Explore Washington State
Washington State Outdoor Recreation
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.
The Tri-Cities is blessed with 300 days of glorious sunshine and an average of less than eight inches of precipitation each year. Located in the southeastern heart of Washington State, the Tri-Cities landscape is vast and open, mottled with curved hillsides, dramatic cliff-fronts, endless miles of rippling rivers and sweeping vineyards and farmlands. Amongst the...
Do you believe in ghosts? I do. Though, I’m not the type to go seeking them out on purpose. And as far as believing a hike could be haunted? For me, that is a stretch. Though I will use any excuse — even ghost hunting — if it means a walk in the woods. The...
Winter at Mount Baker Located 52 miles east of Bellingham, the Mount Baker Ski Area is a dream destination for snow lovers. A far cry from flashy northwest resort towns like Whistler Blackcomb, this rustic and undeveloped ski area is all about the powder. Case in point: Mount Baker set the world snowfall record during...
Hey there, Explore Washington State reader! Hilary and Roscoe here. It’s another rainy day in Seattle, so in other words, it’s a perfect time to write about one of our favorite local adventures! Roscoe, my dog, is my go-to partner whenever I want to explore a new place in the area. We recently checked out...
Nestled between Mount Rainier National Park, Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Mount St. Helens on the Cowlitz River, the cozy town of Packwood offers the perfect mountain getaway experience. As the winter months descend on the Pacific Northwest, snow-seekers can find good beer, warm fires and freshly powdered mountains in Packwood, WA. Easily accessible in...
Looking for a quick desert escape from Seattle but don’t want to pay all that money for a plane ticket to go somewhere like California or Arizona? Or, maybe you’re looking for a hike that’s a little different from the typical mountain climbs and waterfall views. Well my friend, Ancient Lakes Trail near Quincy, Washington...
Monroe is home of the Evergreen State Fair, one of the largest county state fairs held annually in the Pacific Northwest. But there is so much more to Monroe than just an annually held event. Monroe is home to many local farms and nurseries that provide a multitude of crops ranging from different varieties of fruits...
UPDATE FEBRUARY 19, 2025 The trailhead for Franklin Falls has been closed due to lack of funding by the federal government. Located just a few miles from the summit of Snoqualmie Pass, Franklin Falls draws novice and seasoned hikers alike, during any time of the year. This is the ideal hike for someone looking for...
Looking for an adventure in the Maple Valley area? Join us as we explore Lake Wildnerness Park. Hello, Explore Washington State readers! Hilary and Roscoe here. Well, technically just Hilary. Roscoe is a dog, and while he’s content to hang out while I write, he has yet to master a keyboard. We’ve recently become Washington...
The Ape Caves offer a unique outdoor dynamic that fascinates both avid hikers and families that are looking for a new experience. Its views are striking for locals and newcomers alike. As someone who has personally had the enjoyment of traveling and hiking across North America, the Ape Caves have been one of my favorite...
Moulton Falls Regional Park is a hidden gem in southern Washington, nestled in a heavily forested area just outside of Battle Ground in Clark County. Clocking in at just about a 45-minute drive from the Vancouver and Portland area, it’s close enough to be an easy post-work adventure or a day trip from other parts...
Considering the seemingly never-ending natural beauty of Washington State, it is sometimes easy to forget about the wonders of the Olympic Peninsula. Sprawling nearly one million acres, Olympic National Park contains three distinct ecosystems – glaciated mountains, rugged Pacific coastline and lush temperate forests. Best part? You can explore it all. Not sure where to...
