Last Updated: February 2026 | Reading Time: 18 minutes Washington in winter isn’t always snowy. Most of the time, it’s gray. Misty. Moody. And honestly? That’s the magic of it. It’s stormy beach walks on the coast. Ferry rides. Waterfalls at their loudest. Fog drifting through Deception Pass, the evergreens…
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Common Beginner Backpacking Mistakes
Last Updated: August 2025 | Reading Time: 11 minutes Backpacking can be an incredible adventure, but it can also turn into a nightmare if you’re not properly prepared. Over the many trips I’ve taken, I’ve learned a lot, and with some simple do’s and don’ts, you can really set yourself…
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Mount Rainier Hikes I’d Recommend to a Friend
Last Updated: August 2025 | Reading Time: 21 minutes Mount Rainier isn’t a place you casually squeeze into a day — it’s big, varied, and can feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. I’ve lived in Washington for over 20 years, and this mountain has always been part…
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Best Golden Larch Hikes in Washington: When & Where to See Fall Colors (2026)
I’ll never forget my first peak larch season. It was just after sunrise at the far end of Colchuck Lake. I’d seen fall color before. But nothing quite like this. That was six years ago. Since then, I’ve planned most of my October weekends around larches. October in the alpine…
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Start Snowshoeing in Washington State
Last Updated: August 2025 | Reading Time: 16 minutes All you need to know to get started. If you’re searching for a winter adventure that combines dreamy winter landscapes with exercise, look no further and start snowshoeing in Washington State. But what do you need to get started? To ensure…
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Paddle Camping in Washington with Kids
Last Updated: August 2025 | Reading Time: 7 minutes The Baker Lake Trail outside the North Cascades is the best place to start if you are new to Paddle Camping! Looking for an adventure that gets you out on the water and sleeping underneath the stars? Then paddle camping in…
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Solo Backpacking for Women: The Complete Guide to Wilderness Independence
Picture this: you’re cozied up in your sleeping bag with a steaming cup of coffee, morning light spilling over the ridgeline. No rushing to match someone else’s pace, no compromise about when to stop for photos or how far to push. Just you, your pack, and the freedom to decide…
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Why You Should Stop At Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge
Last Updated: August 2025 | Reading Time: 4 minutes If you’re traveling along Highway 2 in Montana, especially from the west toward Glacier National Park, Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge is a stop you won’t want to miss. It’s a hidden gem where you can stretch your legs, enjoy stunning views,…
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The Ultimate Family Adventure Guide to Glacier National Park
Last Updated: August 2025 | Reading Time: 16 minutes Glacier National Park is the ultimate playground for adventurous families. With breathtaking hikes, crystal-clear lakes, and endless opportunities to explore, this trip will be one your family never forgets. Whether you’re hiking to stunning overlooks, paddling through turquoise waters, or spotting…
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Chain Lakes Loop Backpacking Guide: Best Family Overnight Near Mount Baker
Chain Lakes Loop was one of our early family backpacking trips—and it remains one of the best introductions to alpine backpacking with kids. In one 6.5-mile loop, you get alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, stunning Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan views, and designated campsites that make planning straightforward. We did this…
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Summit Lake – A perfect Washington backcountry Campsite
Last Updated: August 2025 | Reading Time: 13 minutes ⚠️ IMPORTANT UPDATE: The bridge on Summit Lake Trail has been closed due to structural issues. Please check current trail conditions with the Forest Service before planning your trip. Alternative access may be available but will add significant distance to the…
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22 BEST EASY DAY HIKES IN WASHINGTON (That Are Actually Worth It)
This is the list I wish I’d had when I started hiking. Not the gravel paths around lakes. Not the “scenic viewpoints” you could drive to. The hikes that actually made me fall in love with it — waterfalls that roar, alpine lakes that don’t look real, fire lookouts, views…
