Lake 22 Hike: Busy and Worth It
I have no idea why it’s named Lake 22! It’s an unusual name for an absolutely enchanting hike from start to finish. Starting with the greenest of green forests (even for the super green Western Washington Cascaides!). The land around Lake 22 has been protected as a research area...
Carbon River Trail: Waterfalls and Giant Trees in Mt Rainier National Park
Looking to see stunning old growth forest along a milky glacially fed river tumbling down from the lowest altitude glacier in the Lower 48? Looking to find a trail in a popular national park that isn’t crowded? Need a mellow trail that goes deep into the heart of Mt...
Frenchman Coulee Hike for when you just need some Sun
If you’re in Seattle or the anywhere in the Pacific Northwest on the wet west side of the Cascade Mountains, there are some days when you just need to see the sun. On those days, a mellow hike in Frenchman Coulee near Vantage on the Columbia River is absolutely...
Hanford Reach Hike: A Unique Landscape in Washington State
Hanford Reach National Monument is an incredible landscape and a place to find solitude in an area of jaw dropping natural beauty with a fascinating history. Located in super dry Eastern Washington, this area was part of the buffer zone for the Hanford Nuclear Site starting in 1943. The...
How to Visit Sucia Island in the outer San Juans
Sucia Island is an absolutely stunning place in the outer San Juan Islands of Washington State. This is a wonderful destination to really get away from it all and experience some of the best camping in the Pacific Northwest. It takes a bit of work and planning to get...
Best 3 day Seattle itinerary from a Seattleite
If you’re planning a trip to Seattle, I’d like to be the very first person to welcome you! You’ll have an amazing time on your trip, but it can be a little overwhelming to figure out how to spend your time and how to get around. Should I stay...
The Best Hikes in Issaquah
The foothills of the Cascade Mountains surrounding the town of Issaquah are locally referred to as the Issaquah Alps for their multitude of wonderful hiking trails! These hikes in Issaquah are a short drive for residents of Seattle and Bellevue. Some of these hikes are extremely crowded but others...
14 Fun Things to do on Bainbridge Island with or without a car
Bainbridge Island is a quick ferry ride from the middle of downtown Seattle, but it feels a world away with it’s charming shops, beautiful gardens, forests and beaches and history and culture. Add to that some delicious food, local wine and craft beer and spirits and you really can...
The 15 Best Spring Hikes near Seattle
Spring is a long season in the Seattle area, starting sometime in late February or early March in the lowlands near the Salish Sea (Puget Sound) and lasting until June. As the days get longer and warmer, it’s a great time to get out and enjoy some of the...
7 Surprisingly Awesome Hikes in Bellevue
There are a number of fantastic hikes in Bellevue! This may come as a surprise to those who associate Bellevue with affluent suburbs, freeways, Microsoft and shopping malls. If that’s you, give Bellevue another look and don’t miss out on the wonderful hikes in Bellevue that are really easy...