We grew up in Washington State and both of our kids were born there, so we know a ton about this amazing place and we visit often. Having lived, hiked, kayaked and camped all around Washington, we love sharing our travel stories and tips to help others plan their visits.
There are lots of different road trips you can do in Washington State. If you want to visit the National Parks (Washington has 3 National Parks!) or want to take a drive through wine country, we have travel plans and ideas for making the most of your time in the Pacific Northwest.
One of our favorite regions of Washington is the Olympic Peninsula, as that’s where we both grew up. From Olympic National Park to the Victorian seaport of Port Townsend, Lake Cushman to the Long Beach Peninsula, there’s a ton to explore and experience in the westernmost part of Washington.
Stay tuned for more and more, as we continue to go back to visit family and have vacations to our old home!
Olympic National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Washington State and a little tricky to visit. Our guide to hiking, beaches and where to stay at Olympic NP will help you plan a unique, memorable visit to this gem of a place.
Bellingham and Whatcom County have tons of great places to kayak. From Lake Whatcom to Birch Bay, the Northern Puget Sound is a beautiful summer kayaking destination.
Kayaking in the Tri Cities of Washington’s wine country is a mix of epic cliffs and rolling farm country. Top spots to kayak on the Columbia and Snake Rivers in Kennewick, Pasco and Richland, Washington.
Hiking at Mount Rainier National Park is a great summer activity. These are the best hikes with kids or for a reasonable challenge. From Paradise to Sunrise, Ohanapecosh to Lake Mowich, great hiking trails for any skill level.
With such a diverse landscape, there are so many mini-road trips you can do around Washington State. We’ve picked our favorite scenic drives that can be done in a day to see some of the best sights in Washington.
Cape Disappointment State Park in Ilwaco is NOT a disappointment at all! An awesome destination for hiking, biking and lighthouses, Cape Disappointment is great to visit in summer or storm season. Check out things to do and where to stay here!
Hiking at Hurricane Ridge is one of the best day trips to the Olympic Peninsula. We’ve rated the trails rated from easiest to most difficult and included tips for visiting Hurricane Ridge any time of year.
The best things to do in Leavenworth, Washington are Bavarian, outdoorsy and uniquely Pacific Northwest. Find out more about the fun lodges and camping options, unique tourist activities, and great food that make it a year round vacation destination.
Cross country skiing in Leavenworth is a great way to explore the snowy backcountry in winter. Find out where to ski, where to rent skiing gear and what to expect on the ski trails of Leavenworth, Washington.
Bavarian Leavenworth is a great Pacific Northwest getaway. Here are 15 fun Bavarian things to do in Leavenworth that will take you back to alpine Europe without ever leaving Washington State.
Staying fit while traveling has always been important to us. We make sure that wherever we go we stay active and when available, we take advantage of hotel fitness centers …
Cape Flattery on the Olympic Peninsula is a bucket list place to visit in Washington State. Hiking, wildlife, epic views and even a lighthouse make this a great weekend trip from Seattle.
Having grown up in the Pacific Northwest, I’ve always been familiar with the history of the area and some key figures in its settlement, including Lewis and Clark, the famous …
Visiting Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in the United States is an adventure. From jet boats to hiking, camping to staying in wine country, complete guide to exploring Hells Canyon ID / WA / OR.
Port Ludlow on the Olympic Peninsula is a gorgeous weekend getaway from Seattle. An easy stop on a road trip around the Olympic Peninsula, amazing food and outdoor activities wait in Port Ludlow.
A Washington / Oregon road trip is the dream of travelers around the world. From mountains to beaches, cities to small towns, this itinerary down the coast is easy and features National Parks, wine country, waterfalls and the best cheese.
Olympic National Park is a year-round hiking destination. Top hiking trail picks from the beaches to the rainforest, and even what to do in winter at Olympic National Park.
Leavenworth’s Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort is the perfect getaway from Seattle. Review and details for staying at the Sleeping Lady, including things to do and best nearby sights.
The Leavenworth Reindeer Farm is one of the best things to do when visiting Washington’s Bavarian village. See what to expect and things to do and then plan a visit to this unique Pacific Northwest farm.
With so many things to do at Lake Chelan, it’s no wonder this part of Washington Wine Country is so popular with locals. Wine tasting, hiking, boating and more, plan a fun vacation to Washington’s year-round playground.
A Leavenworth sleigh ride is the perfect addition to a trip to Leavenworth, Washington. See what to expect and how to plan for getting out on the snow with kids during the Pacific Northwest winter.
Icicle Brewing in Leavenworth is one of the best breweries to visit in the Pacific Northwest. With interesting and consistently good beers, it’s a must visit when you’re in Leavenworth, Washington
Having visited Vancouver Island and more specifically Victoria many times we definitely have some good advice for planning a trip to Victoria BC. With four different options for getting there, …
National Parks are a great place to enjoy fall colors. From the mountains of Glacier National Park to the hills of the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Parkway, these are the best National Parks to find autumn leaves and fall fun.
Best kayaking in the San Juan Islands of Washington. Kayak tours and best places to launch in the San Juans, including kayaking with orcas and bioluminescence near Seattle.
As the snow stops falling up in the mountains we start to get excited about hiking. There are so many easy, kid friendly hikes in Washington, so actually picking where …
Kayaking in the Pacific Northwest, and more specifically Washington State, is a fun and sustainable summer activity. Yeah, you could plan paddling in the Puget Sound area in the fall …
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.
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.
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.