area

Beverly, Washington’s newest AVA, was officially defined as a designated wine-growing region on Oct. 29, 2024. Beverly is located in central Washington between the Royal Slope to the north and Wahluke Slope to the south and sits at 2,415 acres making it one of the smallest appellations in the state. See the full press release here.

Liberty Lake Wine Cellars Attains Sustainable WA Certifications

Sustainable WA is a certification for vineyards based on a broad set of science-based practices such as watershed protection, natural resources, soil health, low-input farming, employee and community stewardship, and climate resiliency. Liberty Lake Wine Cellars has recently completed the process to certify that all of their wines made from the Red Mountain AVA are sourced from Sustainable WA certified vineyards. In addition to the certification, the winery has partnered with Owen Farms of Spokane to provide all their waste grape pomace to feed locally raised Piedmontese cattle. Learn more about Sustainable WA here.

Taste Washington Celebrates 25 Years in March 2025
In March 2025, Taste Washington will celebrate its 25th anniversary by bringing together over 200 winemakers and 75 restaurants as a tribute to Washington’s dynamic food and wine culture. The event spans multiple days featuring a curated lineup of intimate dining experiences, lively gatherings, and immersive tastings that showcase the best in Washington Wine Food and Hospitality. Find more information here.

Two Washington Restaurants Make The New York Times Best-In-The-U.S. List

Walla Walla County’s Bar Bacetto and Seattle’s Ltd Edition Sushi rank among the top 50 places to dine in The United States. Bar Bacetto specializes in upscale Italian cuisine, and Ltd Edition Sushi is an omakase-only spot in Capitol Hill. Read the full list of winners here.

Jamestown S’Klallam Fisherman Serving Native Caught Seafood in Downtown Port Angeles Restaurant
Jamestown S’Klallam geoduck divers Jeremy and Jason Holden opened Moby Duck Chowder and Seafood in late 2023. The native-owned restaurant serves fresh, seasonally available seafood from Tribal fisherman, including geoduck caught locally in Sequim Bay by the Holden brothers. Learn more here.

New Native-Owned Coffee Shop Works Toward Building Community in Coupeville
Beaver Tales Coffee opened a second location on the Historic Coupeville Wharf. This is just phase one of a multifaceted plan to create the sʷədəbš Cultural Center in the heart of Coupeville dedicated to celebrating local indigenous cultures. Owners Tony and Michelle seek to create a comprehensive center that expands the coffee shop into a restaurant, art gallery, educational space, and gift shop that immerses visitors in the rich heritage of Indigenous communities. Currently, the cafe serves in-house roasted coffee, specialty beverages, fresh baked goods, sandwiches, and salads. Learn more here.

Indigenous Culture

Cannonball Music and Arts Venue Set to Open in Downtown Seattle

In partnership with the Muckleshoot Tribe, New Rising Sun is opening a new arts venue in Downtown Seattle offering two stories of galleries and performing arts space that spans two city blocks. The venue is set to open in spring of 2025. Find more info here.

Updated: Indigenous Civil Rights Documentary Coming to Regional Film Festivals

“Fish War” chronicles the decades-long battle between the state government, non-tribal fishermen, and Indigenous communities of Washington for fishing access granted by an 1855 treaty and current challenges to preserve salmon runs due to climate change and habitat destruction. The documentary premiered at the 50th Anniversary of the Seattle International Film Festival and is coming to regional film festivals in Western Washington and Vancouver B.C. in September and October. Learn more here.

Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe Takes Over Dungeness and Protection Island National Wildlife Refuges

On August 16, the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe established a co-stewardship agreement with U.S. Fish & Wildlife to take over management of the Dungeness and Protection Island National Wildlife Refuges. This comes as a result of new legislation allowing Tribes to negotiate deals like this, and the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe is the first to do so in Washington State. Both refuges are within the traditional territory of the S’Klallam people. Find more information here.

Seattle Aquarium Announces Partnership with Muckleshoot Tribe

The Seattle Aquarium unveiled its new Ocean Pavilion expansion at the end of August featuring three brand-new immersive experiences. The aquarium also announced a new partnership with the Muckleshoot Tribe to create new programs that showcase Indigenous voices and stories. The partnership celebrates the Tribe’s ancestral connection to the Seattle Waterfront and supports the Aquarium’s culture and science education programs. Learn more about the partnership here.

Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians Opens New RV Resort in Arlington WA
Just 60 miles north of Seattle, the Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians have opened Angel of the Winds RV Resort on their ancestral lands. The resort features full RV hookups, state-of-the-art restrooms and laundry facilities, easy access to outdoor recreation, swimming pool and hot tub, pickleball courts, an off-leash dog park, and more. Learn more here.

Indigenous Civil Rights Documentary Premieres at Seattle International Film Festival

The Salmon People’s Struggle to Survive: The Story of Muckleshoot Fisheries
The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe has been making films about the Tribe’s effort to protect their culture, salmon, and the land. Their most recent documentary “The Salmon People’s Struggle to Survive: The Story of Muckleshoot Fisheries” was nominated for a 2024 Northwest Regional Emmy® and was selected for two international film festivals. Learn more here.

New Nisqually State Park Developments Underway

Snoqualmie Casino Expansion is Underway, Set to Open 2025

The Snoqualmie Casino announced a multi-phase expansion that will include a new hotel, expanded gaming floor, destination spa, 2,000-seat entertainment and convention center, parking structure and two restaurants with plans for a third in the future. The new space is set to open in early 2025. The casino is located in Snoqualmie, Washington and owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe. Learn more here.

Tulalip Casino Undergoing 2-Year Renovation
Tulalip Casino announced a 2-year renovation plan on its 20th anniversary in late 2023. The project includes a 70,250-square-foot addition and a major renovation to the rest of the property. The scheduled completion is set for late 2025. Learn more here.

Jamestown S’Klallam Fisherman Serving Native Caught Seafood in Downtown Port Angeles Restaurant

Jamestown S’Klallam geoduck divers Jeremy and Jason Holden opened Moby Duck Chowder and Seafood in late 2023. The native-owned restaurant serves fresh, seasonally available seafood from Tribal fisherman, including geoduck caught locally in Sequim Bay by the Holden brothers. Learn more here.

General Developments

New Broadway Shows Coming to Seattle at The Paramount
The Paramount brings seven broadway shows to Seattle’s renowned theater scene in 2025 welcoming Kimberly Akimbo, Hamilton, Life of Pi, Six, Riverdance, Mamma Mia!, and & Juliet. Find more information here.

Port of Everett’s 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan

The Capital Improvement Plan is in place to continue developing Everett’s waterfront for additional commerce and recreation. This includes building out public infrastructure at Waterfront Place for more destination retail and restaurant opportunities as well as maritime infrastructure updates to modernize the seaport. Learn more here.

50th Anniversary of Seattle Pride

2024 marks the 50th anniversary of Seattle Pride Month which stands as one of the country’s largest free Pride festivals. This year’s theme is “Community Voice” for the month-long celebration with events, parades, and festivals. More information on the celebration here.

Snoqualmie Riverwalk Project

The Snoqualmie Riverwalk Project is now in the early planning stages of a multi-phased, long-term recreational development that will act as a destination trail loop to be enjoyed by residents and visitors. The riverwalk will connect from Snoqualmie Falls to Three Forks Natural Area with trails along the north and south shores. The proposed Snoqualmie Riverwalk will increase public access and enjoyment of the Snoqualmie River, offer a loop system for and public spaces for programming and incorporate sustainable components to preserve the pristine environment. www.snoqualmiewa.gov

Washougal Waterfront Development Hyas Point Broke Ground in Fall 2023

The Port of Camas-Washougal began Phase 1 of development of Hyas Point, which will be a lively, walkable place in the cities of Washougal and Camas with community gathering and character spaces, commercial, retail, mixed-use and residential uses. The name Hyas Point references the local Native American culture, with “Hyas” meaning ‘big’ or ‘great,’ and the development will incorporate Native American artistic elements to connect to the community identity. The first phase of construction began in fall 2023, and it will have several streets including a main thoroughfare along the Columbia River and four buildings with 260 apartment units and 56,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space. Learn more here.

Construction of New Seattle Waterfront Underway, Expected Completion in 2025

Waterfront Seattle is rebuilding Alaskan Way from S King to Pike streets, and building a new street, known as Elliott Way, from Pine to Bell streets. The new surface street will span a total of 17 blocks from Pioneer Square to Belltown, with two lanes of traffic in either direction for the majority of the street. This street will also have the honorary name Dzidzilalich, which means “little crossing-over place,” in Lushootseed to honor the lands and shared waters of the Puget Sound Coast Salish People.

The project will add:

Connections to park spaces, restaurants, stores and neighborhoods
Raised street crossings and widened sidewalks for pedestrians
More than 500 new street trees, extensive ground covers and green stormwater infrastructure to manage stormwater runoff on-site
Extensive pedestrian lighting in addition to roadway lighting

Construction began in 2019 and completion is expected in 2025, with delays due to COVID-19 impacts. Learn more about the project and construction timeline here.

Hotels and Lodging

Under Canvas Opening New Property in the Columbia River Gorge
Under Canvas will open its 13th campground in Washington’s White Salmon River Valley along the Columbia River Gorge in the summer of 2025. Under Canvas offers an upscale camping experience with safari-inspired canvas tents on elevated private decks furnished with a plush king-size bed, luxe linens, USB charging packs, bedside lanterns, a gas fireplace and ensuite bathroom that features a hot pull-chain shower, sink and flushing toilet. The property offers easy access to countless outdoor recreation opportunities and access to White Salmon and other charming Washington towns with coffee shops, restaurants, and wineries. Guests can book “Best of” local experiences through Under Canvas’ Adventure Concierge such as guided hiking, rafting, fishing, mountain biking and more. See the full press release here.

New Sustainable Glamping Experience Near Olympic National ParkRoam Beyond is bringing a new sustainable glamping experience to the Olympic Peninsula. Guests will stay in a mobile dwelling with hot water and power run from solar energy in a secluded area with a front-row view of the Pacific Ocean. Get updates on the campsite here.

Carbon-Negative Hotel Westland Opening in Seattle in 2025

The second of its kind in the United States, Hotel Westland will be a carbon positive and adaptive reuse boutique hotel in Seattle’s Pioneer Square district. Urban Villages, the real estate developer, has begun construction on the historic warehouse building, revitalizing the structure and turning it into a 120-room hotel with a restaurant, coffee bar, meeting spaces, a penthouse suite and open-air rooftop bar. The hotel will rely on renewable energy and reusable materials, partnering with regional ecology groups to remove carbon from daily operations. Westland marks the third structure in Urban Village’s carbon-negative “micro-district” called RailSpur, with offices and retail spaces already in place and connected by alleyways that host art, music and culinary programming. Learn more here.

Sasquatch Watch Airbnb expected to open in 2025

Located near Mount Rainier National Park, this Sasquatch-themed Airbnb imitates a Bigfoot Cabin Dwelling with Sasquatch thrones, a large bed, custom wood designs and more. The project was funded after the owners entered the idea in Airbnb’s $10M OMG! Fund, awarded to 100 winners across 20 countries. It is expected to open in 2025. Learn more here.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Althea Conyers Achem

Public Relations, GreenRubino for State of Washington Tourism

E: WATourismPR@greenrubino.com