Author: Jennie Flaming

The Best Hikes in Issaquah

The foothills of the Cascade Mountains surrounding the town of Issaquah are locally referred to as the Issaquah Alps for their multitude of wonderful hiking trails! These hikes in Issaquah are a short drive for residents of Seattle and Bellevue. Some of these hikes are extremely crowded but others...

Back Side of Flattop – Best way to do Anchorage’s famous hike

Flattop Mountain is Anchorage’s most famous hike and with good reason. It’s close to town, has amazing views and a big, flat top to spend some time taking in the view, hanging out with a friend and enjoying lunch. This post is about going the backway up the “backside”...

Best Hiking Pants for Curvy and Plus Size Women

Having trouble finding an awesome pair of hiking pants for your female curvy body? If so, you’ve found the perfect place because I have tried SO MANY and I’m excited to share my favorites here. This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase I may...

14 Fun Things to do on Bainbridge Island with or without a car

Bainbridge Island is a quick ferry ride from the middle of downtown Seattle, but it feels a world away with it’s charming shops, beautiful gardens, forests and beaches and history and culture. Add to that some delicious food, local wine and craft beer and spirits and you really can...

How to Drive to Alaska: Everything you need to Know

If you’re ready for the epic road trip adventure of a lifetime, then a drive to Alaska on the Alaska Highway just might be for you! I’ve driven the Alaska Highway many times along with the access roads in British Columbia and the Yukon and nearly every highway in...

The 15 Best Spring Hikes near Seattle

Spring is a long season in the Seattle area, starting sometime in late February or early March in the lowlands near the Salish Sea (Puget Sound) and lasting until June. As the days get longer and warmer, it’s a great time to get out and enjoy some of the...

7 Surprisingly Awesome Hikes in Bellevue

There are a number of fantastic hikes in Bellevue! This may come as a surprise to those who associate Bellevue with affluent suburbs, freeways, Microsoft and shopping malls. If that’s you, give Bellevue another look and don’t miss out on the wonderful hikes in Bellevue that are really easy...

The Best Pacific Northwest Winter Gear (2024)

If you want to get outside more during the winter months, you’ll need the right gear to stay dry, warm and comfortable. The best Pacific Northwest winter gear is critical in our climate and doesn’t need to be too expensive to get the job done. Finding the winter gear...

Salmon La Sac Snowshoe and Ski Guide

Salmon La Sac is a gorgeous winter destination with miles of opportunities for snowshoeing and cross country skiing with a fraction of the crowds you’ll find at the Snoqualmie Pass sno parks. Salmon La Sac is on the sunnier side of the Cascade mountains so you might find the...

10 Best Hikes near North Bend that aren’t Mt Si

The North Bend area has an abundance of wonderful hiking trails within an hours drive of the greater Seattle area. As a born and raised Seattleite, I’m sharing my favorite hikes near North Bend. This list does NOT include some of the famous (and extremely crowded) hikes in the...