Category: Pacific Northwest

Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska are each beautiful states, and they also are wildly different. From the Arctic Circle to the dry fossil beds of the Oregon plateau, the Pacific Northwest is a wonderful adventure to explore.

The Pacific Northwest of the USA is an incredible place to explore, whether it be for hiking, a luxurious resort or great beer. Between the National Parks and the beaches, the rain forest and the Columbia Gorge, what’s not to love? The PNW as we call it, includes Washington, Oregon, Idaho and (I think) British Columbia.

If you’re looking for information to plan a trip to Olympic National Park or if you think a brisk beach trip is a great idea, we’ve got you covered. Looking for mountain goats on Mount Rainier? We can help with that too!

And don’t forget Oregon and the Columbia River Gorge. Endless waterfalls, wine country and even more National Park sites make Oregon a treat to explore. Check out our road trip plans all around the Pacific Northwest for great travel ideas.

Fall Colors on Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia 1

East Coast, Midwest, Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountain Region, Southeastern US, Southwestern US

Awesome Places in the USA to Visit for Fall Colors

The best places for fall colors in the USA, from the Lakes Region of New Hampshire to Napa Valley. 15+ picks for easy weekend getaways for autumn foliage across the United States.

A getaway to Victoria BC is a great chance to relax and enjoy Canadian breweries, architecture, gardens and more. Plan for 3 day trip to Victoria from Seattle or Vancouver BC.

British Columbia, Canada Travel, Pacific Northwest

Planning a 3 Day Getaway to Victoria BC: breweries, gardens and more

We are fortunate to live in Seattle, Washington. It’s close to the ocean, mountains, countryside and several other metropolitan areas. One of our favorite cities to visit locally is Victoria BC. The city touts itself […]

British Columbia, Canada Travel, Pacific Northwest

Top Hotel Recommendations in Victoria BC (and some unique stays!)

There are tons of hotels in Victoria BC, but after 15 years of visiting we’ve picked out favorites, from family friendly hotels to luxury stays in Victoria.

Narrow Rock Road in Yosemit National Park California

California, National Parks, NorCal, Oregon, Pacific Northwest, Washington State

Road trip through West Coast National Parks: Exploring the Mountains

Perfect West Coast National Parks road trip plan, from Joshua Tree to Olympic National Park. Stops in the Sierras, Central Oregon, and the best of Washington State’s mountains.

Speedboat on Lake Cushman, Olympic Peninsula

Pacific Northwest, Washington State

Lake Cushman: Seattle’s Beautiful Mountain Escape on the Olympic Peninsula

Lake Cushman on the Olympic Peninsula is basically the Tahoe of the noth: warm water, beautiful setting, and so much family fun! Everything you need to know from best things to do at Lake Cushman to camping and vacation rentals near the lake.

Staircase Rapids Hiking Olympic National Park 2019 1

Pacific Northwest, Washington State

Olympic Peninsula Road Trip: Beautiful Towns and Best of Olympic NP

An Olympic Peninsula Road Trip is a great weekend getaway or local vacation near Seattle. See the best stops around Highway 101, waterfalls and hikes in Olympic National Park, beautiful small towns and the rugged Washington Coast. Perfect Pacific Northwest vacation itinerary.

Winding road at Cape Perpetua Florence Oregon Coast 1

Oregon, Pacific Northwest

Oregon Road Trip: Adventures in the Beautiful Cascades

We love our road trips, you know that, and living in the Pacific Northwest, we’re at the gateway to some of the best road trips in the United States. Oregon is our neighbor and […]

Winding Road on Tundering Waters Route Umpqua National Forest 1

Oregon, Pacific Northwest

Ultimate Oregon: Awesome 10 Day Road Trip Adventure

10 Road Trip plan for the best of Oregon, from the rugged Oregon Coast to the mountain waterfalls and the colorful high desert. Oregon’s best sights in 10 days of epic road trip.

Taylor Family with ranger in caves at Oregon Caves National Monument Oregon 1

National Parks, Oregon, Pacific Northwest

Oregon Caves National Monument: Amazing Adventure You’re Sure To Love

Everything you need to know to visit Oregon Caves National Monument, including cave tours, hiking trails and details of the Oregon Caves Chateau. Cave Junction, OR is worth the drive for this fascinating road trip stop!

Oregon, Pacific Northwest

Oregon Coast Road Trip: Most Beautiful Oregon Beaches and Lighthouses

There is nothing like an Oregon Coast road trip. With beautiful sights, unique things to do and epic views, the drive along the Oregon Coast highway from Portland to Brookings (nearly California) is an […]

We went all in and did the full Korean Spa experience. We talk about our favorite spa experiences we've had in our travels and what we expect... and then what the Korean Spa was really like. Hint: it was shocking and there were some amazing aspects.

Pacific Northwest, Podcasts, Washington State

The Truth About What To Expect At A Korean Spa

In this podcast episode we share our Korean spa experience, and apparently it was rather different for each of us. Have you ever been to a Korean spa or had an experience you didn’t […]

Taylor Family Hiking through Moss Covered Trees at Staircase Olympic National Park 2019 4

Pacific Northwest, Washington State

Washington’s Olympic Peninsula: Best Free, Beautiful Things To Do

The best things to do on the Olympic Peninsula, including Olympic National Park sites, beaches, lighthouse and more. When to visit the Olympic Peninsula, free activities, and epic views in Washington State.

Taylor Family and Sea Stacks at Ruby Beach Olympic National Park 3

National Parks, Pacific Northwest, Washington State

Ruby Beach, Olympic National Park: everything you need to know

Everything you need to know about Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park, from how to get there to wildlife to watch for. Best things to do at the Olympic National Park coast.

Painted Hills John Day Fossil Beds NM Oregon 1b

National Parks, Oregon, Pacific Northwest, Podcasts

Painted Hills Of Central Oregon: Remarkably Beautiful Hiking

A day trip from Bend or a weekend getaway, the Painted Hills are known for the views, the hiking and the geology. Colorful mounds and trails make a unique National Park site and easy trip for any traveler.

The best things to do on Washington's Long Beach Peninsula including beach fires, hiking, birdwatching, lighthouses and clam digging! Visiting cranberry farms and wildlife refuges year round for unique PNW experiences.

Pacific Northwest, Washington State

Best Things to Do on Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula, from Cranberries to Lighthouses

The Long Beach Peninsula is famous across the northwest as an incredible beach getaway during Washington summers, but did you know there are amazing things you must do on the Long Beach Peninsula during […]

Domaine Madeliene, a Port Angeles B&B, is a quiet Olympic Peninsula bed and breakfast. Large rooms, beautiful views and calm setting make a perfect getaway.

Pacific Northwest, Washington State

Domaine Madeliene review: our favorite Port Angeles Bed and Breakfast escape

We love sharing accommodation reviews and recommendations, and we have a place we must share: Domaine Madeleine on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington. It is the most awesome and perfect Port Angeles bed and […]

Horsetail Falls in Summer in the Columbia Gorge Oregon

Oregon, Pacific Northwest, Podcasts

Awesome Columbia Gorge Road Trip: Beautiful Oregon Waterfalls

Details of how to explore the Columbia Gorge Waterfall Area on a road trip from Portland. Visiting waterfalls, Hood River and more is an ideal weekend plan and one of the best things to do in Oregon.

Top of Latourell Falls Columbia Gorge Oregon

Oregon, Pacific Northwest

Columbia Gorge Waterfalls Road Trip: everything you need to know (and a plan)

Everything you need to know for exploring the Columbia Gorge Waterfall Route in Oregon. Pacific Northwest hiking and waterfalls on a lush green road trip itinerary. #hiking #waterfalls #oregon

Pacific Northwest, Washington State

Seattle with out of town guests: 14+ ways to explore the Emerald City

Having lived in Seattle for the majority of our lives we know the city like the back of our hands. It’s been fun to discover new things and see things from a different perspective […]

Taylor Family and Space Needle through living room windows at Hyatt House Seattle 1

Pacific Northwest, Washington State

Seattle Hyatt Hotels: our favorite Seattle getaways and recommendations

When we spend a weekend away in Seattle, we want it to be relaxing, fun, and convenient. We also love to do it on a budget because let’s be honest, stay-cations are better when […]

Copper Fermentation Tanks at Crux Brewing Bend Oregon 2

Oregon, Pacific Northwest

The best breweries in Bend Oregon: family friendly brewery tours and brew pubs

Bend, Oregon, brewery tour is not only family-friendly but filled with lots of local fairs and some really cool places to hang out. There may be non-family friendly breweries, but we didn’t find any. We’ve pared down the countless brewpubs and beer halls to our favorites.