Seattle is also noted for extensive skin-diving activities and the largest octopi in the world are found in the Puget Sound. Skiing has many thousands of enthusiastic participants with excellent accommodations and facilities within an hour's drive of Seattle. Spectator sports include major league football, basketball, baseball, tennis, and soccer. For the hiker, camper, and photo bug, there are three National Parks within two hours of Seattle. Mt. Rainier rises to more than 14,000 feet and offers a constantly changing picture.
Ocean beaches are only two and a half hours away.
Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia, with a decidedly English flavor, lie only a short distance to the north. There is currently no state income tax. Most revenue is derived from a state sales tax on virtually everything except food. Property taxes run about 1 to 1.5 percent of the assessed evaluation. Other ways to pay taxes include the State lottery and Emerald Downs race track.