Olympics Cheap Eat: Burger Time at the Blackberry Cafe

In the blink and you’ll miss it town of Joyce, Washington, there’s a little diner worth your attention. Next time you find yourself on the North Olympic Peninsula, whether its for a camping trip to Salt Creek Recreation Area or a stay at the Lake Crescent Lodge, make a stop at the Blackberry Cafe.  You’ll […]

A Scenic Drive Through the North Cascades

There’s something magnetic about the varied scenery here that draws us out onto the open road. If you’ve got a cooler packed with snacks, a road map and a tank full of gas, you’re ready to take a drive. And a great road to do just that is the North Cascades Scenic Highway (State Route […]

GO: Iceberg Point on Lopez Island

Location: Very southern tip of Lopez Island on the southwest side. Access is via nearby Agate Beach County Park, which has parking available. The solitude you’re likely to find on Iceberg Point says nothing about the beauty of the place, because if that were well known this gem would be crawling with people. As it is, Iceberg Point […]

HIKE & CAMP: Obstruction Pass State Park on Orcas Island

Location: Southeast corner of Orcas Island, Washington. If ever there was a downside to beautiful Orcas Island, it is the dearth of public saltwater beaches. For this reason alone, we generally prefer San Juan and Lopez over Orcas when we want quality beach time. But now, we know about Obstruction Pass State Park! This 80-acre waterfront parcel just past […]

Q: Where to Go Whale Watching in Washington?

Dear TripFinder, We’ve lived in Seattle for two years now and have yet to see an orca whale. How can we see one? Thanks! -Selma in Seattle Dear Selma, My first glimpse of an orca in Puget Sound was a chance sighting from a ferryboat crossing from Mukilteo to Whidbey Island. Note the word chance. […]

Q: Can We Rent Canoes on Diablo Lake at Colonial Creek Campground?

Dear TripFinder, Hi there. I was wondering if you could give me some information regarding canoe rentals in North Cascades National Park. Do you know if they have canoe rentals available at Colonial Creek Campground? Thanks! -Vicky Dear Vicky, The waters of Diablo Lake are a brilliant jade green color, created by cold glacial runoff […]

Trip Guide: The North Beach of the Washington Coast

Pack up the beach chairs and clam bucket, but leave that to-do list at home. Head to the hidden stretch of Washington’s coast known as the “North Beach” for sandcastles, stormwatching and solitude. The sand stretches for miles in this less-visited coastal treasure. Like Ocean Shores, cars are permitted to drive right on the beach in some […]

Trip Guide: Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula

It’s not all go-carts and saltwater taffy in this quintessential beach town, though there’s plenty of that to keep beach lovers happy. From cranberries to Lewis and Clark, the region’s cultural heritage is everywhere. And with miles of trails and wild beaches to explore, opportunities to immerse yourself in nature are abundant as well. The […]

Q: Family Resorts in Washington?

Dear TripFinder, My family used to visit Sunriver Resort near Bend, Oregon almost every summer, but now that we live in Seattle and not Portland the trip has gotten too long for a 3-day weekend. Are there any similar resorts in Washington state? Thank you, Jen Dear Jen, My family just dropped in on Sunriver […]

Cascade Loop North Heritage Audio Tour

Deepen your experiences traveling in the Pacific Northwest though Heritage Audio Tours, created by the non-profit Northwest Heritage Resources. In these dynamic audio guides, you’ll hear directly from local residents–artisans, tradition-bearers, musicians and more–in their own words and music. The rich cultural heritage of towns and regions across the Pacific Northwest come to life for […]