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.
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...
There is no doubt that Mount Rainier is one of Washington’s most iconic must-see attractions. Mount Rainier National Park welcomes thousands of visitors year-round. Most of its visitors coming during the summer when five of the developed areas in the park are open. Paradise is among these five developed areas. Paradise is worth visiting during...
If you’re hunting for a Columbia Gorge hike that’s a little different than the typical Gorge waterfall hike, Beacon Rock might be the fit for you. Located outside of Stevenson, Washington in the Beacon Rock State Park the hike sits on the North shore of the Columbia River, offering unparalleled views throughout the entire trek....
Looking for a kid-friendly hike with vast views and unique landscape in the Grand Coulee area? Steamboat Rock, topping out at six miles round-trip, may be just the hike you’ve been searching for. Built by Floods Approximately 10,000 – 15,000 years ago, 40 – 60 separate flood events tore through parts of the Northwest. Each...
As spring approaches, the ground begins to warm up and the plants begin to grow — a tasty treat emerges from beneath. Many of you may already know of this elusive nutrient packed food, others, maybe not so much. My family and I have found that around Easter is when the best picking comes to...
Hiking the Liberty Lake Loop Trail is a magical, zen experience. It is one of my favorite trails to hike. The filtered sunlight in the deep forest, tinkling stream, and quiet make me return over and over again. Trail Info Getting there: Going east on I-90, take exit 296 to Liberty Lake. Fees: A $2...
Mount Rainier timed entry has been cancelled for 2026. Here is what NPS is doing instead, why parking is now the real constraint, and how to plan a successful visit.
Soar alongside the eagles with Seattle Paragliding! Find yourself on top of Poo Poo Point to experience your new favorite scenery.
She Moves Mountains creates an educational space for women through her outdoors retreats and skills clinics. Learn about Intro to Backpacking.
Just a 1.5-hour drive from Seattle, Washington Park offers a family-friendly spot for the day or weekend camping trip!
Washington has a variety of gorgeous trails that are designed to be wheelchair accessible for visitors, learn about them in this guide!
