Hiking
Exploring the Hoh Rain Forest
We’ve all heard the opinion that western Washington is almost perpetually grey and rainy. While that may be the case in winter months, most of the west side is quite temperate and beautiful for much of the rest of the year. However, when it comes to one special west side region, an honest-to-goodness rain forest…
Read MoreHiking Washington’s Ape Caves
The Ape Caves offer a unique outdoor dynamic that fascinates both avid hikers and families that are looking for a new experience. Its views are striking for locals and newcomers alike. As someone who has personally had the enjoyment of traveling and hiking across North America, the Ape Caves have been one of my favorite…
Read MoreHiking Moulton Falls
East Fork Lewis River Moulton Falls is a hidden gem in southern Washington, nestled in the woods just outside of Battle Ground in Clark County. Clocking in at just about a 45 minute drive from the Vancouver and Portland area, it’s close enough to be an easy post-work adventure or a day trip from other…
Read MoreSpending a Weekend in Olympic National Park
Considering the seemingly never-ending natural beauty of Washington State, it is sometimes easy to forget about the wonders of the Olympic Peninsula. Sprawling nearly one million acres, Olympic National Park contains three distinct ecosystems – glaciated mountains, rugged Pacific coastline and lush temperate forests. Best part? You can explore it all. Not sure where to…
Read More5 Easy Day Hikes Near Spokane
On the hunt for your next easy hike to tackle in Eastern Washington? Find your next favorite day hike near Spokane with Explore Washington State contributor Molly Lindquist. Near nature, near perfect. Spokane is comfortably nestled at the start of the Rock Mountain foothills, has one hundred lakes within an hour’s drive, contains Washington’s largest…
Read MoreConquering Beacon Rock in the Gorge
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, the Beacon Rock hike sits on the North shore of the Columbia River, offering unparalleled views throughout the entire trek. Simple Hike, Huge Reward…
Read MoreEightmile and Caroline Zone
Hey guys! Megan here again, you might remember me from my previous article, “Adventure Kitty: Leon.” Back in December one of my friends decided it would be fun to go backpacking in The Enchantments (The alpine wilderness area near Leavenworth). She sent out a Facebook invitation, and eight of us met multiple times to decide which…
Read MoreSilverdale WA: Tips for Walking Clear Creek Trail
This post was originally posted here, but with permission from Valerie we are sharing it here. If you want to escape the burbs, or the busy life around Seattle, head to Silverdale! This lovely town is centrally located on the Kitsap Peninsula. I’ve explored the area from top to bottom, and side to side, ha!…
Read MoreRaising Backpackers
So you want to start taking your kids backpacking in Washington?? Here’s the first three lessons I learned when I started going into the woods with my 4-year-olds. Hooking your kids on backpacking is a lifelong endeavor. It doesn’t end after the first trip whether it goes well or not. Each time you step on…
Read MoreA Quiet Life in the Washington Wilderness
On the conveyor belt of city life in eastern America, I used to have to remind myself that wild places exist. That they were alive with me right then. Stopped at a traffic light, with urgency filling the air, I’d breathe deep into my belly and imagine the sounds there now, the smells that might…
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