Fall Backpacking Lake Ingalls and Headlight Basin
Fall backpacking Lake Ingalls in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is an annual tradition for me. Late September or early October when the larches are turning golden is the perfect time. You can’t actually camp at Lake Ingalls, but you can at Headlight Basin. You pass through Headlight Basin on the...
Mt Rainier and Yakima Loop Drive
If you’re looking for a less crowded and more unique trip through Mt Rainier National Park, look no further than a trip through the less busy east side of Mt Rainier National Park, over Chinook Pass and through the Naches Valley to Yakima. You can make a weekend out...
10+ Best Fall Hikes near Seattle
Fall is the BEST time of year for hiking near Seattle if you ask me. It’s cooler, less crowded and generally no bugs! In the Pacific Northwest we have an abundance of gorgeous fall color and hiking trails to enjoy them. So pack a hot drink, some soup in...
North Cascades National Park from Seattle: Best Day Trip or Weekend Itinerary
North Cascades National Park is a beautiful and rugged park in northern Washington State with less crowds than most. In fact, it is consistently one of the least visited national parks! Don’t miss out on this unique and beautiful place due to its relative obscurity. This article is all...
The Best 3 Day Olympic National Park Itinerary
This Olympic National Park Itinerary for a three day road trip gives you a taste of the many unique and diverse ecosystems of this special place. In just three days take in sweeping mountain vistas, cascading waterfalls, hot springs, towering ancient old growth forests, and wild coastal beaches overflowing with...
Summer Day Trip to Olympic National Park Beaches and Forest
Olympic National Park is a wonderful road trip getaway from Seattle, but if you only have one day to see the park or just want to get out of town for a day, it makes a great day trip too! A summer day trip to Olympic National Park means...
Mt Rainier Summer Day Trip with Less Crowds
A Mt Rainier Day Trip from Seattle during the summer is an incredible way to spend the day! Summer in Mt Rainier is mid-July through September. During this time, all the roads are open, most of the easy and moderate hiking trails will be snow free and this is...
How to Ride the Trailhead Direct Bus to Seattle Area Trails
You want to go for a hike, but you don’t have a car. Or you drove in Seattle’s epically bad traffic all week and can hardly bear the idea of getting in the car again on the weekend. Guess what? You no longer need a car to hike from...
A Seattleite’s Guide to One Day in Seattle
Planning a visit to Seattle? Newcomer looking for a way to spend your first day off? Family visiting soon? As a lifelong Seattleite, this is my born and raised local’s guide to one day in Seattle! If you’re looking for a day trip from Seattle outside the city, look...
Cowiche Canyon winery hike
What’s not to love about a short, sunny hike to a winery? The Cowiche Canyon winery hike is a wonderful year round escape for Seattleites (especially in the spring and fall). This is one of my favorite hikes in Washington. It’s in the town of Yakima, about 3 hours...