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Enjoy the Colors of Summer in Tacoma
Summer is the season of color. Head out to Tacoma for a day or a weekend to experience the warm palettes of gardens, glass, and water with this trip through botanical gardens, a glass museum, and along the waterfront. Visit the Lakewold Gardens, Chihuly Bridge of Glass and Tacoma Glass Museum, the Point Defiance Park Gardens, and Dune Peninsula Park.
Four Caves to Explore in Washington State
Washington State is not well known for caves, but it has some great places to explore underground. From lava tubes, and limestone caverns, to a small cave that was inhabited almost 7,000 years ago, here are a few opportunities to get underground. Explore the Ape Cave, Guler Ice Cave, Layser Cave (occupied 7,000 years ago) and Gardner Cave.
Washington Fire Lookouts You Can Visit
Washington Fire Lookouts make a great destination. Some are open for day visits, others allow overnight stays. Find your next adventure at one of these seven lookouts.
Discover Four Great Washington Waterfalls in Four Climate Areas
Discover four great Washington waterfalls in four climate areas. Two of the things that make Washington amazing are stunning waterfalls and the variety of climate zones. You can find waterfalls in the coastal rain-forests of the Olympic peninsula, the temperate forests of the Seattle area, the sub-alpine and alpine landscapes of Mt Rainier National Park and the arid shrub steppe of Center and Eastern Washington.
Five Best Places to View Wildflowers and Much More in Central Washington
View the wildflowers of Central Washington with this itinerary that has five great stops. Enjoy the flowers, learn about the history and geology of the region, view Native American petroglyphs, wind turbines, and even a giant salmon water-slide.
Five Great Seattle Gardens Where You Can Enjoy the Spring Flowers
Take a Joyride and enjoy the spring flowers with five of the best gardens in the Seattle Area. Use our map to navigate your adventure.
Best Places to See Wildflowers in the Columbia River Gorge
Take a joyride through the Columbia River gorge and enjoy the spring wildflowers, learn about the region and culture, and enjoy some great wine, beer and food.
Learn About the Wineries While Exploring Wine Country
Learn about Washington wineries while you explore wine country. Northwest Portal has partnered with the Lines on Wines podcast to add links on the Taste NW web map and app to the venues featured in the show. Use the maps and apps to pick the perfect destination and navigate while you are on the road.
5 of the Most Scenic Washington Views That Are Just Steps from Your Car
As much fun as trekking into the wilderness can be, those same mountain views that are so attractive during the summer can seem more harsh and inaccessible during the colder months. However, some of the most spectacular views Washington has to offer are just a few steps from the road! So whether you are looking for a departure point for a nice walk, or just looking for a good place to get out of the car and stretch your legs on the way to your final destination, these 5 scenic views are easily accessible, and totally worth it.
A Note from Recreate Responsibly
A note of Gratitude for the Recreation Community from “Recreate Responsibly”.
Camping, Climbing, & Coffee - A Leavenworth Adventure
This week I had the pleasure of exploring a place in Washington that I had heard about for many years, but never had the chance to actually visit. Leavenworth, Washington is a popular tourist destination and is well known among Washington natives.
Joyride: Skamania Mountain Adventure
Base your stay at the Resort at Skamania Cove or Carson Hot Springs Resort, where you can opt for a room with a private balcony hot tub - or rent an RV space!
Joyride: Explore Skamania County’s Sasquatches
In September 1969, Skamania County Sheriff Bill Closner photographed two tracks, 15½ inches long by nine inches wide, at a logging operation five miles north of town.
Walla Walla and the Airport Wine Incubator
If you enjoy discovering the tastes of Washington, head down to Walla Walla in the southeastern part of the state. This American Viticultural Area (AVA) is distinct from the other wine growing regions of Eastern Washington because it is cooler and wetter.
Joyride: Take a Walk on the Dry Side
Less than two hours from Seattle on the dry (and uncrowded) side of the mountains, Kittitas County is a perfect weekend getaway for people looking to escape the rains and crowds of Puget Sound.
Joyride: Find the Best Fall Colors
The Mountains to Sound Greenway, which stretches along the I-90 Corridor from Seattle to Ellensburg, was officially designated a National Heritage Area in 2019. The Greenway weaves together urban and wild areas, including the 15th largest metropolis in the United States, 900,000 acres of public land, and 100,000 acres of permanent private forests.
3 Amazing OHV Opportunities in Washington
With summer here, it is a great time to get out and enjoy the great outdoors - responsibly of course! Off-roading is a great activity for getting some fresh air. Check out these three great Washington OHV locales, and find countless more near you on our comprehensive OHV WA web-map.
ATV Adventures in Tahuya State Forest
Experience heart-pumping excitement as you race down trails, climb over boulders, and tour - break away from the ordinary as you travel through the forest on a quad. Get out on an ATV and enjoy the outdoors in a new way.
Enjoy the Blooming Spring Orchards Near Leavenworth
Imagine driving along a roaring river surrounded by blooming orchards perfuming the cool air! Ready for a Roadtrip? The perfect daytrip from Seattle for some fun in the Mountains.