Recreation
Six Easy Grays Harbor Trails To Warm Up Your Winter
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,…
Read MoreWandering Washington’s Whale Trail
As a 90’s kid, Warner Bros’ “Free Willy” was my introduction to Orcas. I imagined myself as Jesse, fist high in the air screaming “Yeah!” as Willy leapt into the Pacific and swam to freedom. As cheesy as the film may seem now, fictional Willy tells a not-so-fictional story. Many of these animals spend their…
Read MoreOne Hour Birding in Olympia, Washington
When I decided to write a birding feature for Explore Washington State, I wracked my brain about which of my favorite birding locales I would showcase for an hour of birding. Ultimately I decided that it would be most appropriate to take you on a journey that echoes my own when I first began birding,…
Read MoreSpending a Day on Camano Island
Camano Island is near and dear to my heart. I moved to Washington in early October of 2019 and found myself living on Camano Island when I first arrived. I had never been to Washington or the Pacific Northwest, so it was quite the journey and Camano Island has become one of my favorite areas…
Read MoreGet Off-Screen and Outdoors With a Scavenger Hunt
For those who read the recent article about escaping COVID screen time and getting outdoors, you saw a list of six or so activities to do in Washington’s great outdoors. You may have done them alone to get some individual, “you” time. You may have gotten those kids of yours off the screen and out…
Read MoreDiscovering Solitude And Serenity In East Lewis County
Mount Rainier so dominates Northwest geography that worthy nearby locales are easily overlooked. But when summer throngs clog the Queen of the Cascades, solitude and serenity can be found just a few miles south of the great mountain along the Cispus Area Loop and vicinity. Located off U.S. Highway 12 near Randle in east Lewis…
Read More5 Hideaway Staycations I’m Dreaming Of In Washington
We all need a vacation. Nay, we all deserve a vacation at this point. I’m not even going to explain beyond that, because I can already see you nodding your head in agreement. Here is my (not) extensive list of hideaway stays that I am day dreaming of for this summer. 1. The Heron Cabin…
Read MoreSquires Lake: A Fun Loop Hike With Kids or Pups!
If you’re seeking fresh air and nature’s beauty and you don’t want to go too far – Squires Lake is an ideal hike to explore! Looking to breathe in fresh air and enjoy nature’s beauty with only an hour or two to spare? Check out Squires Lake! Nestled near the south end of the Chuckanut…
Read MoreGet Kids Outdoors to Escape Screen Time
This past year was more than enjoyable for many people. Most were fearful of the new COVID-19 illness, while others escaped into the glorious outdoors. What did you do? What about your children? Us adults, well, we have experienced more life. We do better at understanding what might be going on and rolling with the…
Read MoreEight Hidden Gems to Discover in Washington National Parks
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…
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