Ohanapecosh Campground, Mount Rainier National Park

There are three stunning campgrounds in Mount Rainier National Park, and each is wonderful, beautiful and… popular. Ohanapecosh Campground is usually the least crowded of the three, away from the hustle and bustle of the summer crowds at Paradise and Sunrise. The main reason it tops my list is for its magical old-growth forests and […]

HIKE: Three Beaches near La Push

There are three beaches in close proximity near La Push – First, Second and Third beaches. First Beach is a short jaunt from the Quileute Nation’s Oceanside Resort in La Push, and a popular gathering spot. Third Beach is 2.5 miles round trip through the woods (though the reward of solitude on the broad, sandy […]

CAMP: San Juan County Park

If ever there was a popular campground, this is it. We stop here frequently while on San Juan Island because you can sometimes spot killer whales from the park in the summertime. (Lime Kiln State Park is the spot for whale watching and a short distance south of here). Campsites can be reserved for May – September […]

CAMP: South Whidbey State Park

ALERT: South Whidbey State Park is open for day use only. Due to hazardous trees in the old-growth forest, the campground area is closed indefinitely. Camping is available at nearby Fort Casey and Fort Ebey state parks.   Campsites are nestled in the lush woods on a bluff here, so there are no water views from the campsites themselves. Still, […]

CAMP: Salt Creek Recreation Area

Salt Creek is a dramatically beautiful and well-maintained campground with staggering views and terrific amenities.  Like so many former WWII-era military lands set on the Salish Sea (this was once Camp Hayden), the 196-acre park has terrific sightlines, once used to watch for enemy boats. Now, you can enjoy these same views over a picnic lunch or beside a campfire. The […]

Bellevue Arts Museum

Bellevue might not be as you remember it. The construction cranes downtown are gone. Towering glass buildings house everything from Microsoft offices to luxury condos. Wide downtown sidewalks are filled with pedestrians of all ages. Small independent shops on Main Street are competing just fine with the Bell Square chains. And when you open your ears and listen, […]

Northwest Festivals: April

Great news! We’ve added a festivals and events calendar! Event organizers – you can submit your tourism-related festival or event right here for FREE. We’re also offering the opportunity for your event be a “featured event,” which includes lots more exposure. Enjoy!   Spring is actually here! Recent snowstorms and downpours may have you questioning this fact, […]