Explore Washington State
Washington State has more terrain for outdoor recreation than most people ever fully explore. Within a few hours of any major city, you can be on a remote alpine trail, launching a kayak into a calm bay, or skiing powder in the Cascades. The variety here is genuinely extraordinary and it rewards people who are willing to look a little further than the usual bucket list destinations.
This section covers the active side of exploring Washington. You will find trail reports and hiking guides, state park reviews, tips for water access points, winter recreation routes, coastal walks, wildlife viewing spots, and the kind of outdoor stops that are worth adding to any road trip. Every post is written by someone who made the trip and came back with a real opinion rather than a press release.
Whether you are planning a technical summit, a family friendly day hike, or just looking for a quiet beach walk, the content here covers a wide range of skill levels and seasons. Washington has something worth getting outside for in every month of the year.
Browse recent posts below, or use the activity and county tags to filter by what you are looking for. There is always more out there than most people get around to finding.
Washington morel season can last four months if you follow the elevation from low river valleys in late March to high mountain passes in July. Here is the complete playbook for chasing morels across the state.
New Year’s Day Hikes in Washington: Start 2026 Outside Forget resolutions you’ll abandon by mid-January. First Day Hikes offer a better way to start the year—getting outside, moving your body, and spending January 1st in a Washington state park instead of on the couch. More than 30 parks across the state are hosting ranger-led hikes,...
A 103-year-old bridge? 250ft tall? On the way to Mount Rainier National Park? Sounded like something we should check out. UPDATE: April 25 2025 End of an Era: The Historic SR 165 Carbon River Bridge Closes Permanently After more than a century of service, the historic SR 165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge near Carbonado has officially...
The weather outside may be frightful, but outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty in Grays Harbor County that’s delightful. That’s because coast-hugging Grays Harbor escapes the polar bear weather and deep snow common elsewhere in Washington, offering family friendly hiking and outdoor exploring even in the dead of winter. Trails featured below are easy, family friendly,...
On August 29, after a day of experiencing Makah Days and some of the other wonders Neah Bay and the West End have to offer, I headed down the coast to find Cape Flattery and Shi Shi Beach. Upon arriving in Neah Bay, I had made sure to stop in at one of the local...
Crystal Mountain Ski Resort is highly regarded as one of the best hubs for outdoor winter recreation in Washington. But even if skiing or snowboarding isn’t your thing, Crystal Mountain can still be your place. Whether you’re heading up to the mountain with friends who are skiing, or you’re looking for a unique winter adventure,...
Something wonderful happened. After weeks of relentless winter Washington rain, the skies cleared and the sun burst through the clouds as if to say, “Hey you, come out and play.” Needing no further convincing I laced up my boots, leashed up the dog, gassed up the car and headed out to explore. Hiking in Beacon...
Looking for a challenging hike to tackle in the Olympic forest? Klahhane Ridge Loop Trail might be the fit for you! Explore Washington State Contributor Zac Blaylock recently conquered the Klahhane Ridge Loop Trail, closing out at 16 miles round-trip, with sweeping views of Mount Olympus, Port Angeles Harbor and Sequim Bay. Back Into Hiking...
A good hike for the colder months ahead: that became my mission the last few weeks as I contemplated my upcoming article on hiking. I had recently gotten back from a trip up Sol Duc to Appleton Pass and The High Divide, and although wonderful in so many ways, I had also encountered the first...
Have you ever gone snowshoeing trails during the winter? Washington State is full of seasonal snowshoe trails, from the Cascade Mountains to Central and Eastern Washington. Get started this winter with our beginner’s guide to snowshoeing in Washington. Choose Your Trail Before setting out, pick a light to moderate trail for your earliest snowshoe ventures....
Winter in Washington can bring magnificent snow, but what if you are not a downhill skier? Have you tried snowshoeing? Snowshoeing is a wonderful way to get out into the snow, see gorgeous views, have some adventures and get some exercise! We are going to cover a six beginner shoeshoe hikes to make you comfortable...
Here in the Evergreen State, we have a pretty great reputation for our mountains, our coffee and our rain. If that isn’t awesome enough, we are also fortunate enough to be the home to three National Parks! Each of these parks offers its own unique scenery, activities and vibes to enjoy. While Washington is definitely...
