Olympia, Washington

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...

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...

If you have been trying to get behind a waterfall Eatonville Falls is the place to hike and get a great feeling out of it. Hiking to the waterfall would lead you to a railroad and pass it would lead to a river where you would follow it down to get to the waterfall. The hike itself is pretty sim...

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 ...

The upper Foothills Trail from the Fairfax Bridge to Manley Moore can be hiked starting from either end as an "out and back" hike or a "point to point" by shuttling with two vehicles.  Starting from the upper end of the trail you begin by walking under the Kolisch Rd. Bridge, which has the Manley...

Immerse yourself in tranquility at Seattle’s Kubota Garden, a haven of Japanese-inspired design nestled in the Rainier Beach neighborhood. Founded in 1927 by Fujitaro Kubota, a Japanese immigrant who longed to recreate his homeland’s serene landscapes, the garden flourished from a humble 5-acre p...

Visiting Hat and Boots Park in Seattle's Georgetown neighborhood is a journey through kitschy Americana. This giant roadside attraction, once a gas station, boasts the title of the largest cowboy hat and boots in the country. The hat itself even served as the station's office in the 1950s! After ...

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...

Make the 3.2 - 4.5 mile hike up groomed trails to the Mt Tahoma High Hut (4750 feet) for the perfect winter getaway. Spend the day outside sledding, skiing, snowshoeing and playing in the snow with a spectacular view of Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and Mount St. Helens. Afterwards go inside and en...

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...

Enjoy a wonderful view of the Seattle skyline from Dr. Jose Rizal park. Parking is easy and accessible, and the park has lots of benches for sitting and taking in the view. Walk around the park for different views of the city or take in the surrounding neighborhood, you'll most likely catch a lot...

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...

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...

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...

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...