How to Visit Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska: Ultimate Guide
Glacier Bay National Park is a place of incredible beauty in a remote wilderness with glaciers, mountains and wildlife. It is truly unforgettable. It’s a place that can be quickly visited on a cruise ship, which is how 95% of visitors experience its beauty. If you visit Glacier Bay...
Cedar Butte Hike: Mellow and less crowded alternative to Rattlesnake Ledge
Looking for a close to town hike with a decent view through the forest that has less crowds than some of the other close to town hikes? If so, the Cedar Butte hike might be the trail for you! At approximately 4 miles round trip and 900 feet of...
Lower Eastside Trail Loop Hike in Mt Rainier
When the roads on the East side of Mt Rainier National Park open (usually in late May) until they close in the first heavy snows of fall (sometime in November), this Lower eastside trail loop hike in Mt Rainier is the perfect way to get away from crowds, and...
A Seattleite’s Top 10 things to do in Seattle
Are you visiting Seattle soon? Moved here recently? If so, welcome! Perhaps you’re a local trying to think of fun places to go with visiting family and friends that will be fun for you too! Or looking for a place to send them while you’re at work? As a...
Bandera Mountain Hike: Big view hike near Seattle
Friends, Bandera Mountain is AWESOME. It is also CROWDED. By now, you’ll know I’m a big fan of avoiding crowds and don’t normally recommend crowded hikes. However, there are times when it just might be worth it to join the crowd! You can reduce the crowds by going later...
Ultimate Guide to Riding the Alaska Ferry
I’ve spent a lot of time on the Alaska ferry as a former Alaskan. I’m excited to share my knowledge about planning a trip to Southeast Alaska on the Alaska Ferry! The Alaska Marine Highway System (also known as the Alaska Ferry, or the Blue Canoe) is a unique...
Oyster Dome Loop Hike near Bellingham
Oyster Dome is a fantastic view hike near Bellingham through a peaceful forest to a spectacular view of the San Juan Islands. There are a few ways to do this hike, I like to do a loop from the Samish Bay Overlook that is about 6 miles with 1300...
Ebey’s Landing Loop Hike on Whidbey Island
The Ebey’s Landing Loop hike is my favorite hike on Whidbey Island and one of my favorite hikes in Washington and one that I almost always take visitors to! It includes a ferry ride and/or a ride over a cool bridge (see how this fits into a fun day...
How to Hike More Often: 7 Strategies
It’s that time of year when we’re all anticipating summer, longer days, more sun and more time outdoors! If you’re wanting to get out hiking more this summer, here are some tips that have worked for me for how to hike more often as I’ve increased the amount of...
Coal Creek Falls Cougar Mountain Hike near Seattle (car free option)
Coal Creek Falls in Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park is an ideal winter hike near Seattle and one of the best hikes in Bellevue. You can also get there by bus when the trailhead direct bus is operating (generally April through October). Coal Creek Falls makes a lovely 3...