Northwest Bookshelf: Exploring Northwest Nature with Kids
As a kid born in the 1970’s, my own childhood was free-range and mostly outside. Or rather, those are the vivid memories I have—on a bike, digging in the dirt, or playing with our dog in the park near my house. The reality is more mixed. We had cable TV and a Nintendo, and I […]
High Country Hikes: Epic Northwest Trails for Blooms and Views
While some epic hikes can be thoroughly enjoyed year-round (like these), others must be waited for, patiently. These are the high country trails of the Northwest, where late summer snowmelt, when it finally happens, gives way to glorious meadows, mountain views and colorful carpets of wildflowers. These are trails best saved for sunny July and […]
CAMP & HIKE: Icicle Creek Canyon
An outdoor playground in autumn, this little valley stretches like a finger into the North Cascades from Leavenworth and is lined with trailheads and campgrounds.
CAMP & HIKE: Cape Lookout State Park on the Oregon Coast
On the craggy Oregon Coast, a “headland” is a giant chunk of rock that juts out into the ocean, formed over millennia from volcanic lava flows followed by constant water erosion. Some of the larger ones are called “capes”. The coast is dotted with them, all up and down from Indian Point to Cape Ferrelo. […]
CAMP & HIKE: Steamboat Rock State Park
In the heart of Washington’s Grand Coulee desert country is an outdoor lover’s paradise. And your base camp for all of it sits in the middle of an “island” surrounded by your outdoor playground. Cool rocks and unusual birds. Hikes through blooming desert wildflowers. Fragrant sagebrush whipping in the wind. Sleeping under a big sky […]
Columbia River Gorge: Cheap Sleeps and Wildflower Hikes
In search of sunshine, open vistas and fields of wildflowers? Don’t wait for summer–find these adventures now on the sunny Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge.
Weekend Escape to Bellingham, Washington’s Indie City
We city folks have it all. An instagram-worthy latte is a block away, there’s a farmers’ market in every neighborhood, and each weekend brings new museum exhibits or gallery openings. So why are so many of us urbanites keen to spend a weekend exploring the restaurants, museums, parks and galleries of another city? It’s fun […]
Ask TripFinder: Where to Stay in Vancouver with Kids?
Dear TripFinder, We have a 8 year old daughter and a 4 year old son. Where are good places to stay in Vancouver BC? We would like to not have to drive much–if not at all. Thanks! Kris Dear Kris, My favorite spot to stay with kids in Vancouver is on the vibrant and lively West End […]
Nine Romantic Northwest Getaways
Valentines Day. Three-day weekends. Anniversaries. The year is full of opportunities to woo your sweetheart with the romance of the Pacific Northwest! A romantic getaway doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Make any weekend special and romantic on one of these dreamy, affordable getaways in Washington, Oregon and British Columbia. How to Make a Cheap Getaway […]
STAY & PLAY: Mount Baker
There are two kinds of Northwesterners – those who know about the awesomeness of Mount Baker, and those who don’t (yet). I’m about to put you in the first camp, and once you visit Baker for the first time you will go back, again and again. The Mount Baker Highway (Hwy 542) is a spur route that […]
