Recreation

birding in olympia

One Hour Birding in Olympia, Washington

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…

Camano Island welcome board

Spending a Day on Camano Island

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…

Scavenger Hunt Sunset

Get Off-Screen and Outdoors With a Scavenger Hunt

For those who read the recent article about escaping COVID screen time and getting outdoors, you saw a list of six or so activities to do in Washington’s great outdoors….

Cowlitz Falls swimming hole in East Lewis County

Discovering Solitude And Serenity In East Lewis County

Mount Rainier so dominates Northwest geography that worthy nearby locales are easily overlooked. But when summer throngs clog the Queen of the Cascades, solitude and serenity can be found just…

Index, Washington getaway

5 Hideaway Staycations I’m Dreaming Of In Washington

We all need a vacation. Nay, we all deserve a vacation at this point. I’m not even going to explain beyond that, because I can already see you nodding your…

squires lake in Alger

Squires Lake: A Fun Loop Hike With Kids or Pups!

If you’re seeking fresh air and nature’s beauty and you don’t want to go too far – Squires Lake is an ideal hike to explore!  Looking to breathe in fresh…

playing frisbee at the beach

Get Kids Outdoors to Escape Screen Time

This past year was more than enjoyable for many people. Most were fearful of the new COVID-19 illness, while others escaped into the glorious outdoors. What did you do? What…

Ocean Sunset

Eight Hidden Gems to Discover in Washington National Parks

Here in the Evergreen State, we have a pretty great reputation for our mountains, our coffee and our rain. If that isn’t awesome enough, we are also fortunate enough to…

frozen franklin falls in winter

A Winter Hike to Franklin Falls

Resting between the north and south lanes of I-90 lies an idyllic scene, full of cedar and pine that seem to stretch miles into the sky and views of the…

Lake Serene in Washington

How To (Realistically) Complete Your 52-Hike Goal

We’ve all done it; made a lofty New Year’s resolution and abandoned it by mid-March, if not sooner! On Jan. 1, 2020 I made a resolution to complete 52 hikes…

Artist Point at Mount Baker

Snowshoeing to Artist Point at Mount Baker

Offering unbelievable mountain views from the parking lot, Artist Point is the jumping-off point for many summer hiking and backpacking adventures. Winter is another story. When the road to the…

Lake Sylvia, Six 'Fido Friendly' Walks in Grays Harbor

Seven Fido-Friendly Walks In Grays Harbor

Baby, it’s cold outside, but you and Fido need some outdoor exercise. Don’t let cold weather keep you or your dog cooped up during the winter months. Bundle up and…