Contents

Things to Do

yakima arboretum

Visiting the Yakima Area Arboretum

As the weather begins to change and spring is upon us, it is finally time to stop being cooped up inside and spend some time…

Clam digging in Washington state

Clam Digging Adventures In Washington

One thing unique to Washington and other ocean neighboring states is the abundance of food that doesn’t come processed or from a factory. Washington, in…

wild strawberry blossom berry foraging in Washington

The Basics Of Berry Foraging In Washington State

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…

view of a Washington ferry on the water against the Seattle skyline

Book A Trip On One Of Washington’s Ferries For The State’s Most Scenic Views

Any first-time visitor to the Pacific Northwest might be surprised to see just how many islands, inlets and waterways there are in Washington state. In…

whale watching in the san juan islands

Wandering Washington’s Whale Trail

As a 90’s kid, Warner Bros’ “Free Willy” was my introduction to Orcas. I imagined myself as Jesse, fist high in the air screaming “Yeah!”…

birding in olympia

One Hour Birding in Olympia, Washington

When I decided to write a birding feature for Explore Washington State, I wracked my brain about which of my favorite birding locales I would…

Camano Island welcome board

Spending a Day on Camano Island

Camano Island is near and dear to my heart. I moved to Washington in early October of 2019 and found myself living on Camano Island…

Scavenger Hunt Sunset

Get Off-Screen and Outdoors With a Scavenger Hunt

For those who read the recent article about escaping COVID screen time and getting outdoors, you saw a list of six or so activities to…

playing frisbee at the beach

Get Kids Outdoors to Escape Screen Time

This past year was more than enjoyable for many people. Most were fearful of the new COVID-19 illness, while others escaped into the glorious outdoors.…

Ocean Sunset

Eight Hidden Gems to Discover in Washington National Parks

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…

Wreath making workshop at Duvall Flower and Gifts

Holiday Wreath Making In Duvall

Last weekend I had the pleasure of being invited to make a wreath for a charity drive at Duvall Flower and Gifts in Washington. I…

poetry used books

Visiting Used Bookstores Near Seattle

What are you up to this weekend? If you are fortunate enough to be reading this while looking at a forecast of sunny skies and warm weather…

palouse falls by Garrett Hanson

A Beginner’s Guide to Getting “The Shot”

It was nearly a decade ago when social media became more of a regular part of my life. I had used social media for a…

Pike Place Market fish

6 Vintage Pike Place Market Shops For The Perfect Evening

Pike Place Market in Seattle has been a beloved shopping hot spot for over 100 years. With shops of all kinds, it’s no wonder why…

surfer at westport beach

Spending a Day in Westport

There’s nothing like a trip to the Washington coast. Though I live near the rocky shores of Bellingham Bay and enjoy easy access to saltwater,…

stocker farms pumpkin patch

Visiting Stocker Farms for Fall Days

Once that first leaf falls, everyone knows that it’s pumpkin patch time. Stocker Farms, which is located in Snohomish, is a great option for those…

Dog in a bike basket on a bridge

Taking a Ride on the Centennial Trail

The Centennial Trail is a 30-mile-long rail trail in Snohomish County, Washington, connecting the cities of Snohomish, Lake Stevens and Arlington to Skagit County along…

Aerial view of Tacoma waterfront

Spending a Weekend in Tacoma

Located 33 miles south of Seattle, Tacoma is a dynamic waterfront city whose art museums, outdoor recreation and brewery scene have turned it into a…

trees and river landscape

Take a Daytrip to Nine Mile Falls

Only 9 miles northwest of downtown Spokane, lucky visitors will stumble upon the cozy community of Nine Mile Falls. There are plenty of worthwhile experiences,…

kids hiking on a trail on Mt St. Helens

Visiting Mount St. Helens With Kids

Washington State has many amazing, beautiful places to visit, but none are quite as unique as Mount St. Helens. Before its eruption in 1980, Mount…

Exploring The Skagit Tulip Festival: Dog Friendly Guide

If you haven’t been to the Skagit Tulip Festival in…

morel mushroom hunting in Washington state

Morel Mushroom Hunting

As spring approaches, the ground begins to warm up and…

mushrooms

Where to Go Mushroom Hunting Near Me? A Beginner’s Guide to Hunting Mushrooms in Washington State

So You Think You Can Forage? Thinking about “where to…

Washington State skydiving parachute in the sky

Skydiving in Washington State

Skydiving is a bucket list item for many people around…

liberty lake trail

Hiking the Liberty Lake Loop Trail

Hiking the Liberty Lake Loop Trail is a magical, zen…

Turning the Wine World Upsidedown in Cle Elum

Cle Elum is not only a destination for those who…

Dancing contest at the Scottish Highland Games

Scottish Highland Games in Enumclaw

The Seattle Scottish Highland Games Association was formed back in…

Kayaker on Banks Lake

Everything for Beginner Kayakers in Washington State in 2024

Kayaking gives you an entirely new way to Explore Washington…

gardens

Step Back in Time at Lakewold Gardens

“As we become more and more city creatures, living in…

Bloedel Reserve pond

Visiting The Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island

Tucked away on the north end of Bainbridge Island, a…

rows of yellow tulips

Tips for Your Trip to Tulip Town

Tulip Town is blooming with activities and fun for you to enjoy. Learn all the tips and tricks to make this trip the best it can be.

ProFormance Racing School Track

Visiting Pacific Raceways

Ever wanted to learn how to drive a race car? At ProFormance Racing School you can get behind the wheel and on the track.

Thomas Dambo’s Giant Trolls the Ultimate Adventure

Join in on Tara’s thrilling adventure to find five giant wooden trolls created by artist Thomas Dambo in Washington State. These unique trolls, made from recycled materials, are part of a scavenger hunt that combines art, environmental awareness, and exploration across various locations in Washington. The journey offers a unique experience to discover these whimsical, massive sculptures while enjoying the state’s beautiful landscapes.

paragliding selfie

Paragliding From Poo Poo Point

Soar alongside the eagles with Seattle Paragliding! Find yourself on top of Poo Poo Point to experience your new favorite scenery.

Hot Air Balloons

The Great Prosser Balloon Rally

Want to attend the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival? The next best thing happens in our backyard. Explore the Prosser Balloon Rally!

vibrant lavender field

Visiting Blackbird Pine Lavender Field

Summertime brings those long nights, hot sunny days, blue skies,…

Remlinger Farms

Visiting Remlinger Farms

This Washington gem has matured along with the generations of locals. As such, Remlinger Farms continues to be a favorite, family destination.

The Lonesome Town Painters

Darrington Bluegrass Festival

Located roughly an hour and a half northeast of Seattle lies Darrington, home of the Bluegrass Festival. Explore the 46th annual festival.

washington landscape

Backpack With She Moves Mountains

She Moves Mountains creates an educational space for women through her outdoors retreats and skills clinics. Learn about Intro to Backpacking.

View from Top of Loop Trail

A Visit to Washington Park

Just a 1.5-hour drive from Seattle, Washington Park offers a family-friendly spot for the day or weekend camping trip!