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.
Just because you live in the city, doesn’t mean you need to give up fly fishing. Here is a list of places to fish within an hour of Seattle!
We are truly fortunate to live in Washington state, where we are surrounded by beautiful land and beautiful water, which means abundant fishing opportunities! I have been fishing in Washington since I was about 6 years old. This article will highlight the many fishing opportunities available in the greater Seattle area year-round! A fishing trip…
Less than an hour from Seattle is the beautiful Cherry Creek Falls trail. Mossy forests, a cascading waterfall, and more!
Seeking a trip with stunning mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, glacier-fed alpine lakes? North Cascades National Park is awaiting you.
Washington State has many amazing, beautiful places to visit, but none are quite as unique as Mount St. Helens. Before its eruption in 1980, Mount St. Helens stood tall and prominent in the western Washington sky. While not able to offer the same views today, Mount St. Helens still boasts extraordinary scenery and a landscape…
As road trips and nature have become the go-to for travel this year, Washington state offers so much to explore. The Olympic Peninsula is an incredible family escape offering something that everyone can enjoy, including your little ones. Port Townsend Even if only for a quick lunch and stroll, this town is a must while…
Grays Harbor may be known for the beautiful town of Ocean Shores, but there is so much more to explore in this area!
Looking for a destination that has it all? Then look no further than spending a weekend at Lake Chelan. From recreation adventures (both in the mountains and on the water) to wineries, breweries, nearby U-Pick farms, shopping and everything in between — Lake Chelan has it all. Lake Chelan Lake Chelan is a 50.5-mile long…
So, you want to go kayaking but you don’t want to have to invest in all the gear? No problem! There are places to rent kayaks and other gear all over Washington state, giving you access to many places to paddle. With so many experiences and landscapes to explore, seeing Washington state from the water…
As Spring starts to come so does the bluebirds in Bickleton, Washington. Learn all there is to know about these birds and where to find them!
After a busy work week, we love going into the mountains to recharge. The best part about living in Seattle is that there are plenty of cabins and hiking trails in the mountains nearby. We always love traveling with our dog, Nike, and make a special point to find dog-friendly places (because dog lovers are…
For pristine wildlife and scenery, it doesn’t get much better than the divine views of Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park. North Cascades National Park is one of the lesser-visited but most stunning in the national park system, and Diablo Lake is an easily accessible attraction. Located 125 miles from Seattle, it’s worthy of…
