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,…
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,…
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…
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…
Experience the beauty that is Sol Duc Falls! Learn all there is to know about the trail including how to get there, trail details, and more!
Do you like towering mountain peaks? Tight valleys and a road that zigs and zags back and forth? A drive not like many others? Do you love encountering breathtaking views? Peaks that hold snow almost an entire year? The North Cascades Highway — SR20 If any of the above questions intrigued you, then State Route…
There’s something beautiful about walking in the woods. The weight of life’s stresses seems to fall off your shoulders, brushed off to the ground by a low hanging Douglas fir or western red cedar. The earthy smell of composting soil fills your senses as it rises from the forest floor, swirling in the golden streaks…
A few miles past Enumclaw, along the winding path carved by Route 410, Federation Forest State Park sits nestled by the mighty White River. Though perhaps not as showy or intimidating as other parks around Mt. Rainier, Federation Forest State Park offers a quiet refuge where families and hikers of all levels can enjoy the…
Washington has a unique abundance of wild foods that grow across the entire state. From the coast to the eastern plains, these rugged lands offer an unparalleled diversity of landscapes and ecosystems. Many of the forest foods of Washington are nutrient-dense, packed with vitamins and contain medicinal properties. Whether you’re looking for wild foods to…
Washington state has foraging opportunities year-round, but if you’ve got your heart set on picking wild berries, your best bet will be to venture out sometime between July and September. The abundance of the natural foods in this state is astounding, the list of berries alone is seemingly endless. Fruit-bearing plants in Washington range from…
Washington is known for it’s beautiful landscapes. There is no better way to see the sites than from one of the many outstanding lookouts!
About a 2-hour drive from Seattle, Seaquest State Park is a great jumping-off point for visiting nearby Mount Saint Helens.
![wide shot of fire lookout]](https://explorewashingtonstate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/wide-shot-of-fire-lookout-768x576.jpeg)
