Author: Lauren Braden

Lauren Braden is an outdoors and travel writer in Seattle, and founded the local trip-planning website Northwest TripFinder. She is passionate about connecting Pacific Northwesterners to close-to-home getaways and outdoor adventures that nurture the soul. Her work has been featured in Washington Trails, ParentMap, Outdoors NW, Seattle's Child, The Seattle Times and the Seattle PI, as well as in books on travel, gardening, and citizen activism. She lives in Seattle with her beloved veggie garden, husband Brian, son Isaac, and their spaniel Iris. Follow Lauren online at nwtripfinder.com or on social media @nwtripfinder.

Ask TripFinder: Where to Go Cherry Picking?

Dear TripFinder, I would love to find a good orchard near Seattle to go cherry picking with my kids. I am willing to drive 2-3 hours. My goal is to buy tons of (ideally organic) cherries to make jam. I would be fun if there was a bit more than just cherry picking – a […]

Tide Pool Party: Where to Spot Cool Marine Life Near Seattle

Grab your rubber boots and low tide field guide–there are some fantastic minus tides in the Pacific Northwest this summer.

GO: The Yurts at Cape Disappointment

The yurts at Cape Disappointment are within walking distance of the beach, where you can watch waves pound steep cliffs or stroll along the sand.

Quick Escape: See the Skagit Tulips

There’s something about rows upon rows of brightly-colored tulips that screams: Goodbye winter, hello spring! The time is now to catch the flower fireworks show that blankets Skagit Valley farmland each April.

52 Ways to Nature: Washington – Your Seasonal Guide to a Wilder Year

Bring more nature into your life year-round! 52 Ways to Nature is your new seasonal guide to a wilder year in Washington.

Get Ready for Winter Recreation

Ready for outdoor winter adventure? Here’s how to get in gear, plan some outings, know which permits you need, and stay safe in the snow.

Ask TripFinder: Where to Go Apple Picking near Seattle?

Pick your own apples right from the tree at one of these local heirloom orchards.

Find Cool Geology at Mount St. Helens

Hiking the trails on this active volcano is like stepping into an outdoor classroom, where geologic forces of the past teach us about nature’s recovery and renewal.

The Perfect New Guidebooks for Finding Trails Close to Your Home

There’s an Urban Trails Guidebook for nearly every city in the Pacific Northwest packed with close-to-home hiking and walking trails, from inner-city ravines to suburban woods.

COVID-19: Northwest Public Lands are Re-Opening

UPDATED: May 22, 2020 Have your hiking boots been sitting beside the front door, collecting dust? How about your fishing pole, binoculars, kite and canoe paddle? The coronavirus put spring outdoor adventure on hold for months, and most of us have been sheltering in place. Now, thanks to our collective diligence and determination to put […]