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.
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…
Eastern Washington is full of flatwater lakes just calling your name. You may not get the coastal beaches of the west side, but you will not think twice after seeing the glassy surfaces reflecting the beautiful landscapes Eastern Washington has to offer. With more sunshine and less boat traffic, Eastern Washington is a kayaker’s paradise. …
Attracting many kids and adults with its refreshing and smooth water, floating the Yakima River on a hot summer day is a great activity to add to your itinerary between the months of June and September. Grab your friends and family and we will help you with the rest. With this easy to follow guide,…
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,…
Snoqualmie Falls is a beloved Washington Attraction. Go beyond the lookout and find places to eat, recreation, and more nearby!
Washington is known for its fishing, offering anglers a variety of rivers, lakes, and coastal areas to explore. Learn all there is to know.
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.
Learn all there is about Geocaching in Washington State! From the basics to the thrill, you’ll have everything you need to get started!
Looking for an outdoor activity in Auburn? With interesting geological features, hiking and an ADA-accessible trail, model aircraft flying, picnic and playground areas and a trail for equestrian use, Flaming Geyser State Park has something for most everyone to enjoy. Flaming Geyser’s Geysers Let’s get this out of the way first thing. There’s some good news…
Kayaking gives you an entirely new way to Explore Washington State. You get a closer look at our waters, a different angle at the landscapes and a new perspective on what this state has to offer. Taking up a new hobby like kayaking can cost a lot of money at first to get all of…
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