Explore Washington State
Things To Do in Washington State
Washington State gives you an almost unreasonable number of options for how to spend your time. Whether you are looking for something to do on a rainy afternoon in Seattle, a full week of outdoor adventure on the Peninsula, or a low key weekend in a small town you have never heard of, this state rewards people who are willing to explore beyond the obvious.
This section is where we collect everything that falls under the category of actually doing something in Washington. You will find activity guides, local recommendations, seasonal ideas, things to do with kids, hidden gems worth the detour, and honest assessments of whether something is actually worth your time. Every post is written by someone who has been there.
We cover the full range: outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and skiing alongside arts, food, history, and local culture. Washington is one of those states where the things worth doing in a small coastal town are just as compelling as what you will find in its major cities. There is genuinely a lot here that most people never get around to.
Browse by scrolling through recent posts below, or use the county and city tags on any post to find activities in a specific area. If you are looking for somewhere to start, the county guides are a good way to get oriented.
The Pacific Northwest is full of unique ways to enjoy the outdoors, but one of the most relaxing has to be the floating saunas from Wild Haus @WildHausPNW . I recently had the chance to experience one firsthand, and this is the ultimate relaxation-meets-adventure experience in the PNW! Luxury with a View When I first...
NOTE: Article updated for the 2026 Sandhill Crane Festival March 20th, 21st and 22nd. 2026. The Columbia National Wildlife Refuge begins in the small eastern Washington farming community of Othello. From the bustling Main Street, the refuge stretches northwest for uninterrupted miles upon miles of channeled scablands, rocky slopes, basalt landscapes and ancient, dried out...
On August 29, after a day of experiencing Makah Days and some of the other wonders Neah Bay and the West End have to offer, I headed down the coast to find Cape Flattery and Shi Shi Beach. Upon arriving in Neah Bay, I had made sure to stop in at one of the local...
Crystal Mountain Ski Resort is highly regarded as one of the best hubs for outdoor winter recreation in Washington. But even if skiing or snowboarding isn’t your thing, Crystal Mountain can still be your place. Whether you’re heading up to the mountain with friends who are skiing, or you’re looking for a unique winter adventure,...
Something wonderful happened. After weeks of relentless winter Washington rain, the skies cleared and the sun burst through the clouds as if to say, “Hey you, come out and play.” Needing no further convincing I laced up my boots, leashed up the dog, gassed up the car and headed out to explore. Hiking in Beacon...
Seattle is best known for its coffee scene, but the cocktail scene has been growing for quite some time and might be nearing its peak. There are tons of very cool and interesting bars all over the city and no matter what neighborhood you’re exploring, you’re bound to step foot in an amazing establishment. I...
Looking for a challenging hike to tackle in the Olympic forest? Klahhane Ridge Loop Trail might be the fit for you! Explore Washington State Contributor Zac Blaylock recently conquered the Klahhane Ridge Loop Trail, closing out at 16 miles round-trip, with sweeping views of Mount Olympus, Port Angeles Harbor and Sequim Bay. Back Into Hiking...
It’s a good idea to revisit a destination from time to time to make sure the favorite spots still live up to the memories while discovering some new favorites. My latest outing to Woodinville’s Schoolhouse District did just that. Plus, it meant the chance to visit a couple of spots previously overlooked – one for...
When you consider visiting the Fremont Troll, you’re stepping into a piece of Seattle’s unique cultural tapestry. Nestled beneath the Aurora Bridge, this larger-than-life sculpture invites you to ponder its history and the community sentiment it embodies. To truly appreciate what the Troll represents, consider planning your visit at a time that allows for a...
Have you ever gone snowshoeing trails during the winter? Washington State is full of seasonal snowshoe trails, from the Cascade Mountains to Central and Eastern Washington. Get started this winter with our beginner’s guide to snowshoeing in Washington. Choose Your Trail Before setting out, pick a light to moderate trail for your earliest snowshoe ventures....
Winter in Washington can bring magnificent snow, but what if you are not a downhill skier? Have you tried snowshoeing? Snowshoeing is a wonderful way to get out into the snow, see gorgeous views, have some adventures and get some exercise! We are going to cover a six beginner shoeshoe hikes to make you comfortable...
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 be the home to three National Parks! Each of these parks offers its own unique scenery, activities and vibes to enjoy. While Washington is definitely...
