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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!
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.
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.
All You Need to Know About the Goldmyer Hot Springs
Goldmyer Hot Springs was everything we hoped for and more. It’s a natural geothermal hot spring cared for by the Northwest Wilderness Programs, a nonprofit organization established in 1976 to protect this area. The hot springs are so idyllic that soaking there felt like a dream. Move this activity to the top of your Pacific Northwest bucket list!
Silver Falls State Park: Everything You Need to Know
The Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park is the most beautiful trail we’ve hiked in Oregon so far. Visit and you’ll quickly lose count of the waterfalls you’ll see, get to admire lush rainforests, and icy blue rivers. Spend one to two days here to enjoy everything the park, and surrounding towns, have to offer.
Guide to Winter in Lapland: 10+ Day Itinerary
Visiting the Finnish Lapland is unlike anything we’ve ever experienced. Once you hop off a Santa Claus Express train into a winter wonderland, the holiday season will never feel the same. The landscapes are covered in snowy trees, frozen buildings, and views you won’t find anywhere else. If you can brave the cold temperatures, you’re in for so many once-in-a-lifetime experiences!
Winthrop Hot Air Balloon Festival
Taking place over the first weekend of March each year, the Winthrop Balloon Roundup makes for the perfect winter weekend getaway. Winthrop is four hours from Seattle, located at the base of the North Cascades National Park on the eastern side of the mountains. It has extremely beautiful scenery, a western theme in town, and tons of activities to fill your time between the ballooning festivities.
The Complete Guide to Visiting Havasupai Falls in 2024
Hiking to Havasupai Falls is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’ll get to trek through the Grand Canyon, swim in turquoise waters, and see five incredible waterfalls. That is if you can get a permit.
Oregon Coast Road Trip Guide (1-6+ Day Itinerary)
We’ve spent years exploring the Oregon coast, and it’s still a place we go back to at any chance we get. It’s beautiful, fun, and so relaxing. This itinerary is best for those wanting a road trip — seeing ALL the best sights and staying in different towns every night.
1-6 Days in Sedona: a Well Rounded Itinerary
Known for the scenic red rocks surrounding the town, vortexes, incredible hikes, and natural swimming areas, Sedona is the perfect place for any sun lover to vacation.
How to Camp on the Alvord Desert
It’s surprising that the Alvord Desert isn’t better known. It’s like the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah but located in the Pacific Northwest. Near the southeastern tip of Oregon, the desert is nestled at the base of the Steen Mountains, near natural hot springs, and has miles of desert to explore and camp — truly an overlander’s paradise!
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.
The Ultimate Cascade Loop Itinerary
The Cascade Loop is a 440-mile road trip through some of Washington’s most gorgeous scenery. As it circles through the Cascade Mountains, it’s the best way to explore the North Cascades National Park. This trip can be completed in one to five days, with epic hikes, waterfalls, and cute towns along the way.
Guide to Climbing Mount St. Helens During Peak Season
Hike to the edge of Mount St. Helen’s crater in the summer months and you’ll be able to see the active volcano steaming! It’s a strenuous climb with unusual terrain, but there no technical skills required to summit. If you can hike long distances, you can climb this volcano!
How to Backpack to Stehekin
When we returned from backpacking the Chelan Lakeshore Trail to Stehekin and claimed it was our favorite place we’ve ever been in Washington, it raised eyebrows — it’s a bold statement coming from us!
Mount Rainier National Park Itinerary (From Locals)
At 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier stands far above the surrounding Cascade Mountains. It’s so distinct that locals refer to it as “the mountain” and have an unofficial motto: “Live like the mountain is out.” We recommend spending between one and five days near the park and suggest erring on the side of more time if you enjoy hiking and scenic drives.
5 One-Day Washington Waterfall Road Trip Guides
Washington state is known for its stunning natural beauty, and one of our favorite ways to experience it is through a scenic road trip. With many waterfalls scattered throughout the state, a day trip spent exploring them is a must-do activity. Below are plans that range from exploring waterfalls in lush rainforests to little-known gems with added viewpoints and trails to explore as a bonus on each route. Pack some snacks and hit the road to see Washington’s best waterfalls!
Best Hikes in Washington (According to Locals)
As local Washingtonians, we’ve hiked more than 100 trails in the state, and we’ve narrowed down some of our favorites! This list has all the details you need to know about each trail, including which passes are needed to seasonal availability. Grab your boots and get hiking!
