Travel
Instagram Inspiration: Pacific Northwest Parks
Get outside and enjoy these Seattle parks despite the damp winter weather
In the cold, winter months it’s easy to wrap up in a blanket and spend the whole weekend hibernating on the couch with bottomless cups of coffee and no plans but to binge-watch shows on Netflix. Add some rain and the temptation to lie around in pajamas all day is seriously real. When we’re cozy…
Instagram Inspiration: A Drive Down Highway 101
Pack your bags, we're heading to the ocean (swimsuits optional)
Aviator Beryl Markham wrote in her brilliant 1942 memoir West with the Night, “To see ten thousand animals untamed and not branded with the symbols of human commerce is like scaling an unconquered mountain for the first time, or like finding a forest without roads or footpaths, or the blemish of an axe. You know…
Go See (and Hear!) Newport’s Sea Lions
Have a close encounter with the kings of the bayfront
Sponsored by Newport, Oregon I can barely hear Bob Ward and Stan Pickens, co-chairs of the Newport Sea Lion Docks Foundation, over the thunderous barking, howling and moaning. Are we in a haunted house? A dog kennel? No, it’s a warm, blue-sky fall morning in Newport, Ore., and we’re checking in with the rowdy sea…
A Taste of The Tropics at Hotel Albatross
Set sail with spirited tiki drinks and kicky street food at this Ballard hangout
Ever since Coleridge’s famed “Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” the albatross has been seen as an unwelcome weight. But Hotel Albatross, on the west end of Ballard’s Market Street (2319 NW Market St.; 206.566.6181; Facebook, “Hotel Albatross Ballard”), is so full of exuberant and spirituous fun, it quickly alleviates any burdens. But, first, know it’s…
Why You Should Try Fly Fishing in Montana Even if You’re an Indoorsy Person
Hunker down at one of Montana's many lakes and rivers then head to Billings for brews and fun
Sponsored by Visit Billings It’s summer so it’s high time to unwind and experience all the great outdoors has to offer. One of nature’s most relaxing activities is fly fishing. (Author Izaak Walton once referred to the sport as “the contemplative man’s recreation.”) One of the best states in which to cast a line is…
6 Things Washington State Parks are Good for Besides Hiking
Get outside and get creative with these six ideas that go beyond the usual suspects
Sponsored by Washington State Parks There are hundreds of Washington State Parks–in all sorts of sizes (e.g. Posey Island State Park in San Juan County is a mere one acre) and with all sorts of attractions (think flaming methane geysers or tours of limestone formations). And while camping and hiking are perhaps two of the…
Flying High: The Best Washington Zip Lines
The best zip line tours in Western Washington
Maybe it’s the promise of being airborne and getting a bird’s-eye view of forest canopies, park flora and fauna—or perhaps it’s a nod to our ever-shortening attention spans—but either way, zip lines are the thrill ride du jour, so get zooming. Tacoma Trips Zoom Deep Forest Ziplines, Point Defiance Park; pdza.org/zoomZip stats: Two sets of…
How to Experience Tofino on Vancouver Island, B.C., Like a Queen
Our digital editor's whirlwind expedition to one of Canada's most idyllic villages
“Have you traveled or been in contact with anyone who has visited Liberia, Sierra Leone or Guinea in the past 21 days?” The question startled me. I hadn’t been outside the U.S. since the Ebola crisis began so I hadn’t expected anything but routine inquiries: “Why are you visiting Canada?” “Do you have anything to…
The Best Places to Camp in the Northwest
From deluxe tents in a vineyard to charming cabins on a lake, we’ve got camping spots for everyone
It’s the perfect time to make camp. From tepees in a vineyard and charming cabins on a lake to pup tents in meadows under star-crammed skies, here you’ll find camping spots for all levels of motivation, experience and outdoor passion. Read on. Lake LifePlunge into the serene outdoors at Ross Lake in North Cascades National…
Kick Off Spring with These 4 Local Flower Fests
Flowers, flowers everywhere!
Spring is finally here and with the warm weather comes a burning desire to get outside. If you’ve been bottled up through the long winter months, you’re likely looking for any excuse to spend your days off exploring Seattle’s many outdoor activities. You can pack a lunch and have a picnic in the park, but…
The Best Places to Visit Along the Northwest Coast
It's not too late for a summer adventure. Let's hit the road
From the rugged and wild tip of Cape Flattery, Washington, to the undulating dunes of Bandon, Oregon, the Northwest coastline has lured wanderers for centuries—some of them straight into the rocks (one reason this stretch is dotted by dozens of picturesque lighthouses). The danger for today’s vacationer, who most often arrives by land, is making…
Best Northwest Hikes and Walks
Find serenity, soaring views—and a sweet workout—on these 20 spectacular trails.
A sweeping glacial vista on a bluebird afternoon…an ancient rain forest, trees dripping with moss…the fecund scent of a deep mountain meadow…come July, our hearts yearn for the sweet sylvan dream that is Northwest hiking. Like nowhere else in the world, here, a short drive and an adventurous spirit are all it takes to transport…
The Best Hotel Bars in Seattle
As travelers swarm the city for summer fun, locals can play tourist year-round
Stoneburner at Hotel Ballard With bar manager Erik Carlson steering a stellar cocktail menu and sommelier Dawn Smith carefully cultivating a wine list that includes dozens by the glass, this is a good place to drink. And the eating is fine, too. Guests are spoiled by chef Jason Stoneburner’s menu, which features local ingredients (some…