4 Places You Don’t Need a Timed Entry Permit in Mt Rainier National Park
In 2026, Mt Rainier National Park discontinued the timed entry program. Mt Rainier National Park is a wildly popular national park with locals and visitors alike and crowding has been a huge problem in recent years. I initially wrote this article several years ago when I was working as...
Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park Trail Guide
Looking for a unique and uncrowded experience for a day outdoors in Washington’s dry and sunny landscape along the Columbia River? If so, Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park is the ideal place to explore and see petrified wood – Washington’s state gem! Filled with unique history and geology, this...
Manastash Lake and Lost Lake Trail Guide
Looking for a larch hike in mid to late October without the crowds? The trail to Manastash Lake and Lake is the one for you! This trail does have dirt bikes (off trail motorcycles) so if you’re not interested in a shared use trail, this will not be the...
13 Fun Things to do in Westport, Washington
Westport, Washington is an ideal family friendly and affordable year round getaway near Seattle and Tacoma but yet a world away. Who doesn’t love the beach? Westport is refreshingly unpretentious. Everything in Westport is focused on the ocean, so it’s the ideal place to visit the beach, go fishing,...
10 Best Summer hikes near Seattle according to a Seattleite
Seattle has some of the best summers in the entire United States. Lots of sun once summer actually gets going in July, warm days but usually not hot, no humidity, 16 hours of daylight and generally good air quality. Take this ideal weather and add in a backdrop of...
Easton Ridge Trail Guide – A hidden gem on I-90
Looking for a stunning view hike near Seattle with plenty of shade and no crowds? Easton Ridge may just be the hike for you! I’m a born and raised Seattleite and a hiker my whole life and this is my personal favorite hike along the I-90 corridor. At 6.5 miles...
Hiking Guide to Wallace Falls State Park
Wallace Falls State Park is an extremely popular state park for hiking and camping near Seattle. There are several hike options here, from several different waterfalls to a loop to Wallace Lake and even backpacking opportunities. The most popular day hike here is the 4.5 mile round trip hike...
Top 20 Mellow Hikes near Seattle from a Seattleite
Looking for a fantastic hike near Seattle but confused about all your options? Are you a beginner looking for hikes that aren’t extremely steep? I’ve got you! I’m a born and raised Seattleite and have loved hiking here my whole life. These are my Top 20 mellow hikes near...
13 Best Waterfall Hikes near Seattle
What hiker doesn’t love a stunning waterfall hike? Waterfalls are an ideal destination for a hike, especially in a rainy climate like Seattle. I’m a born and raised Seattelite and I’ve loved these trails my whole life. I’ve curated my list of the very best waterfall hikes near Seattle...
Snow Lake Hike at Snoqualmie Pass
Snow Lake is one of the busiest trails in Washington State and is very popular with Seattle hikers. I don’t often recommend super busy hikes, but Snow Lake is totally worth it! I like to save this hike for late September or early October, when the fall colors on...