Washington State Backpacking Permits Explained
Permits have never meant to be a barrier to entry, but we know first-hand that they can be confusing and difficult to secure. We can’t help how quickly permits sell out, but we hope this blog clears up details making backpacking more accessible to all.
How to Backpack the Enchantments in Washington
Backpacking in the Enchantments is a highly coveted privilege. It’s full of some of Washington’s best scenery, including alpine lakes, beautiful waterfalls, rugged peaks, and larches. To help preserve the environment, there is a permit lottery to backpack, and the area is regularly patrolled by rangers.
Mount Rainier Timed Entry Reservations Explained for 2026
Mount Rainier National Park is piloting timed entry requirements in 2024. Due to a heavy increase in visitation and damage to park ecosystems, the park is hoping timed reservations will improve the visitor experience by reducing traffic, waiting times, and negative impacts on trails.
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.
Mount St. Helens Activities
Mount St. Helens is an incredible, and dare we say, underrated area. The volcano has erupted more frequently than any other volcano in the Cascade Range – most recently in 1980, when the blast and record-breaking landslide drastically changed the landscape. Over the years, the landscape has come back to life. Now, you can relive the eruption at visitor centers, view active seismographs, climb the mountain, and laze about rivers in the area.