If you are looking for a getaway, may we suggest the southeast corner of Washington? Here you will find Fields Spring State Park, an 825-acre park located in Washington’s northern portion of the Blue Mountains. The park lies within forested land and atop a natural spring, from which its name derives. Features of this park include camping opportunities, hiking trails, and scenic views from Puffer Butte. We stayed two nights in Tamarack cabin and loved every moment.
Read MoreHere in Washington state, we are ever so privileged to have access to an abundance of wilderness and public lands. Much of the public areas we enjoy are encompassed under the umbrella of our three National Parks. Outdoors enthusiasts, of the Pacific Northwest, are familiar with Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, and North Cascades National Park. While we may be frequent visitors to some or all of these national parks, do you ever wonder how they came to be?
Read MoreThe temperatures have dropped, the leaves are falling, the rain is here, and winter is coming. With all of that being said, now is still a great time to get away and spend time with nature. Don’t let the change of seasons get you down, there are opportunities for all comfort levels, from backpacking in with the proper gear to sleeping in a cozy cabin at a state park. If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind, unique, maybe even luxurious experience, there is also the option of “glamorous camping” through Glamping Hub. No matter your preference, there are plenty of late-season camping options favorable for all. We have put together a list of ideas to get you started.
Read MoreIt may be hard to fathom with the sizzling temperatures the Northwest region of the country is experiencing this summer, but autumn really is just around the corner. And, with this wonderful season brings colorful fall foliage that includes deep, rich golds, fiery reds and golden yellows.
Read MoreIn the northwest corner of Mt. Rainier National Park is the Carbon River Road. It runs a little over five miles from the park's entrance, paralleling the Carbon River, to Ipsut Creek Campground. It is a popular destination for bikers since it is one of the few areas that bikes are allowed inside the park. The road is mostly clear of obstacles, vehicular traffic is prohibited, and it maintains a 2 percent grade throughout, which made it a perfect spot to break in our new trail bikes.
Read MoreWe recently spent an extended weekend on Washington's Olympic Coast. Before heading out, we searched for overnight accommodations. After reading many of the positive reviews, 52 of them averaging out to 4.7 of 5 stars, we decided that the Miller Tree Inn Bed and Breakfast was going to be our home away from home for the next couple nights. The scenic coastline and forests of Forks and La Push certainly demanded more than one day of our attention!
Read MoreWant to take a step back in time? A time when humans were as small as insects in comparison to the surrounding forest? This is the place for you. No time machine required.
Read MoreSummer is here, maybe. Actually, it comes and goes every few days. We're still trying to figure out this crazy weather. However, when the sun is around it warms up quite a bit! Enough to discourage many from leaving home to explore. We don't want you to stop your adventures because of the heat. So we put together five great spots worth checking out on a hot day. Each location will keep you cool enough so you don't melt!
Read MoreSometimes you need a place to get away. San Juan Island is the perfect escape! It's a beautiful rocky island surrounded by the swirling waters of the Pacific Ocean. Sightseeing, wildlife, shopping or just lazing about are all perfectly acceptable options. It's your time, use it the way you choose!
Read MoreGold! Gold! Gold! Gold! was printed across Seattle newspaper headlines on July 17, 1897. This was the start to the Klondike Gold Rush as dreamers came from all over the country attempting to strike it rich in the Yukon gold fields near Dawson City. Of the estimated 100,000 prospects that set out on this journey, only 4,000 found gold and a mere few hundred became rich from it. The rush here lasted only a few years until gold was next discovered in Nome, Alaska. Pioneer Square in Seattle is home to one of the four units of the National Park Service's Klondike Gold Rush Historical Park. The other three units are located in Skagway, Alaska.
Read MoreA winter wonderland was exactly this. Snowshoeing in one of the most beautiful locations of the world — a 14,409 foot volcano covered in miles upon miles of untouched snow. This was like something one would read from a book or see in a movie. As far as the eye could see in every direction we were amidst snow covered ground and trees. Being out there and looking up at the top of the mountain is a feeling that’s not easy to explain. Surreal. Peaceful. Beautiful. Unbelievable. Those are just a few things that immediately come to mind while thinking back on this experience.
Read MoreIt was 9:31 A.M. when we parked, according to the Jeep it was 37 degrees out, and there was a drizzle of rain. The forecast called for heavier showers around 2–3 P.M., so we hoped to be back before then. A quick potty break, then off we went. We reached the lake at 12:40 P.M., it was now around 32 degrees with snow just above the lake. Our time here would be brief.
Read MoreTolmie Peak Trail is an easy-to-moderate hike starting from Mowich Lake and ending at the Tolmie Peak Lookout tower. The round trip distance is about 6.5 miles and it took us approximately 1.5 hours to reach the top and about an hour to get back. We went in late June and the weather was in the low 70s, dry, and cloudy. The parking lot was full and a long portion of parking on the road was also full. We came across 15–20 other hikers along the route and at the peak there were about 10 other hikers.
Read MoreOn August 25, 2016, the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) will turn 100 years old! It has begun holding celebrations throughout the country while building up to its centennial. Here in the state of Washington the NPS has teamed up with Visit Rainier, the official Mt. Rainier tourism organization, to create a centennial GeoTour. It consists of four series, each series having 25 geocaches. This year long GeoTour is a celebration of the park’s birthday which explores a total of 100 geocaches in and around Mt. Rainier National Park.
Read MoreThe day was filled with clouds and drizzle, with the temperatures in the high 40s. It was an early afternoon in early October when we set out. No snow falling, or already accumulated on the ground. There was plenty of wind howling through the trees. Views of Mt. Rainier were hidden behind the clouds. Spray Falls made up for that in a huge way.
Read MoreShi Shi Beach is one of those hidden gems that most people are unaware exists. It’s located in the upper northwest portion of the Olympic peninsula. It consists of a 2.5 mile coast line with tide pools, archipelagos, caves, sea stacks, wildlife, perfect sunsets, pristine stargazing, and more. The journey there is a long one as it’s roughly a 4–5 hour drive by car from the Seattle/Tacoma area. Once at the trailhead it’s about an hour hike to the beach and then another hour or so walk to the south end of the beach to the Point of the Arches. It’s all worth it as this is the best wandering experience we’ve had so far!
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