Storm Watching Essentials
Any visitor to the Pacific Coast in spring, winter or fall should be prepared for storms. Bring clothes for any weather, especially warm layers and rain gear, and be ready to call it a day and stay indoors if the storm gets severe. But that’s part of the fun, just be sure you’re well-stocked with […]
GO: Fort Stevens State Park Campground and Yurts
Get splashed! Fort Stevens State Park is your front-row seat for watching the Columbia River join the Pacific Ocean. Its offerings to campers are unique, diverse and fun. Where else can you swim in a freshwater lake in the morning, then while away your afternoon beachcombing near an old shipwreck? Walk along the six miles of hiking […]
CAMP: Lone Fir Campground, Okanogan National Forest
Lone Fir Campground is off Highway 20 in the Methow Valley, just west of Mazama and about 27 miles west of Winthrop. Although this campground is not far off the highway, it’s beautiful and is in a great location for nearby hiking trails into North Cascades National Park and the Pasayten Wilderness. Early Winters Creek […]
Colonial Creek Campground, North Cascades National Park
Camp along the shores of blue-green Diablo Lake under the looming, glaciated crags of nearby peaks. Several trails leave right from the campground, including a climb to the top of Thunder Knob, or a stroll along beautiful Thunder Creek. I can’t think of a better campground for families on a summer weekend; there’s an amphitheater […]
HIKE: Multnomah Falls – Wahkeena Falls Loop
The 620-foot Multnomah Falls is the highest of the 77 named waterfalls on the Oregon side of the Gorge. And here’s another fun fact about this geologic wonder–it’s the second highest continually-flowing waterfall in the country. The upper and lower falls that comprise Multnomah Falls are the first and most impressive cascades you will encounter […]
CAMP: Bullards Beach State Park
Bring the whole family to Bullards Beach State Park! The three campground loops are set among shore pine, protecting the campsites from strong ocean winds. Rent one of the park’s 13 yurts year-round for one of the cheapest sleeps on the Oregon Coast. Bullards Beach is horse-friendly and quite popular with equestrian campers; the horse […]
GO: Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park
A detour for a short hike at Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park is a must regardless if you plan to camp here or not. The upper and lower falls are reached via short hikes on well-maintained trails through old-growth Douglas fir and stunning arbutus trees. The falls cascade through a narrow gorge and are absolutely breathtaking. […]
CAMP: Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
There’s definitely something special about Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, but be warned– it’s special to a whole lot of people, so don’t expect solitude in the summer months! Come winter, though, you may have the place to yourselves, save for some hardy campers, dog walkers and a plethora of shorebirds. The park is just off […]
HIKE: Sunshine Coast Trail
When I was told about British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast Trail, I was stunned. I work for a hiking organization in Washington state — how had I never heard of this incredible trek before, just a few hours to the north of the U.S. border? And so of course, I want to make sure you know all […]
Corn Mazes, Pumpkins and Hot Cider
Psst…. get our premier guide to fall travel – Autumn Escapes in the Pacific Northwest. Get inspired to spend your fall weekends combing rocky beaches, savoring the harvest, and hiking scenic mountain trails of Washington and Oregon. Get it here. Updated Fall 2014 It is officially my favorite month, in the kitchen and in the outdoors. Let’s […]
