Looking for a quick desert escape from Seattle but don’t want to pay all that money for a plane ticket to go somewhere like California or Arizona? Or, maybe you’re looking for a hike that’s a little different from the typical mountain climbs and waterfall views. Well my friend, Ancient Lakes Trail near Quincy, Washington…
Monroe is home of the Evergreen State Fair, one of the largest county state fairs held annually in the Pacific Northwest. But there is so much more to Monroe than just an annually held event. Monroe is home to many local farms and nurseries that provide a multitude of crops ranging from different varieties of fruits…
UPDATED OCTOBER 2026: The Franklin Falls trailhead is open for day use, with a $5 day fee or a Northwest Forest Pass (the Discover Pass is not accepted). In winter, Denny Creek Road (FR 58) closes and is not plowed, the Franklin Falls Sno-Park is not operating, and winter parking is at the Asahel Curtis…
Situated between the North Cascades and the Salish Sea, Bellingham is best known for its natural scenery, outdoor recreation and world-class beer scene. And you don’t even have to leave downtown to experience some of the city’s best attractions. From there you can easily explore the unique experiences and flavors of this college town of…
The Tri-Cities is known for its hot, dry sunshine, its celebrated wines, the cool, refreshing rivers that snake through the cities and for an unmatched and intense authenticity in its people and their food. Planning a trip to the Tri-Cities? Start with our complete Tri-Cities Visitor Guide → Miss Tamale The realness is especially apparent…
Just a 30-minute drive from Seattle brings you to a small town full of big adventures. And when you visit the cute town of Snoqualmie, you’ll find that it’s just minutes away from beautiful hikes like the Snoqualmie Pass and rivers such as the Snoqualmie river. But as you dig a little deeper, you’ll find…
When you think of Skagit County, you think of spring and the beautiful tulips on display. However, there is more to Skagit County than the Tulip Festival. Tucked away and hidden along the Swinomish Channel is a charming little waterfront town called La Conner. If you are looking for a weekend getaway filled with relaxation,…
Looking for your next Washington town to explore? This time of year, there is one place that comes to mind right away – Leavenworth. If you’re anything like me, you love twinkling lights. Nothing makes a night stroll more beautiful than buildings lined with strings of light. There can be little debate that the small Bavarian…
Looking for an adventure in the Maple Valley area? Join us as we explore Lake Wildnerness Park. Hello, Explore Washington State readers! Hilary and Roscoe here. Well, technically just Hilary. Roscoe is a dog, and while he’s content to hang out while I write, he has yet to master a keyboard. We’ve recently become Washington…
Editor’s note, October 2026: This story ran in December 2019, and some details have changed. Red Mountain Trails closed in May 2025. Water2Wine’s holiday cruises this year are a Santa Claus Cruise and a Lighted Boat Parade Cruise. The Lighted Boat Parade still runs two nights in December from Clover Island; check the yacht club’s…
The Cape Horn Trail is a seven mile loop trail located on the less traveled Washington side of the stunning Columbia River Gorge. Located 20 miles east of Vancouver, the drive alone is worth a day out of town. The trailhead is accessible from a parking lot just off Highway 14 and is clearly marked….
The San Juan Islands are an iconic Washington State destination. Rising from the Salish Sea north of Puget Sound, this emerald archipelago is comprised of 172 named islands — only three of which offer visitor lodging and attractions. Travelers flock to the islands during summertime for an abundant dose of natural scenery, outdoor activities and…
