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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to Backpack the Ozette Triangle
We finally backpacked the Ozette Triangle, and it lives up to the hype. It’s short and easy, incredibly beautiful, and has so much to do around camp. Since this trail is a loop, you’ll have the option to trek the whole 9.5 miles or make your hike a shorter out and back — we’ll go into the pros and cons of each below.
Crystal Mountain’s Flying Raven Adventure Course
There is more to explore during the summer months at Crystal Mountain than the gondola. They now have the Flying Raven Adventure Course! The course is set amongst evergreen trees, above a babbling brook and, at first glance, it looks like a setting for a tranquil treehouse. Look closer and you’ll notice suspended log bridges, rickety steps, and obstacles between the trees.
How to Tide Pool in the Pacific Northwest
Tide pooling is an essential part of visiting the coast in the Pacific Northwest. If you can find a good location and visit at low tides, you’ll have hours of free entertainment on your hands. Below is everything you need to know to start tide pooling!
DIY Food Tour of Pike Place Market (From Locals)
Pike Place Market has over 200 vendors and countless options for good eats. We love the variety of food the market offers, and that a food tour is something everyone can enjoy. Since the market is indoors, it’s a great activity regardless of the weather.
Whale Watching in Oregon (How, When, and Where)
Whale watching is fun and free! We love that it’s easily accessible — you can choose between stopping to search for whales at various roadside pullouts, beaches, viewpoints, or lighthouses, and even take your chances on a hike. Knowing where, when, and what to look for is key to having a great experience.
How to Hike in the Rain
Ready to embrace the rainy season? Say goodbye to crowded trails and fair-weather hikers! Hiking in the rain may take a bit more effort, and often motivation, than in dry weather, but it’s so rewarding.
21 Spooky Hikes in Washington
From ghost towns and historic military forts to Sasquatch and ghost sightings, Washington has plenty of spooky trails to keep you on your toes this fall.
Columbia River Gorge: Top Hikes, Waterfalls, and More
The Columbia River Gorge is a treasured part of the Pacific Northwest. Visit to find iconic waterfalls, beautiful views, adorable towns, and great hiking and biking trails. While it’s not a national park, it was one of the very first federally protected national scenic areas and the very first scenic byway. It’s incredibly gorgeous and is the perfect destination for a quick road trip or extended weekend getaway.
Best Hikes at Mount Rainier (and Why We Like Them)
With over 250 miles of hiking trails featuring waterfalls, forests, rivers, and of course, incredible mountain views, visiting Mount Rainier National Park should be on every hiker’s bucket list.
Dry Camping in Washington: What, Where, and How
Dry camping goes by many names: you’ll also hear it called dispersed camping, wild camping, and boondocking. Simply said, it’s camping outside of designated campgrounds — meaning you’re finding legal spots to park overnight and camp, usually in national forests or on BLM land.
12 Best Milkshakes in Washington
Two of our goals in life are to adventure hard and eat well. So far, all our blogs have been about the adventure side, but not today! This post is all about the best milkshakes in Washington.
Olympic National Park: Best Hikes, Itinerary, and Sights
Covering 922,641 acres, the Olympic National Park is so large and diverse! The park has seven distinct ecosystems, including glaciated mountains, rainforest, and the coast. There is something for everyone to enjoy here, and there is so much to see. We recommend staying between two and seven days near the park.
