Outside
Chatting with a PCT ‘Trail Angel’
These volunteers are heaven-sent
Andrea and Jerry Dinsmore planned to run a tiny truck stop when they retired from their jobs as a truck driver and mechanic, respectively. Instead, they became volunteers, running a “human stop” as trail angels—people who help thru-hikers (those who hike long-distance trails from end to end) with small acts of kindness—welcoming more than 500…
6 Top Biking Trails in the PNW
These trails pave the way for cycling amongst walkers and runners—but not cars
With Haley Durslag, Cassie Gruber and Jake Laycock 1. The Sammamish River TrailThis is the country cousin of Seattle’s Burke-Gilman Trail. It starts in Bothell where the Burke-Gilman ends and continues for 11 miles to Redmond’s Marymoor Park. It is dead flat for almost its entire length. And while it’s almost as popular as the…
The 14 Best Places to Hike in the PNW
The days are long, the sun is shining— it’s time to get outside
With Haley Durslag, Cassie Gruber and Jake Laycock The days are long, the sun is shining—it’s time to get outside. Our guide to 14 of the region’s best hikes and six bike rides that will help you celebrate the season by enjoying iconic trails and urban adventures. Half-Day HikesYou can take these hikes in the…
8 Perfect Small Town Getaways
As Seattle continues its boom, the relaxed charm of small towns seems all the more attractive
As Seattle continues its boom, the relaxed charm of small towns seems all the more attractive. These Northwest hamlets, brimming with character, friendly locals, fantastic food and scenic views, are some of our favorite places to get away from it all. 1. Dayton, WashingtonA sleepy wine country town with a wide thoroughfare—and an annual event…
Blast From the Past: Old-School Activities in Seattle
Turn back time by taking advantage of Seattle's old-school pastimes
It seems that in terms of technology hubs, Seattle has got it all: Microsoft (of course), Amazon’s expansive urban campus, and now, the shiny sheen of a new Facebook office. The high-tech gizmos of Back to the Future-fame have all but become our reality. And while the city seems to be approaching a Jetsons-esque landscape at…
Road Trip: To Bend, Oregon, and Back
Welcoming summer with a weekend of food, brews and exploring the outdoors
This past Memorial Day weekend, my partner and I packed our bags for a getaway. We opted to hop the state line and head to Bend, Oregon, since it’s a short drive from Seattle and on that particular weekend, was forecasted to be rain free. While there, we indulged, imbibed and made our way to…
Getaway Idea: Escape to Hot Spring Heaven
Relax at some of the Northwest's prime soaking destinations
Warm soaking pools, better known as hot springs, have become highly sought-after travel destinations. These natural thermal features are produced by the emergence of geothermally heated groundwater, and larger springs are the result of cracks in sedimentary rock. Water in the pools surpasses outside temperatures, which makes them a unique natural element. While travelers seek…
San Juan Lavender Festival: A Summer Island Adventure
Summer festival showcases the delectable tastes, sites and smells of lavender
WHERE: San Juan Island, Washington’s bucolic getaway, a few hours’ drive and a ferry ride from downtown Seattle. WHY: 15th annual San Juan Island Lavender Festival & Summer Arts Fair at Pelindaba Lavender Farm in Friday Harbor (7/16–7/17; pelindabalavender.com). Hear about how lavender is farmed by going on a tour, or grab some lavender ice…
Create Your Perfect Travel Itinerary with New Seattle-based Site
A new Seattle-based website helps you create an unforgettable trip
Seeing iconic landmarks and historical sites is part of the allure of travel, but often it’s the little things—the hidden gems that don’t appear in guidebooks or brochures—that make a trip unforgettable. Sharing those lucky finds and personal experiences is the inspiration behind Jrrny (jrrny.com), a website launched in February by local entrepreneur (and former…
Seattle-based Luxury Jets Take Travel to new Heights
Get ready for takeoff with these private plane experiences for any budget
» Up…Now celebrating its 70th anniversary, Kenmore Air (kenmoreair.com), based at the north end of Lake Washington, has long been the area’s go-to for seaplane transport and tours around the Pacific Northwest. The services have expanded over the years to include group whale-watching and adventure-sport day trips as well as private floatplane picnics, but Kenmore’s…
What Seattle’s Density Problem is Doing to Your Summer Plans
Our state’s population is growing, but not the number of our state campsites
On a sunny summer weekend last year, I loaded my car with a tent, camping stove and border collie and hit the road, in hopes of finding a spot in a state campground near Deception Pass. As I drove, I was reminded of the trips with my family in our VW camper van in the…
Camano Island: Your Next Cozy Beach Getaway
An artsy enclave northwest of Seattle offers stellar views and cultural activities
WHERE: Camano Island, a cozy enclave that’s a little less than 90 minutes northwest of Seattle via State Route 532. WHY: Beachy charm with a distinct art scene. Matzke Fine Art and Design (matzkefineart.com) features an array of works by up-and-coming, midcareer and established Northwest artists, and includes a unique walk-through sculpture park. Seagrass Gallery…
Inside Look: a Deep-Dive at Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa
You know you’re curious--just how Disney is that that Disney resort in Hawaii?
It’s about this time of year when even the most moisture-tolerant of Pacific Northwesterners start to fray around the edges with the gray and rain. This year’s been especially rough: We did, after all, break the record for our wettest winter on record since records have been kept (1894). Sure, we get our teases of…
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