downtown building
| | | | | | | | |

Spending a Weekend in Ellensburg

ByNicole Klauss

Ellensburg, Washington, is just a two-hour drive from Seattle and is one of the hidden gems of the Pacific Northwest. Located east of the Cascade Mountain Range off Interstate 90, Ellensburg offers outdoor recreation like biking, fishing on the Yakima River, hiking and more. The charming city is home to around 20,000 people, and is…

Forest trail
| | | | |

A Hike Through Federation Forest State Park

ByAlexandria Baker

A few miles past Enumclaw, along the winding path carved by Route 410, Federation Forest State Park sits nestled by the mighty White River. Though perhaps not as showy or intimidating as other parks around Mt. Rainier, Federation Forest State Park offers a quiet refuge where families and hikers of all levels can enjoy the…

Lime Kiln Lighthouse in San Juan Island, Washington
| | | |

Spending a Weekend on San Juan Island

ByElizabeth Blanton

San Juan Island sits in the northwest corner of Washington state, just across the water from Canada. Located three hours north of Seattle by car and ferry, San Juan Island hosts visitors from around the world. It is one of four islands in the San Juan Island archipelago served by the Washington State Ferry system. …

Long Beach Kite Museum
| | | | |

World Kite Museum in Long Beach, WA

ByTodd Phillips

Kites are a common sight on the beaches of Southwestern Washington. I remember staying at Ocean Shores with family many years ago and being fascinated by the stunt kites being flown in the mornings and later afternoons almost every day. Get Inspired To Go Fly a Kite! Most of us remember flying a single string…

La Conner benches at the waterfront
| | | |

Spending a Day in La Conner

ByBrandon Fralic

La Conner is an artsy waterfront community located on the Swinomish Channel in the Skagit Valley. Home to boutique shops, eateries, winery tasting rooms and a brewpub, it’s an ideal day trip destination from the Seattle area or Vancouver, BC. Spend a day walking the length of 1st Street and beyond to explore all that…

lake
| | | |

Spending a Day in Seattle’s Green Lake Neighborhood

ByHilary Walesch

One of my favorite aspects of living in the Seattle area is all of the different experiences you are surrounded with.  The Green Lake neighborhood is just north of downtown Seattle. A quick 15-minute drive will take you away from the high rises and bring you to this low-key neighborhood built around the lake it’s…

Gold Creek Pond
| | | |

Gold Creek Park: Visiting the Pond

ByExplore Washington State

If you are looking for a short, accessible hike that offers stunning views of the water and mountains, look no further than Gold Creek Pond at Snoqualmie Pass. Table of content: Gold Creek Pond, located in Kittitas County, features a 1.2-mile paved loop trail system that is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. It’s a great…

fireweed flower
| | |

Edible Herbs and Wildflowers in Washington State

ByJuliet Kennedy

Washington has a unique abundance of wild foods that grow across the entire state. From the coast to the eastern plains, these rugged lands offer an unparalleled diversity of landscapes and ecosystems. Many of the forest foods of Washington are nutrient-dense, packed with vitamins and contain medicinal properties. Whether you’re looking for wild foods to…

Afterglow Vista
| |

Visiting Afterglow Vista on San Juan Island

ByAmy Shull

As many visitors to this page can probably identify with, I sometimes get a restlessness if I’m cradled in the mundane for too long. When this happens, I often turn to Atlas Obscura for travel inspiration to seek out unique destinations and avoid the crowds. When I read about Afterglow Vista, I knew I had…

spokane
| |

Visiting Five Hikes and Parks Around Spokane

ByChristy Alejandra

The Eastern Washington cities of Spokane and Spokane Valley are surrounded by parks, trails and natural beauty. Here are five favorite parks and hikes around Spokane. Mirabeau Park  Located in Spokane Valley, WA (No Parking Passes Needed) This is a beautiful park with 55 acres of fun for walking, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, or…

wild strawberry blossom berry foraging in Washington
| | |

The Basics Of Berry Foraging In Washington State

ByJuliet Kennedy

Washington state has foraging opportunities year-round, but if you’ve got your heart set on picking wild berries, your best bet will be to venture out sometime between July and September. The abundance of the natural foods in this state is astounding, the list of berries alone is seemingly endless. Fruit-bearing plants in Washington range from…