One of my favorite parts of traveling to new places is seeing how people have had the same issues and solved them with completely different results. These nuances give places their character and charm.
Seattle, rather than fighting over its surroundings, is nestled in and converging with them. Where other cities have committed to a complete bold slash and burn concrete culture, Seattle has harmonized with its environment- and so much of what makes this city unique is an inherent product of its environment. The markets teem with fish from the sound, and berries from the rugged mountains. Cold, moist air quite nearly drags you into the first Starbucks.
The environment is steeped in the lush dark hues of the ancient forest, and where this forest meets the tumultuous pounding of the sea is nothing short of magnificent. Being out here has a way of cleansing the mind, as I’m sure it did for others- and opened the way for the conception of entities like the Space Needle. Urbanism engulfed in a forest.

An incoming storm soaks Cape Flattery at sunset.

 

Evergreens frame the iconic Space Needle.

 

Trees line an main thoroughfare in Downtown Seattle.

 

The forests of the Olympic Peninsula teem with ancient trees.

 

Fog and forest intertwine on the Olympic Peninsula.

 

Seattle’s Public Market showcases the abundance of Puget Sound.

 

The ocean recedes as low tide takes over at Ruby Beach.

 

Rain draining from the mountains surrounding Lake Quinault forms a waterfall.

 

The suburbs of Seattle integrate with lush surroundings.

 

Tulips frame the architectural marvel of the Space Needle.

 

Ocean surf pounds the rocks of Cape Flattery.

 

The Pike Place Market glows at night after a brief, but intense, rain shower.