Looking for a kid-friendly hike with vast views and unique landscape in the Grand Coulee area? Steamboat Rock, topping out at six miles round-trip, may be just the hike you’ve been searching for. Built by Floods Approximately 10,000 – 15,000 years ago, 40 – 60 separate flood events tore through parts of the Northwest. Each torrent brought with it earth, massive boulders and entire mountainsides, all while carving the rippling landscape of what is now known as the Coulee Corridor of central Washington. The “corridor” is referring to the dry canyons that wrap through so much of this portion of t ..read more

Looking for a destination that has it all? Look no further than Lake Chelan. From recreation adventures (both in the mountains and on the water) to wineries, breweries, nearby U-Pick farms, shopping and everything in between — Lake Chelan has it all. Lake Chelan Lake Chelan is a 50.5-mile long lake that is as blue and pristine as you can imagine. Whether you love to boat, fish, swim, kayak, paddleboard or even scuba, Lake Chelan can accommodate your recreational needs. There are many public access points to the lake, one of them being Lake Chelan State Park. Note that a Discover Pass is requir ..read more

Planning a trip to America’s national parks usually involves camping or staying in a historic lodge. Olympic National Park is no exception, with countless campgrounds, lodges and resorts to choose from. To narrow down the options, we’ve rounded up five of the most notable properties in the Olympics. Most of these historic properties date back to the early 1900s. Some were burnt down and rebuilt over the years; others have stood the test of time. All of them are worth seeking out for an unforgettable trip to the Olympic Peninsula.  Whether you’re seeking lakeside lodging, an ocean beach ca ..read more

A strategic point of view, the high bluffs just north of Port Townsend, WA, are occupied by Fort Worden State Park and Point Wilson Lighthouse and have served as both lookout and safe harbor for indigenous cultures and wartime sailors over the millennia. Now serving the people as one of the best Washington state parks and campgrounds, this gateway to the Puget Sound was home to the Salish-speaking S’Klallam people for countless centuries before Spanish and British explorers began arriving in the late 18th century. By the mid-19th century, the area was under U.S. control and functioning as a mi ..read more

A 103-year-old bridge? 250ft tall? On the way to Mount Rainier National Park? Sounded like something we should check out. 4K Drone Video of the Fairfax Bridge – February 2018 Video overview of Fairfax Bridge near Mount Rainier National ParkWhere is the Fairfax Bridge? The Fairfax Bridge sits just south of Carbonado, WA (about 50 miles south of Seattle) in Pierce County. It’s on Highway 165 as you follow the Carbon river heading towards the Carbon River Ranger Station or Mowich Lake. Its 494ft length spans a steep, densely-wooded canyon and cars have to take turns going either direction due t ..read more

By Nancy Croisier The first time my husband and I ventured to Red Mountain many years ago, we found ourselves pulling up to a house. Signs guided us through a sliding door and we ended up wine tasting in the basement of someone’s home. Things sure have changed since then. In 2001, the region became a designated American Viticultural Area (AVA). What was formerly barren land is now the site of some of the state’s most prestigious vineyards growing grapes that result in extremely sought after wines. Though the region has become highly renowned, it’s not unusual to encounter winemakers and meet ..read more

Cle Elum is not only a destination for those who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, it’s a fun spot for wine and food lovers. Especially now that Seth and Audrey Kitzke have opened the inviting Upsidedown Wine tasting room in the city’s charming downtown. Here’s a run-down on Cle Elum, an introduction to Seth and Audrey Kitzke of Upsidedown Wine, and some insider recommendations from the couple on what to see during a visit to the town.     Cle Elum is about thirty miles east of Snoqualmie Pass with a drive time of approximately an hour and a half from Seattle via I-90. It ..read more

I love Olympia the way we love a quirky aunt or an old t-shirt that’s well-loved but still the reigning favorite. Olympia is a little surprising and a lot weird. It’s the sort of community where it’s not out of place to find a 3-piece band wearing woodland creature masks (no really, that happened). The friendly people who call Olympia home are inviting, entrepreneurial, and interesting. It’s the folksy vibes that keep my family coming back for more. As far as Washington goes, Olympia is about as family-friendly as it gets. From splash parks to vibrant downtown murals, this bite-sized city is a ..read more

The Seattle Scottish Highland Games Association was formed back in 1947. A local group of Scots wanted to create a group whose mission included “keeping their ethnic origin alive as well as stimulating an interest in Scottish Highland Games through Scottish dancing, piping, drumming and athletic competition.” What Are The Scottish Highland Games? Traditionally in Scotland, the Highland Games are a mixture of sports such as dance, tug-o-war, caber toss and track & field. Also included were cultural favorites like the bagpipe music, parades and food. And you can’t forget about the kilts… The ..read more

Tucked away on the north end of Bainbridge Island, a pristine estate sits atop the high banks looking north over Puget Sound. A fairytale setting come to life, the enchanted woods, sweeping meadows and romantic 18th century French-inspired villa that make up The Bloedel Reserve gives visitors a personal glimpse into one of Washington’s more prosperous families and the land that they fought so hard to preserve. Walking over the 150 acres of protected habitat (plan on two hours to really experience the reserve) leads visitors through unique and native landscapes carefully maintained by dedicate ..read more