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Washington State

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.

Washington Travel Grid

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!

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Taylor Family hiking to Murhut Falls Olympic National Forest 3
Posted inNational Parks Pacific Northwest Washington State

Complete Olympic National Park Guide – Best Hiking, Beaches and Where to Stay

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.
Kayaking in Bellingham Bay Whatcom County Washington
Posted inPacific Northwest Paddling: Kayaking, SUP, Canoe & Rafting Travel Washington State

Best Kayaking Spots in Bellingham and Whatcom County

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 with North American Pelicans on Yakima River Pasco Tri Cities Washington 1
Posted inPacific Northwest Paddling: Kayaking, SUP, Canoe & Rafting Travel Washington State

Kayaking in the Tri Cities Area of Washington Wine Country

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.
Mountain Goats Grazing at Frozen Lake Sunrise Mount Rainier National Park Washington 3
Posted inNational Parks Pacific Northwest Washington State

Best Hiking at Mount Rainier National Park: Beautiful, Kid Friendly hikes

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.
Mount Rainier from Stevens Canyon
Posted inPacific Northwest Washington State

Best Scenic Drives in Washington State: 10 Mini Road Trips You’ll Never Forget

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.
Taylor Family at North Head lighthouse trail Cape Disappointment State Park Ilwaco Washington 3
Posted inPacific Northwest Washington State

Cape Disappointment State Park and Ilwaco, a Beautiful SW Washington Escape

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!
Taylor Family Hiking at Hurricane Ridge Olympic National Park Washington 2
Posted inNational Parks Pacific Northwest Washington State

Hiking Hurricane Ridge in Beautiful Olympic National Park

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.
Taylor Family with Bavarian Buildings in Leavenworth Washington 2
Posted inPacific Northwest Washington State

Best Things To do in Leavenworth: Washington’s Year-round Playground

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.
Chris Taylor Cross Country skiing over Wenatchee River Downtown Leavenworth Washington 1
Posted inPacific Northwest Washington State

Cross Country Skiing in Leavenworth: Exploring the Backcountry

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.
Post Hotel and Spa Leavenworth Washington 2
Posted inPacific Northwest Washington State

15 Fun Bavarian Activities to Love in Leavenworth, WA

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.
Exterior of EVEN Hotels South Lake Union Seattle 2b
Posted inPacific Northwest Washington State

Best hotel for fitness: IHG’s EVEN Hotels for frequent travelers

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…
Lands End Cape Flattery Olympic Peninsula 3b
Posted inPacific Northwest Washington State

Hiking Cape Flattery:  Land’s End on the Olympic Peninsula

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.
Taylor Family at Reconstructed Fort Clatsop at Lewis and Clark National Park Astoria Oregon 7
Posted inNational Parks Oregon Pacific Northwest

Lewis and Clark National Park: off the beaten path Pacific Northwest

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…
Rob Taylor on Jet Boat on Snake River in Hells Canyon Lewiston Clarkston Idaho Washington 7
Posted inOregon Pacific Northwest Washington State

Hells Canyon National Recreation Area – Awesome Things to Do Year Round

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 Marina Sunset
Posted inPacific Northwest Washington State

Port Ludlow, Olympic Peninsula: Beautiful Sunsets and Foodie Paradise

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.
BNSF Train along Highway 14 Columbia River Gorge 1
Posted inOregon Pacific Northwest Washington State

Washington / Oregon Road Trip: West Coast Itinerary from Seattle Southward

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.
Rob Taylor hiking Hurricane Hill Trail Hurricane Ridge Olympic National Park Washington 7
Posted inNational Parks Pacific Northwest Washington State

Best Year-round Hiking in Olympic National Park you CAN’T MISS

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.
Sleeping Lady Resort Leavenworth WA in the Snow 4b
Posted inPacific Northwest Washington State

Sleeping Lady Resort: the Perfect Beautiful Leavenworth Mountain Getaway

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.
Rob Taylor and Family Doing Reindeer Selfie at Reindeer Farm Leavenworth Washington 2
Posted inPacific Northwest Washington State

Leavenworth Reindeer Farm: Everything You Need To Know For An Unforgettable Visit

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.
Red Wine Tasting in Vineyard at Nefarious Cellars Lake Chelan Washington 1
Posted inPacific Northwest Washington State

Lake Chelan: Best Things To Do and Beautiful Views

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.
Sleigh Ride in Snow in Leavenworth WA 6
Posted inPacific Northwest Washington State

Leavenworth Sleigh Rides: the Ideal Winter Family Activity

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.
Beer Menu Boards at Icicle Brewing Company in Leavenworth WA 1
Posted inPacific Northwest Washington State

Icicle Brewing Co in Leavenworth: PNW Microbrew Heaven

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
Parliament and Inner Harbour at Sunset from Black Ball Ferry Victoria BC 2
Posted inBritish Columbia Canada Travel Pacific Northwest

Taking the Victoria Clipper from Seattle: everything you need to know (and a Victoria itinerary)

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,…
Taylor Family and Fall colors on Bear Creek Flathead National Forest Montana 1
Posted inCalifornia Colorado Montana

Best Fall Colors in National Parks: 10 Beautiful Autumn Trips to Love

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.
Kayaking on West Sound Orcas Island San Juan Islands Washington 2
Posted inPacific Northwest Paddling: Kayaking, SUP, Canoe & Rafting Travel Washington State

Kayaking San Juan Islands: Best Launches, Thrilling Beautiful Kayak Tours

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.
Taylor Family hiking at Panther Creek Falls Columbia Gorge 2
Posted inPacific Northwest Washington State

Year Round kid friendly hikes in Washington State: perfect PNW outdoors

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…
Reflections while Kayaking on Quilute River La Push Olympic Peninsula 2
Posted inPacific Northwest Paddling: Kayaking, SUP, Canoe & Rafting Travel Washington State

Pacific Northwest Kayaking: Most Beautiful Places to Kayak in Washington

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…
Crater Lake National Park FitTwoTravel 4
Posted inCalifornia National Parks NorCal

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
Posted inPacific 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
Posted inPacific 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.

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