Contents

Things to Do

morel mushroom hunting in Washington state

Morel Mushroom Hunting

As spring approaches, the ground begins to warm up and the plants begin to grow — a tasty treat emerges from beneath. Many of you…

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 go mushroom hunting near me?” As a novice mushroom enthusiast, I’ve just begun to scratch…

Washington State skydiving parachute in the sky

Skydiving in Washington State

Skydiving is a bucket list item for many people around the world. What better place to check it off than in the beautiful state of…

liberty lake trail

Hiking the Liberty Lake Loop Trail

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…

Turning the Wine World Upsidedown in Cle Elum

Cle Elum is not only a destination for those who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, it’s a fun spot for wine and food…

Dancing contest at the Scottish Highland Games

Scottish Highland Games in Enumclaw

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…

Kayaker on Banks Lake

Everything for Beginner Kayakers in Washington State in 2024

Kayaking gives you an entirely new way to Explore Washington State. You get a closer look at our waters, a different angle at the landscapes…

gardens

Step Back in Time at Lakewold Gardens

“As we become more and more city creatures, living in manmade surroundings, perhaps gardens will become even more precious to us, letting us remember that…

Bloedel Reserve pond

Visiting The Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island

Tucked away on the north end of Bainbridge Island, a pristine estate sits atop the high banks looking north over Puget Sound. A fairytale setting…

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, and lavender! Do you enjoy the smell of lavender? Looking at the beautiful purple flowers…

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!

Diablo Lake blue waters

Summertime in North Cascades National Park

Seeking a trip with stunning mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, glacier-fed alpine lakes? North Cascades National Park is awaiting you.

Clam digging in Washington state

Clam Digging Adventures In Washington

One thing unique to Washington and other ocean neighboring states…

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…

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…

whale watching in the san juan islands

Wandering Washington’s Whale Trail

As a 90’s kid, Warner Bros’ “Free Willy” was my…

birding in olympia

One Hour Birding in Olympia, Washington

When I decided to write a birding feature for Explore…

Camano Island welcome board

Spending a Day on Camano Island

Camano Island is near and dear to my heart. I…

Scavenger Hunt Sunset

Get Off-Screen and Outdoors With a Scavenger Hunt

For those who read the recent article about escaping COVID…

playing frisbee at the beach

Get Kids Outdoors to Escape Screen Time

This past year was more than enjoyable for many people.…

Ocean Sunset

Eight Hidden Gems to Discover in Washington National Parks

Here in the Evergreen State, we have a pretty great…

Wreath making workshop at Duvall Flower and Gifts

Holiday Wreath Making In Duvall

Last weekend I had the pleasure of being invited to…

poetry used books

Visiting Used Bookstores Near Seattle

What are you up to this weekend? If you are fortunate…

palouse falls by Garrett Hanson

A Beginner’s Guide to Getting “The Shot”

It was nearly a decade ago when social media became…

Pike Place Market fish

6 Vintage Pike Place Market Shops For The Perfect Evening

Pike Place Market in Seattle has been a beloved shopping…

surfer at westport beach

Spending a Day in Westport

There’s nothing like a trip to the Washington coast. Though…

stocker farms pumpkin patch

Visiting Stocker Farms for Fall Days

Once that first leaf falls, everyone knows that it’s pumpkin…

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…

Aerial view of Tacoma waterfront

Spending a Weekend in Tacoma

Located 33 miles south of Seattle, Tacoma is a dynamic…

trees and river landscape

Take a Daytrip to Nine Mile Falls

Only 9 miles northwest of downtown Spokane, lucky visitors will…

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…

Jolly Mountain views

Hiking and Exploring Jolly Mountain

As I write this from the north Pasco countryside, early…