Explore Washington State
Washington State packs more geographic variety into one state than almost anywhere else in the country. In a single weekend, you can wake up to ocean fog on the Pacific coast, drive through old growth rainforest, and fall asleep under the stars in the high desert east of the Cascades. That kind of range makes trip planning exciting, though it can occasionally feel overwhelming.
This section is where we have gathered every destination guide, weekend escape, day trip, and local find we have published across the state. Every post is written by someone who actually made the drive, not a sponsored itinerary or filler content. Real trips, real opinions, real Washington.
We cover all corners of the state: the wild beaches and rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula, the ferry accessible islands of Puget Sound, mountain towns like Leavenworth and Winthrop in the Cascades, the wine country and wide open spaces of Eastern Washington, and the day trip destinations within easy reach of Seattle. Whether you are planning a family vacation, a solo road trip, or a quick weekend getaway, you will find something worth bookmarking here.
Browse recent posts below, or use the county and city tags on any post to find more content from a specific area. Washington rewards the curious traveler and there is always another destination worth discovering.
Washington State is known for its gloomy and rainy weather. While a lot of people want to avoid going outdoors during autumn, I think it’s the best time of the year to explore. The fall footage and the moody, foggy Pacific Northwest vibes make everything look enchanting. Driving North Cascades Highway Whether you want to...
When I picture myself hiking in the Pacific Northwest, I always see myself set amongst a familiar backdrop — tall trees and even taller mountains. Winding forest streams carve their way through deep valleys of lush green foliage. It’s not hiking if there’s no tree roots to snag your boot on nor any hard rocks...
Located 33 miles south of Seattle, Tacoma is a dynamic waterfront city whose art museums, outdoor recreation and brewery scene have turned it into a thriving Washington destination. In 2019 the city completed a major transformation — converting its former smelter site into a stunning waterfront park at Dune Peninsula. Tacoma’s waterfront walks alone are...
Only 9 miles northwest of downtown Spokane, lucky visitors will stumble upon the cozy community of Nine Mile Falls. There are plenty of worthwhile experiences, breathtaking views and culinary treats on both sides of the river. Even though it is just a short drive from the city, Nine Mile Falls provides a great getaway to...
For a while, I lived in a van. When it was time to explore any given place I usually gave myself an unlimited time limit on my adventuring since I lived where I parked. When it came time to hike in Mt. Rainier National Park, and after already doing my fair share of travel up...
Have you ever walked into a place, whether a restaurant, a store or a hotel and immediately felt right at home? Have you found that a style of business was so in line with your personality that the last thing you wanted to think about was leaving? That’s exactly what I found during my recent...
Visit Pasco, Washington for a dose of history, delicious food and waterfront parks along the Columbia River. Pasco is a small city located in Eastern Washington that is part of the Tri-Cities, along with Richland and Kenewick. History of Pasco Pasco is full of history and stories. Lewis and Clark passed through what is now...
Northwest Whatcom County is a hotspot for family-friendly adventures. Home to two state parks, miles of beach access, a brewery and fresh seafood eateries, it’s the go-to destination for folks seeking a beach vacation near Bellingham. From Semiahmoo to Birch Bay and Blaine, here’s how to spend a weekend in Northwest Whatcom County. Semiahmoo Surrounded...
Washington State has long been known for its wild beauty, epitomized by tall pine trees, rugged landscapes and stunning coastlines. Though it is often reduced to no more than a photo-op by its famous bridge, Deception Pass State Park is the perfect place to discover all the natural splendor of the Evergreen State. [toc] Discovering...
As the weather begins to change and you feel more inclined to get some fresh air, there are many places to visit. From campsites, to hiking trails to local history — there is so much to explore. But, how do you decide where to go when there are so many options? Look no further because...
Many Pacific Northwesterners are unaware of the fascinating history of the state of Washington, particularly on the far-less-populated eastern side of the state. From the production of plutonium during World War II in the Tri-Cities to the agricultural boom of the Palouse region and the Whitman Mission massacre in Walla Walla, a lot has happened...
I moved to the greater Seattle area in early September and immediately went out and started exploring everything this state has to offer. I quickly realized just how incredible the State Park system is here. The abundance of public land combined with its tendency to be very pet-friendly (it’s not an adventure without my sidekick...
