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.
You know how life just changes right in front of you? Sometimes you just stand there and go, “Well! So much for THAT plan.” We were in that place. We sold our money pit of a house, moved closer to parents to help them and rented. Six months later, parents did not need our help...
There’s something beautiful about walking in the woods. The weight of life’s stresses seems to fall off your shoulders, brushed off to the ground by a low hanging Douglas fir or western red cedar. The earthy smell of composting soil fills your senses as it rises from the forest floor, swirling in the golden streaks...
Along a winding country road beneath the shadow of Mt. Rainier lies a blueberry farm fondly known as Canter-Berry Farms. To the unknowing tourist, the farm appears to be an idyllic and tranquil spot to bring one’s family and spend time together gathering and grazing on blueberries. While this description is all true, what most...
Kittitas County is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities like fishing, hiking and a lesser known gem — Washington state’s first barn quilt trail. The Kittitas County Barn Quilt Trail features more than 100 painted quilt squares up on barns from Roslyn to Ellensburg. While social distancing is in place, this is a great way...
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...
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...
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. ...
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...
2024 is the year to explore close to home, and in the Spokane area we are luckier than most in that there are so many options for recreation. One great choice is to check out the lakes to paddle with your personal watercraft (PWC) — a kayak, stand-up paddleboard or, go old school with a...
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...
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...
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...
