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!
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!
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.
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.