Seattle in Winter – 17 ways to have fun like a local
Planning a winter visit to Seattle? Newcomer to Seattle getting ready for your first winter? If so, you’re in the right place! This article is all about how to thrive and not just survive Seattle in winter. You might have heard that Seattle is dark and gray in the...
Complete Guide to Remote Fields Spring State Park in Southeast Washington
Fields Spring State Park is a largely unknown gem tucked in the Blue Mountains in the far Southeast corner of Washington State. It’s a remote, sunny area with amazing year round recreation, both in the park and in the surrounding national forest. Just a few miles from both Oregon...
The Best Squak Mountain Hiking Routes
Squak Mountain hiking is a wonderful way to experience gorgeous forested trails near Seattle without the big crowds that many of the other nearby trails have. It’s also a perfect year round destination. It’s shady on hot summer days and shows off beautiful lush green forest on rainy days....
Hiking the Boulder Garden Loop on Mt Si
Mt Si and its smaller neighbor, Little Si are super busy and crowded. Despite the popularity of these trails, it is possible to find trails in this trail system that are not as crowded! Many people don’t realize that there are several trails that connect to the Mt Si...
9 Magical Things to do on Lopez Island
Lopez Island is the quietest of the San Juan Islands and the best island in Washington State for bike riding! Even though it’s quiet, there are so many wonderful things to do on Lopez Island. It’s especially wonderful for cyclists, or anyone who likes to explore the outdoors is...
Complete Guide to Blake Island State Park near Seattle
In December 2021, Argosy cruises announced they are no longer operating the boat service to Blake Island. I hope public access to Blake Island is restored quickly! For the time being it is only accessible by private boat. I will update as new information becomes available. Blake Island State...
Why you should visit Deer Park in Olympic National Park
All of Olympic National Park is pretty incredible and there is so much diversity in the park! From towering glacier covered mountains to rugged rocky coastline to impossibly green temperature rainforests and wild rivers, Olympic has so much to see. Deer Park is one of my very favorite places...
15 Fun Things to do on Orcas Island
Orcas Island is one of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest, a perfect year round destination in the San Juan Islands for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Hiking, kayaking, swimming and fishing and all abundant activities on the island. It’s also a wonderful place to slow down and...
The Best Orcas Island Hikes
Orcas Island is the best island in the San Juan Islands for hiking! Many people come to the beautiful San Juan Islands for many other reasons and outdoor pursuits, but if you’re a hiker looking for a trip to the islands then Orcas is your island! It offers the...
Exploring the Kukutali Preserve in Skagit County
Kukutali Preserve is a unique and beautiful park near Mt Vernon, La Conner and Anacortes. A joint venture between Washington State Parks and the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community (the first of its kind in the United States), this beautiful park is a place to experience a beautiful beach and...