Aberdeen, Washington

During warm summer days in Seattle it is nice to leave the city and nothing is better than the beach. Westport is a small coastal town west of Aberdeen. Westhaven State Park offers the easiest access to beach parking and is the best beginner beach to try surfing for the first time. If you want to...

Located off the beaten path at the northern end of the Long Beach Peninsula, Leadbetter Point State Park is great year around destination to explore in Southwest Washington. Within the park there is ample opportunity to watch huge Pacific Ocean waves crash on shore, beach comb, bird watch, and sp...

This is a great low effort, high reward hike that offers several viewpoints along the trail of the falls below before it meanders all the way to the shore of the creek. While it doesn't take long to hike to this spot you can easily spend an entire morning or afternoon exploring everything it has ...

The Quinault Valley receives an average of 12 feet of rain per year which maintains the temperate rain forest ecosystem. The Quinault Rain Forest is located within the Olympic National Park and is located on the N. Shore Road about 6 miles off of HWY 101.  Once you arrive to the ranger station y...

Located along FR-2270 (Google Maps calls it FR-2312) in Olympic National Forest, the trailhead is marked by a pullout and a pair of signposts but no sign. This area was formerly the Wynoochee Falls Campground. The trailhead is at the North end of the parking lot. This easy hike involves navigatin...

Located about 20 minutes outside of Shelton, Washington on US Forest Service Road NF-2340.  To get there, head North on Highway 101 and exit onto W Skokomish Valley Rd. about 12 miles (or 20 minutes) after passing Shelton.   W Skokomish Valley Road will take you through a beautiful area of farml...

This backpacking trip can easily be done in 2 days, but some people prefer to stretch it out to 3. Luckily there are several different spots to stop and camp, so you can split up the distance however you are the most comfortable. The elevation over the course of the trail is minimal, which means ...

Tumwater Falls Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Olympia, Washington.

This trail is great for nature trips and for birding. A national park pass or an entry fee of $25 per car (or $10 fee to walk in) is required for entry into Olympic National Park. Watch out for mud on the trail after rain. 

Hikers who reach the summit of Mount Ellinor are treated to a rarer view of Olympic National Park, one that is notably more immersive, rugged and dynamic than the common vista from Hurricane Ridge. Ellinor’s profile is, no doubt, familiar to most Seattleites, as it’s the Olympics’ southernmost p...

Upper Big Creek Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Lilliwaup, Washington.

You can stat this adventure at one of two trailheads. I suggest using the lower of the two. The start of the trail ascends through a forest of old growth pines with periodic views of Mt Washington. Eventually, at a fork in the trail, you will see a sign marking the start of the winter route. You ...

Follow the driving directions, pass the upper Mt Eleanor parking area and continue until the road dead-ends due to a landslide. Try to leave room for cars to turn around when you park.Follow the trail which starts just near the lake boulder near the parking area. The trail through the lower slope...

From the North Head parking lot located at the end of N Head Lighthouse Rd, make your way to the lighthouse by following the lighthouse signs at the parking lot. There's a path to the right that you can take that will take you to a view point (the walk to this viewpoint is short and easy). The ...

Cape Disappointment State Park is nearly 2,000 acres of old growth temperate forest located at the mouth of the Columbia River that contains lakes, coves, two lighthouses, and military forts. One of the forts and lighthouses is Fort Canby and Cape Disappointment lighthouse, which date back to the...

Don't let the name fool you, this over 1,700 acre state park offers plenty for the outdoor enthusiast. The cape was named by explorer John Meares after a failed attempt to enter the Columbia River. Lucky for you, maps have been upgraded and the river mouth and cape are no long as challenging to c...