Getaway Guide to Astoria, Oregon

It rains a lot in Astoria, Oregon, as anyone familiar with the winter of 1805 according to Lewis and Clark well knows. The rich shades of grey found in Astoria’s sky probably provide inspiration for Benjamin Moore. But when the sun comes out (and it does, eventually) this small maritime city is spectacular. And very well-caffeinated. […]

Best of the Northwest: December

Happy Holidays! Whether you prefer sipping eggnog by the fire or bundling up on the ice rink, we’ve got you covered for finding winter cheer. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Sip some […]

Quick Escape: Sequim on the Olympic Peninsula

Most people think the Olympic Peninsula town of Sequim (pronounced Skwim) is a retirees’ enclave with year-round sunshine, a rural landscape dotted with fragrant fields of purple lavender. And indeed, it is. (the Sequim Lavender Festival is July 15-17, 2016) But Sequim is slowly changing, and offers more to its visitors than sunshine and lavender (not […]

Quick Escape: Cross-Country Skiing in the Methow Valley

When you long to escape the mist and the moss of the west side for a real winter wonderland, go east. The Methow Valley stretches like a slender finger into the heart of the North Cascades. Snow-capped peaks surround the valley, making for a postcard-perfect backdrop. Rolling hills and quiet pastures flank the winding Methow […]

Q: How to Visit the Rain Forest from Seattle?

Dear TripFinder, I’ve got friends coming in from Belgium in 2 weeks. They wanted to tour the Olympic Rain Forest. What can I tell them they can do when they arrive in Seattle (headed ultimately for Yakima)? -Karen in Yakima   Dear Karen, My answer depends how long your friends have to sneak in a […]

Q: Vacation Rental Cabins near Mt. Hood?

Dear TripFinder, Q: Any suggestions for vacation rental sites for large cabins around Mt. Hood?  – Adina from Seattle    Dear Adina, Many of our Northwest mountain communities have cabins that are second homes, and owners often rent these out as vacation rentals when they aren’t using them. Around ski areas, it’s not uncommon to find […]

My Book: Autumn Escapes in the Pacific Northwest

Welcome to fall! Autumn offers unique, colorful and delicious opportunities to explore 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 with my new book:  Autumn Escapes in the Pacific Northwest.  This inspiring guide includes 13 trips: harvest vacations, seaside […]

Destination: Bremerton

Bremerton is a small city surrounded on three sides by the waters of Puget Sound. Depending on who you ask, Bremerton is either charming and livable, or run-down and a bit boring. We think of it as the former, especially for its slowly-but-surely revitalizing downtown, good places to eat and panoramic views of the Cascades […]