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...
The Story of Washington Asparagus
Manuel Imperial drives us in his truck along the side of a dusty field. It looks empty, just brown rows as far as I can see. He stops the truck. There are two people barely visible under coats, hats and scarves against the sun, dust and cold wind, containers...
May Valley Loop Hike Close to Seattle
The May Valley Loop Hike is a delightful 6 mile loop through the forest with just under 1000 feet of elevation gain on a very lightly traveled trail! The first couple of miles are fairly busy (lots of folks going up to Central Peak) but after that it seems...
April in Olympic National Park
April is a popular time for travel around the Pacific Northwest for locals and visitors alike. The days are longer and warmer and it’s a great time for exploring and a wonderful time of year to head to Olympic National Park. I’m a born and raised Seattleite and have...
April in Mt Rainier National Park
April is a wonderful time to travel in the Pacific Northwest. Longer and warmer days get locals and visitors alike excited to get outdoors. April comes at an awkward time to visit Mt Rainier National Park but you can still have an amazing visit as long as you have...
How to Visit the Hoh Rainforest
People travel from all over the world to visit the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park with good reason! In this post I’ll share how to get there, when to go, where to stay, what to do while you’re there and what to pack for your Hoh rainforest adventure....
The Best Hike on San Juan Island: Mt Finlayson
Hiking is often not the first thing people think of when they think of the water oriented San Juan Islands, but there are some great hikes! Mt Finlayson (it’s much more mellow than it sounds) is one of my favorite hikes in the whole state. It’s worth the effort...
Four Best Seattle Views Besides the Space Needle
Don’t get me wrong, I do love the Space Needle (it’s in my wedding photos!), and it’s iconic and has a great view. It’s also expensive and crowded and I think there are other places with better, or just as good views. As a born and raised Seatteite I’d...
Snowshoe Mt Rainier National Park: Winter and Spring Adventure Guide
November 2022 note: Mt Rainier National Park has announced that the road to Paradise will only be open on Saturdays and Sundays during the 2022-23 winter season and the sledding hill will not be open on any days. Why Snowshoe Mt Rainier National Park? If you’re weary of the...
Vashon Island Hiking With or Without a Car
Vashon Island is a wonderful, close to home (still in King County!) destination for a weekend or a day trip from the Seattle area any time of year. Vashon Island hiking is one of the best ways to spend a day on Vashon. The trails are beautiful, well maintained,...