Mount Ellinor, 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 ...

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...

To find the falls, head north up Hwy. 101 past Brinnon, Washington and hang a left at Dosewallips Rd. Keep an eye on the mile markers. Right after mile three and crossing a small bridge, there's a parking area on the left side enough for about 6 cars.  The hike to Rocky Brook Falls is a short on...

The beauty of many of the north coast trails in the Olympic Peninsula is that your car does a lot of the heavy lifting for you.  This is certainly true of the Grand Valley Trail, which begins more than a vertical mile above the Strait of Juan de Fuca at the end of the Obstruction Point Road.  Six...

Tucked away in the trees along Olympic Hot Springs Road, the Elwha River slows to a crawl and forms a perfect natural swimming hole. It is a great place to cool off, picnic, and enjoy the beautiful forest surrounding the Elwha River.   The river's water is crystal clear and a vivid blue-green co...

Point Defiance Park is the largest urban park in Pierce County and it provides a variety of amenities. Located at the very northwest tip of Tacoma, the park provides residents with a much needed retreat from the bustle of everyday life. Point Defiance Park is the place to go if you need a quick d...

There is parking for about a mile along Alki Ave. SW, however it quickly fills up quickly so get there early. The beach is about a mile long and since there is little parking there is a good chance you will need to walk a fair distance.  There are many things to do at this beach. There are kayak...

Nestled amidst the modern high-rises of Alki Avenue, Seattle's iconic Flower Houses offer a stunning contrast of nature and urbanity. This enchanting oasis, created by Randie Stone, is a must-see for visitors to the Emerald City. Admire the vibrant explosion of colors as you explore this register...

Golden Gardens Park is a beautiful, sandy gem that’s perfect for spending a sunny summer day lounging on the beach, exploring the shore, stand up paddling, or even playing beach volleyball. This park also features some of my favorite views in Seattle. As day turns to night, enjoy a beautiful suns...

Kerry Park: Seattle's Most Iconic Viewpoint Located at the top of Queen Anne Hill, Kerry Park is a favorite destination for photography and one of Seattle's most recognizable viewpoints. On any given day you'll find tourists and locals relaxing in the park and enjoying the beautiful view of the ...

Park at a the north side of the Dungeness Spit Recreation Area, in the Refuge parking lot. There is a kiosk at the Refuge where you can pay an entrance fee ($3) and check the Tide Table. Only attempt the hike at low tide or the sand spit becomes narrow and you have to climb over logs.Follow the R...

There are 2 ways to get to Blake Island: private boat or via the Argosy Cruises tour boat (or if you're ambitious, I guess you can swim there!). If traveling by private boat, there is a marina with limited dock space as well as buoy moorings around the island for a moorage fee. Blake Island is ...

Seattle's Pike Place Market holds a quirky treasure – the Gum Wall. Located in an alleyway near the Market Theater, this unexpected art installation is a colorful wall completely covered in used chewing gum. Begun in the 1990s by theater patrons, the gum wall has become a symbol of Seattle's uniq...

Although weekend sails are available, this is one of the best ways to get a mid-week fresh air fix in Seattle.Start with a 1.5 hour sunset sail reservation with Emerald City Charters ( approx. $33 per adult). The day of your sail, pack a bag with blankets, drinks and picnic-style dinner. Catch th...

Discover the enchanting world of The Spheres at Amazon, a lush oasis nestled in the heart of Seattle. This stunning botanical marvel houses thousands of exotic plants, creating a breathtaking indoor rainforest. To experience this unique attraction, visitors must secure a reservation as public acc...

Unveiled in 1990, the Fremont Troll is a quirky Seattle landmark sculpted by Steve Badanes and his team. This 18-foot concrete giant playfully clutches a Volkswagen Beetle under the Aurora Bridge, adding a touch of whimsy to the neighborhood. Originally designed to revitalize a neglected underpas...