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.
Washington State known for its picturesque landscapes and captivating underwater world, offers a multitude of scuba diving adventures for divers of all experience levels. In this guide, we explore the best dive sites, essential gear, and valuable tips for scuba diving in Washington State. Dive in and prepare to be amazed! The Allure of Washington State scuba Dive Sites…
Explore a winter wonderland in any season at the Big Four Ice Caves trail. Great for all levels of hikers, see cliffs, waterfalls, and more!
Watch Stehekin come to life during the winter season. Learn all the ins and outs of having the perfect winter visit in Stehekin.
Learn how to navigate Pioneer Square like a local. If you’re interested in wine tasting and local recommendations, this article is for you!
The story of Arlington Pickers is one of family, community, and odd traditions. This storefront is filled with much more than just treasures!
If the summer of 2024 taught us one thing, it’s that Washington’s outdoor community is rapidly growing. This state has a lot to offer and with more time spent inside, people sought out and valued outdoor activities. I found myself in this situation and spent as much time as I possibly could on the trails….
Western Washington is home to the hustle and bustle of the city, but that doesn’t mean there are no beautiful pieces of paradise sprinkled throughout the area. The west side is scattered with serene lakes and surrounded by coastal views. With an incredible national park on the peninsula and the stunning shorelines of the Puget…
It’s not every day that you get to explore a new hiking trail that just recently opened to the public! That, combined with the promise of great views and a sunny forecast, drew us to Cashmere Canyons Preserve on the last Saturday of October. The hike is located in Cashmere, Washington, just 20 minutes east…
There are so many amazing hikes in this state that it’s hard to pick one favorite. I would put hiking Yellow Aster Butte in my top five favorite hikes in Washington. I have been eyeing this hike for a while now but since it was a three-and-a-half-hour drive from the Tacoma area it made sense…
With fall, we found ourselves itching to go to Mount Rainier to recharge for the weekend, and there’s no better place than Tilted Timbers, a cozy new A-frame in Ashford. Located six miles from the Nisqually entrance, Tilted Timbers is one of the closest cabins to Mount Rainier. The Nisqually entrance is the most convenient…
For those who have not spent much time in the mountains of Northeast Washington, I believe, they are missing out. The mountains may not contain the enormous amount of perfectly manicured trails that fill up hiking books; they do, however, have the potential of filling up photo albums. The views across many of the high…
If you’re looking for a tucked away, easy hike spent in nature amongst thick underbrush, towering trees, a flowing creek and a big waterfall — then the Douglas Falls Nature Loop Trail is the place for you. To Get There The easiest way to get to the Nature Loop Trail is by starting in the…
