Washington State’s trails, parks, and outdoor spaces for every season and skill level. Find where to hike, which state parks to visit, and what roadside stops are worth your time. Real recommendations from people who actually explore this state
Established in 1889, Mount Vernon is a small city located 60 miles north of Seattle. Most visitors know Mount Vernon as home of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, held annually during spring in Skagit County. But there’s plenty to do here year-round. Mount Vernon’s historic downtown has seen extensive revitalization in recent years — its…
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…
“The lake between two rivers,” Lake Quinault is a glacially-carved lake situated at the edge of pristine temperate rainforest on the Olympic Peninsula. Lake Quinault is the ideal jumping-off point for Olympic National Park adventures. Olympic National Park is the perfect spot for exploring the pristine wilderness. It features snow-covered mountains, roaring rivers, and dense…
2024 is the year to explore close to home, and in the Spokane area we are luckier than most in that there are so many options for recreation. One great choice is to check out the lakes to paddle with your personal watercraft (PWC) — a kayak, stand-up paddleboard or, go old school with a…
If you are looking for a short, accessible hike that offers stunning views of the water and mountains, look no further than Gold Creek Pond at Snoqualmie Pass. Table of content: Gold Creek Pond, located in Kittitas County, features a 1.2-mile paved loop trail system that is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. It’s a great…
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…
From the winding Yakima River Canyon to hilltop hop fields, vineyards and hiking trails, the Yakima Valley is a sweet escape for Washington sun-seekers. My family enjoyed a weekend in Yakima exploring the shrub-steppe trails and eating (and drinking) up the valley’s abundant agricultural goods. With outdoor dining in full swing, we spent nearly the…
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…
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…
Located across Guemes Channel from the city of Anacortes, Guemes Island is a relaxing place to get away for the day or weekend. A quieter, closer and cheaper alternative to the nearby San Juan Islands, Guemes’ appeal is its relaxed vibe and ease of access. You don’t need to make reservations or plan anything to have…
