Quick Escape: Cross-Country Skiing in the Methow Valley
When you long to escape the mist and the moss of the west side for a real winter wonderland, go east. The Methow Valley stretches like a slender finger into the heart of the North Cascades. Snow-capped peaks surround the valley, making for a postcard-perfect backdrop. Rolling hills and quiet pastures flank the winding Methow […]
What to Wear on a Snowshoe Hike
Ready to hit the trails this winter? Having the right clothing on in the snowy backcountry can make all the difference between a miserable, cold day or a warm, comfortable day. This is true everywhere, but it’s especially important in the Pacific Northwest where our snow tends to be heavy and wet, as opposed to […]
CAMP & HIKE: Silver Falls State Park
At Silver Falls State Park, you’re in the best of both worlds–a stone’s throw from Willamette Valley wine country, and inching up the west slope of the Oregon Cascades. And by “cascades” we mean mountains… and waterfalls. Lots of waterfalls. We are spoiled rotten. In the Pacific Northwest where huge swaths of land are protected […]
Q: How to Visit the Rain Forest from Seattle?
Dear TripFinder, I’ve got friends coming in from Belgium in 2 weeks. They wanted to tour the Olympic Rain Forest. What can I tell them they can do when they arrive in Seattle (headed ultimately for Yakima)? -Karen in Yakima Dear Karen, My answer depends how long your friends have to sneak in a […]
CAMP & RIDE: Champoeg State Heritage Area
Set on the south bank of the Willamette River just southeast of Newberg is one of Oregon’s best kept secrets. When we stumbled upon Champoeg State Heritage Area during a day of Yamhill Valley wine tasting, I instantly wanted to curl up in one of their adorable yurts and listen to the bluebirds sing outside my window. […]
National Parks, Forests Close in U.S. Government Shutdown
Posted: October 1, 2013 9am PST Got camping permits to backpack into Yellowstone National Park this week? You might want to make other plans. Planning to go see vibrant fall color at Mount Rainier? Sorry. Spending some crisp October nights at the historic Crater Lake National Park Lodge? Good luck. The United States Government has […]
Q: Vacation Rental Cabins near Mt. Hood?
Dear TripFinder, Q: Any suggestions for vacation rental sites for large cabins around Mt. Hood? – Adina from Seattle Dear Adina, Many of our Northwest mountain communities have cabins that are second homes, and owners often rent these out as vacation rentals when they aren’t using them. Around ski areas, it’s not uncommon to find […]
My Book: Autumn Escapes in the Pacific Northwest
Welcome to fall! Autumn offers unique, colorful and delicious opportunities to explore the Pacific Northwest. Get inspired to spend your fall weekends combing rocky beaches, savoring the harvest, and hiking scenic mountain trails of Washington and Oregon with my new book: Autumn Escapes in the Pacific Northwest. This inspiring guide includes 13 trips: harvest vacations, seaside […]
A Spa in the Woods: Dip into Northwest Hot Springs
It’s the quiet season at Northwest hot springs. Even with a chill in the air these natural pools stay nice and hot.
Northwest Wildfires Rage, Campfires Banned in Washington State Parks
Posted: July 31, 2013 As anyone with a Northwest veggie garden knows, this summer has been extremely dry. Our forests and grasslands know it, too; wildfires are burning from Wenatchee to the Umpqua. What does this mean for you? If you live in an area experiencing a wildfire, you are probably evacuating your home or […]
