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25 Best Small Towns in Washington
Sure, you’ve heard of Washington’s national parks, and maybe even the Columbia River Gorge, but we’re sure there are towns on this list that are still under the radar. Each of these destinations makes for a great weekend trip by itself or a fantastic addition to any adventure you already have planned.
The Backpackers Gift Guide –– 50 Best Gifts in 2024
This is your go-to gift list for the backpackers in your life. It’s full of essential gear, fun items, and extra add-ons to make gifts extra personal.
Road Trip All 3 National Parks in Washington State
With nearly 100 different ecosystems, Washington is one of the most diverse and interesting states to visit. Its national parks – Olympic, Mount Rainier, and the North Cascades, are three of Washington’s top destinations. This blog covers how to see all the best sights at each park in one trip.
Moab's Best Campgrounds and Dispersed Campsites
There is no better way to enjoy Moab’s outdoors than by camping. You’ll have star-filled skies after dark and witness beautiful sunrises and sunsets daily. Camping is a more affordable, but popular way to visit, so reserve your stay in advance or try your luck with finding a dispersed site.
Arches National Park Timed Entry Reservations Explained
Arches National Park’s response to peak season congestion, limited parking, poor user experience, and damage to the delicate desert ecosystem has been to implement a timed entry reservation system. It’s been in place since 2021 and has seen positive results.
Best Hikes in Moab, Utah (30+ Stunning Trails)
If you’re visiting Moab, hiking should be on the list of must-do's. There is a trail here for everyone, with varying landscapes that include streams, waterfalls, canyons, and the most incredible natural rock arches and formations.
How to Waterproof Your Tent
Taking care of your backpacking gear shouldn’t be intimidating! That’s why we’ve written this blog, with video tutorials, on how to re-waterproof your tent. We were relieved to find that waterproofing our tent wasn’t difficult, and we love having the peace of mind that we’ll continue to have a dry place to sleep for all our adventures!
How to Drive the Shafer Trail – Two Route Options
Tucked between Moab and Canyonlands National Park, the Shafer Trail is a must-drive for those craving adventure. It’s 19 miles of dirt road that requires a high clearance 4x4 vehicle, and it’s not for the faint of heart – steep switchbacks and narrow roads will have you on the edge of your seat!
Enchanted Valley Backpacking
Known as the “Valley of 10,000 waterfalls”, Enchanted Valley is a beautiful backpacking destination in the Olympic National Park featuring the Enchanted Valley Chalet. The trail follows the bright blue Quinault River through old-growth forests and features trees up to 1,000 years old. The forest is so impressive it reminded us of Redwood National Park.
What You Need to Know About Larch Hikes in Washington
In late summer, you’ll begin to hear whispers of the “larch march” among outdoor communities in Washington. This march, also known as larch madness, is any hike that features our beloved larch trees.
Tips on Viewing the Aurora – How, Where, and When
The aurora, also known as the northern or southern lights, is one of Earth’s greatest natural phenomena. Chasing the aurora requires a bit of luck, but you can better your odds by arming yourself with information and knowing where to go and what to look for.
Where to Stay in Moab for Every Budget
A trip to Moab should be on every adventurer’s bucket list! There is so much to do that just one trip here will never be enough. This blog has all the best locations to stay in so you can choose the best lodging for your trip. We’ve got recommendations in town, right outside of Moab, and off-grid.
2-5 Day Moab Itinerary (Overlanding, Hikes, and More)
Located in southeastern Utah on the Colorado Plateau, Moab is a small town known for its outdoor activities. While it’s home to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, off-roading, rafting, biking, and climbing are just a few popular activities in the surrounding area.
Where to Stay in Finnish Lapland
Exploring Finnish Lapland is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Visit in winter to view the northern lights and the most magical winter landscapes, or in summer to experience 24 hours of daylight in “Europe’s last wilderness”.
Waterfall Tour on the North Umpqua Scenic Byway
The North Umpqua Scenic Byway is our favorite highway in Oregon. It follows the stunning Rogue River between Roseburg and the start of the Crater Lake North Highway, making it the perfect route to travel to or from the Oregon coast. Along the way, you can stop at seven easy-to-reach waterfalls.
Where to Camp in the Olympic National Park
Camping on the Olympic Peninsula is a beautiful way to spend your vacation time. Most campgrounds are densely forested and near Washington’s most pristine lakes, beaches, and trails.
Where to Stay in the Olympic National Park
The Olympic National Park is so large that we recommend taking at least three to seven days to explore it. You can check out our full itinerary here, where you’ll notice the most efficient way to see all the best sights in the park is to change lodging every couple of days. This blog covers where to stay for every budget near each town we’ve recommended visiting.
Mount Baker Road Trip (Sights, Hikes, and Activities)
The Mount Baker Scenic Byway SR 542 starts in Bellingham, Washington, and goes up 5,100 feet of elevation ending at Artist Point. It is one of the most stunning highways in Washington – comparable to driving through Mount Rainier National Park. It’s a fantastic alternative, or addition to, visiting the North Cascades National Park, and is an ideal destination for hikers of all abilities.
How to Hike Safely During Wildfire Season
It’s that time of year again — what has come to be known as wildfire season throughout the last few years. Unfortunately, when wildfires start, how fast they spread, and where they and the smoke blows is unpredictable. When venturing outdoors in this season, we need to be more aware than ever and a bit of preparation and research before going out for a hike can save lives.
Bioluminescent Kayaking in Washington State
Imagine kayaking through a glowing sea of stars. That’s what it’s like to go on a bioluminescent kayaking tour! Each paddle brings more sparkles, and it’s such a magical experience.
