Shelton, Washington

The Gold Creek Trail is one of several trails in the Green Mountain region. Although the trail is intertwined with others, it is almost impossible to start down the wrong path. The trail is well-marked and well-maintained, making this an excellent option for the family.  The trail begins at the e...

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...

Have you ever been inside a stump house? This is your chance! Just outside of Seabeck, Washington lies a hobbit stump house tucked into a mossy forest on the shores of Guillemont Cove. Drive to Seabeck, turn right onto Miami Beach Road, bear left onto Stavis Bay road and continue for 4.5 miles...

Murhut Falls offers visitors a relatively easy 1.6-mile round-trip hike to a stunning 130-foot two-tiered waterfall on the eastern edge of the Olympic Peninsula. This family-friendly trail provides a perfect introduction to the lush temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. Essential Detai...

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 ...

Did you know that Dungeness Crabs are named after the port of Dungeness, Washington where they were first commercially fished? Big, meaty and delicious these crabs are plentiful in the Puget Sound region as their under appreciated cousins the Red Rock Crab. The Washington State Department of Fi...

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 Dose Forks Campground is an overlooked campsite deep within the Olympic National Park, making it a perfect weekend camping destination. A mild, 7.5 mile (one-way) trail delivers you to this enchanting area and is a must for those who love photographing forests. There are no reservation requir...

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...

Directions: From the Quilcene Ranger Station drive 4.6 miles south on US 101. Watch for the signs for Mount Walker View Point. Turn left onto Mount Walker Road. The trail head is about a quarter mile up the road with pull over parking on the left side of the road. In the winter and early spring, ...

While this hike does not provide any sort of fantastic views, its does provide an easy ~13 mile roundtrip hike from the trailhead to a parking lot for the Upper Big Quilcene Trail which leads to Marmot Pass. Along the way you will cross several bridges, some large and wide, other simple log bridg...

This hike is located immediately off of Highway 101 in the Falls View Campground. If the campground is closed you can park right outside of the gate (but don't block it) and hike in. Inside the gate you will see 3 paths in front of you, take a left and after about a quarter mile you will reach th...

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...

The secret to this trip: Marmot Pass and Boulder Shelter, where you can camp on National Forest Service land. Multiple excellent, large backpacking sites sit just on the edge of the National Park, giving you great access to Mt. Constance and Mt. Deception, two of the tallest peaks in the Olympics...

This trail has a nice, steady climb that's perfect for beginner or intermediate backpackers. The first 2.5 miles follow a forest trail along the Big Quilcene River. For the next 3 miles, the trail flows in and out of shaded trees, over a small talus field, and through a meadow before the final ac...