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.
So, you want to go kayaking but you don’t want to have to invest in all the gear? No problem! There are places to rent kayaks and other gear all over Washington state, giving you access to many places to paddle. With so many experiences and landscapes to explore, seeing Washington state from the water...
As Spring starts to come so does the bluebirds in Bickleton, Washington. Learn all there is to know about these birds and where to find them!
There is no doubt that Mount Rainier is one of Washington’s most iconic must-see attractions. Mount Rainier National Park welcomes thousands of visitors year-round. Most of its visitors coming during the summer when five of the developed areas in the park are open. Paradise is among these five developed areas. Paradise is worth visiting during...
Mill Creek was a rush of water through the middle of town – an upwelling of recent snowmelt and rain that careened westward toward the valley and gorge beyond. It sounded of the impending new season and warmth, but even now the first tint of spring was still tempered by cool nights and frost lingering...
For those of us with a sweet tooth in Spokane, or for those visiting, there are a variety of candy stores, ice cream shops and coffee shops ready to serve up a sugar rush. But what if we want something on the sweeter side for breakfast? How about something with flaky layers or chewy caramel?...
The Tri-Cities is famous for wine, for rippling rows of golden wheat, for three rolling rivers that swiftly merge into one and for the kaleidoscope of color each time the sun sinks into the vastness, turning the twinkling daylight into a deep blue, luminous dome. Known for the deeply rooted connection to the land, the...
The Ape Cave opens its doors for the season on May 18th, a date that resonates with historical significance. It is the very day in 1980, when Mt. St. Helens erupted, “unleashing eight times more energy than was released by the sum of every explosive dropped during World War II, including two atom bombs.” What...
If you haven’t been to the Skagit Tulip Festival in Washington, this is a springtime bucket list item. Located in beautiful Skagit Valley an hour north of Seattle, this annual event celebrates fields of tulips in full bloom. It’s an easy day trip, perfect for photographers, nature lovers, and families who want to enjoy a...
As spring approaches, the ground begins to warm up and the plants begin to grow — a tasty treat emerges from beneath. Many of you may already know of this elusive nutrient packed food, others, maybe not so much. My family and I have found that around Easter is when the best picking comes to...
So You Think You Can Forage? Thinking about “where to go mushroom hunting near me?” As a novice mushroom enthusiast, I’ve just begun to scratch the surface of the seemingly endless possibilities when foraging fungi in the Pacific Northwest. From culinary delights to medicinal powerhouses, mushrooms have been revered, harvested, cultivated, and consumed since the...
Hiking the Liberty Lake Loop Trail is a magical, zen experience. It is one of my favorite trails to hike. The filtered sunlight in the deep forest, tinkling stream, and quiet make me return over and over again. Trail Info Getting there: Going east on I-90, take exit 296 to Liberty Lake. Fees: A $2...
The Seattle Scottish Highland Games Association was formed back in 1947. A local group of Scots wanted to create a group whose mission included “keeping their ethnic origin alive as well as stimulating an interest in Scottish Highland Games through Scottish dancing, piping, drumming and athletic competition.” What Are The Scottish Highland Games? Traditionally in...
