Mt St Helens Weekend (North side)
2025 Note: State Route 504, the Spirit Lake Highway, experienced a landslide in the Spring 2023 and the road is closed to Johnston Ridge Observatory. I will update this once they announce when the road and Johnston Ridge will reopen. Looking for a fantastic short getaway full of outdoor...
Where to find a Tidepool near Seattle
As long as I can remember, I have loved tidepools! When I was growing up, my grandparents lived by a beach on the Kitsap penninsula that had fantastic tidepools. We planned our days around the low tide since everyone knows that the best time to go to the beach....
How to Visit Mowich Lake at Mt Rainer (Winter and Summer)
As of Spring 2025, a bridge washout has caused an indefinite closure to the Carbon River Entrance of Mt Rainier National Park, including Carbon River Trails and Mowich Lake Trails. If the road reopens, I will update this article. Mowich Lake in Mt Rainier National Park is a wonderful...
Methow Valley Affordable cross country skiing
Cross country or nordic skiing is a great way to get out in the snow and avoid the expense, traffic and waiting in line of downhill skiing while moving a lot faster than snowshoeing (usually). The Methow Valley in north central Washington is a wonderful nordic skiing destination with...
Best November hikes near Seattle
Just because it’s late fall or winter doesn’t mean you can’t go hiking! Sure, it’s rainy quite often, but not everyday! November hikes near Seattle are pretty great with many local hikes that can be enjoyed in the wet months too. A great way to our gray winters in...
Fall Backpacking at Lake Stuart
Fall Backpacking is my favorite…beautiful colors, amazing dark skies, less crowds and no bugs! As long you have the gear to stay warm and pay attention to the weather forecast it’s the best backpacking there is. Lake Stuart is also a good backpacking destination during the summer if you...
Sol Duc Hot Springs in Olympic National Park
Sol Duc Hot Springs is a bit of a journey if you live in Seattle. It involves a ferry ride from downtown Seattle, then a drive past Port Angeles and Lake Crescent and then 13 miles up a dead end road along the Sol Duc river. It is so,...