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.
Nestled on the Southern end of the Olympic Peninsula is the atmospheric Quinault Rain Forest. Home of moss-covered trees, formidable peaks and the pristine Lake Quinault, this is a classic coastal destination for locals and visitors alike. The rainforest offers a myriad of possibilities for recreation, but a bike ride around Lake Quinault Loop Road...
I hopped off Chair 6 and started traversing towards Southback. The resort was to my left and all 14,411 feet of Mount Rainier was staring at me on the right. I was starting to feel a little choked up and short of breath. I wasn’t tired or scared. I’ve done this plenty of times. I...
Washington State is known for its gloomy and rainy weather. While a lot of people want to avoid going outdoors during autumn, I think it’s the best time of the year to explore. The fall footage and the moody, foggy Pacific Northwest vibes make everything look enchanting. Driving North Cascades Highway Whether you want to...
Whether you’re watching the sunrise on a dewy ridge in the North Cascades, taking a multi-day trip through the rainforest in the Olympics, overlooking one of the 700+ lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, or watching the colors dance on Mount Rainier at sunset, backpacking in Washington will leave you with phenomenal memories. The views...
The Centennial Trail is a 30-mile-long rail trail in Snohomish County, Washington, connecting the cities of Snohomish, Lake Stevens and Arlington to Skagit County along the corridor of Washington State Route 9. The trail is 10 feet wide and freely available to pedestrians, cyclists, skaters, longboarders and equestrians of all fitness levels. Dotted along the...
When I picture myself hiking in the Pacific Northwest, I always see myself set amongst a familiar backdrop — tall trees and even taller mountains. Winding forest streams carve their way through deep valleys of lush green foliage. It’s not hiking if there’s no tree roots to snag your boot on nor any hard rocks...
As I write this from the north Pasco countryside, early on a Friday afternoon, I look out the window of my study toward Badger Mountain, the Horse Heaven Hills and Jumpoff Joe. Typically, I would be able to see all three (although the wild roses growing outside my window obstruct my view of Jumpoff Joe,...
I would not say I hiked the Goat Marsh Trail. I would say I experienced the Goat Marsh Trail. And what an incredible experience it was! The trail is not just an escape from a world down the mountain but is part of a different world altogether. This world has tall trees and a meadow,...
For a while, I lived in a van. When it was time to explore any given place I usually gave myself an unlimited time limit on my adventuring since I lived where I parked. When it came time to hike in Mt. Rainier National Park, and after already doing my fair share of travel up...
When you think of ancient caves, you may think you need to travel halfway across the country, or the world, to take this type of a step back in time. France, Indonesia, and in the U.S., Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, all come to mind. You may as well add the Coulee country of east-central...
Northwest Whatcom County is a hotspot for family-friendly adventures. Home to two state parks, miles of beach access, a brewery and fresh seafood eateries, it’s the go-to destination for folks seeking a beach vacation near Bellingham. From Semiahmoo to Birch Bay and Blaine, here’s how to spend a weekend in Northwest Whatcom County. Semiahmoo Surrounded...
Regardless of season, Mount Spokane State Park is a remarkable resource for outdoor adventure in the state of Washington. It is the tallest peak in the densely forested Selkirk Mountain range. It also happens to be the largest state park in Washington at 13,919 acres. On a clear day, visitors can see all the way...
