Between Seattle And Tacoma Is A PNW City With Scenic Views, Local Eats, And Outdoor Fun

With a mix of vibrant cities and gorgeous natural sites, the Pacific Northwest often serves as a more relaxed but still worthy alternative to major tourist hotspots. Sure, it encompasses some well-known cities like Seattle and Tacoma, but there's another Washington gem of just over 21,000 residents that you might not have added to your bucket list yet. Covington is a peaceful, safe, and clean city with a varied selection of attractions.

Here, you'll find a park system that spans over 130 acres, and a fantastic way to enjoy the scenic views is to take advantage of the trail network guiding you through water bodies, picnic shelters, grassy fields, and more. The Jenkins Creek Trail, green spaces like Covington Community Park, and Crystal View Park are among the must-sees, too. The area is also home to an aquatic center that's open year-round, and visitors who want to focus on the nearby restaurants and stores have a lot to look forward to. Covington has dozens of highly reviewed eateries, while those planning a well-rounded shopping experience can head to Covington Esplanade, the local mall.

The city makes an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions, including Mount Rainier National Park and the Green River Valley. Because Covington is conveniently located between Seattle (35 miles away) and Tacoma (22 miles away), road trippers don't have to worry about making their way here. Washington State Route 18 passes through the city, connecting it to nearby outdoor recreation and neighboring cities. Fliers have access to a convenient entryway: the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, about 30 minutes northwest. Because Covington isn't particularly walkable and public transportation isn't always convenient, many travelers prefer to drive.

Outdoor enthusiasts might know Washington as the breathtaking state that boasts the most waterfalls in America, but its nature attractions don't end here. Covington, with its scenic trails, impressive park network, and aquatic center, is a fantastic place to get moving. Hikers can warm up at Jenkins Creek Park, which features a 0.7-mile loop with both natural surface and path trails. But what really makes this stretch stand out is the scenery, complete with woodland and several water bodies like Spring Pond and Jenkins Creek. It's also a good spot for birdwatching, with visitors often encountering ducks. 

For moderately challenging recreation, you can drive the 15 minutes to the Echo Quarry, Ridge, and Ravine Loop, nestled between Lake Desire and Spring Lake. It stretches almost two and a half miles, and views include dense forests full of cedar, fir, and maple trees. Those who also want to get a good look at the surrounding hills and valleys can access one of the trail's several viewpoints. The sights you'll get from the ridge are particularly beautiful, even offering a glimpse of Mount Rainier when the weather conditions are right.

Another easy trail, the Covington Community Park Loop, is located in the park it's named after. It's one of the most popular pathways for walking and running in town, and the park itself spans almost 30 acres. It features an open meadow, fitness equipment, and picnic shelters with BBQ grills. Crystal View Park might be smaller, but outdoor lovers can still appreciate its wetland and wooded areas, along with its basketball half-court. While in Covington, try to stop by the Covington Aquatic Center, too. It's a heated swimming pool that offers exercise classes, swimming lessons, plus several diving boards and a viewing area. 

Tens of millions of visitors come to Seattle every year, and not for nothing. Washington state's biggest hub is a city lover's playground, featuring a hip warehouse arts district that is just like New York's SoHo in the 70s. That doesn't mean its lesser-known neighbors aren't worth exploring, though, and Covington, in particular, offers its own mix of local businesses to browse through. Foodies will have an especially great time here. 

You can start your culinary experience in the city at The Iron Grill, a family-owned Mongolian restaurant known for its build-your-own BBQ bowls and all-you-can-eat options. Their peanut sauce is highly reviewed, and prices are considered reasonable, too. 

Nikki's Restaurant and Lounge is another popular local spot serving classic American diner food like chicken fried steak, grilled cheese sandwiches, and pies. It's known for its live music nights and happy hour deals, and despite it being a well-known Covington attraction, seating is usually quick. Craving a gyro or spanakopita instead? Try Gyros House Mediterranean Cuisine. Also locally owned, this is a family-friendly Mediterranean restaurant serving generous portions. Don't forget to order a side of fries — as they're a favorite. 

Shoppers can first stop by the local Walls of Books, a homey bookstore carrying a wide selection of both new and used titles. You can even get store credit for bringing your old books. For a more well-rounded shopping experience, though, Covington Esplanade is your one-stop shop. It has everything from furniture stores, banks, and restaurants to nail salons and a wild bird retail shop. According to one Google reviewer, it's an especially great place to get authentic Mexican food. If you want to experience someplace new, Renton, Washington's artsy city with a vibrant downtown and diverse dining, is just a 30-minute drive from Covington.