SOAP LAKE -- A warm, red glow colors the water of this small Grant County city's lake.

Take Highway 17 north from Moses Lake, and the observant driver will start to notice boulders the size of beachballs littering the fields along the road just outside of town.

ELLENSBURG -- This city often is thought of as a place to fill up the gas tank, grab a coffee and make a bathroom stop on the way across the state.

There's treasure buried in Washington's desert. It's not gold doubloons or the lost stash of infamous 1970s skyjacker D.B. Cooper.

ROSLYN -- Anyone pining for some green trees, a few glaciers and views to take your breath away (no, it's not just the altitude) might consider taking a hike to the top of Thorp Mountain in upper Kittitas County, about three hours northwest of the Tri-Cities and about 15 miles off Interstate 90.

MARYHILL -- It is only correct that the roads leading to the Maryhill Museum of Art -- highways 14 and 97 -- are paved with asphalt.

SUNNYSIDE -- Mathew Santoy has a theory. The only way he can help customers at Dairyfair in Sunnyside decide which flavor of ice cream to get is by tasting each of them himself.

TOPPENISH -- A trip to Toppenish, billed as a place "Where the West still lives," can be turned into a full day for Tri-Citians looking for a mix of outdoor fun, education and shopping.

LINCOLN CITY, Ore. - When sweltering, three-digit temperatures hit the Tri-Cities, you might consider escaping to the sandy beaches and salty ocean air of Lincoln City, Ore.

EATONVILLE -- Drive an hour outside of Tacoma, beyond where the eight-lane highways turn to two-lane roads, past the rickety barns and into the imposing majesty of Mount Rainier and you'll find a wildlife park that rivals any in the West.