Northwest Portal Blog - Discover!
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See the turbines up close and explore the shrub steppe at the Wild Horse Wind-farm
Head out to the Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility on the side of Whiskey Dick Mountain between Ellensburg, Washington and the Columbia River to see the giant wind turbines up-close, learn about renewable energy technology and the history of the region and enjoy spectacular views while exploring the shrub steppe landscape.
Recharge your batteries in Union, Washington
This week’s hidden gem is the small town of Union Washington, on the southern tip of the Hood Canal less than 40 minutes from Olympia. There are no cities or even incorporated towns on the Hood Canal, making this a peaceful place to relax. The slower rural pace, plus the six state parks, boat launches, and trails along the Hood Canal make it a perfect spot to recharge your batteries. Hike, boat, kayak, enjoy good food and music and watch the stars at night.
Navigating the 2024 Fire Season in Washington State
Forest fires have closed many favorite trails and recreation areas in Washington State, but there are still numerous places to enjoy the great outdoors. Help navigating the closures, find five suggestions for alternative destinations, and find tips to stay safe this summer.
Wine Adventures in Central Washington
Eastern Washington State is a paradise for both wine and outdoor recreation. Here are three great destinations where you can taste wine at the vineyard and also enjoy an outdoor adventure.
What You Need to Know Before Visiting the Enchantments
The Enchantments is one of the most most spectacular areas to hike and camp in Washington State, but you need to plan your visit. Overnight permits are extremely limited and most are allocated in a pre-season lottery and parking can be tight for day hikers.
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree
Cut your own Christmas Tree in the National Forests of Washington.
Box Canyon Dam
Discover the Box Canyon Dam on the scenic Pend Oreille River in the northeast corner of Washington State. Camp, boat, fish, hike, and enjoy the outdoors.
Destination of the Day: Gold Creek Pond
The scenic Gold Creek Pond is a perfect place to stop on your way over Snoqualmie Pass. You can enjoy a leisurely summer stroll or have a picnic. The trailhead for the Interpretive site is just 1.5 miles from I-90 exit 54 (Hyak), and there is a bathroom and parking for more than 20 vehicles at the trailhead. The trail that loops around the lake is dirt with a section of boardwalk, but it is classified as ADA accessible. There are benches and picnic tables around the lake where you can sit and enjoy the day and a large picnic area near the parking area (head left of the trail to get to the picnic area). A USFS pass is required at the trailhead, which has a payment kiosk if you do not have an annual pass.
Fall Colors in the Mountains to Sound Greenway
Discover the beauty of the Mountains to Sound Greenway with this tour through favorite stops near Seattle. Walk or bike the Snoqualmie Valley Trail, learn about railroad history and get a bite in Snoqualmie, check out the Three Forks Natural Area (and let your dog romp in the off-leash park), and then head up to the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Valley to hike, picnic, or just play by the river.
Explore the Carbon River Corridor and Wilkeson, Washington
Explore the Carbon River Corridor and experience Wilkeson, a small historic town with a skateable work of bacon and eggs art, great food, and cute shopping. Then head up the road to enjoy scenic views and great trails for hiking or ORV/OHVing.
Lopez Island - by Bike or by Car
Are you ready to take a break and get on island time? Lopez Island, affectionately known as Slowpez Island, is your perfect getaway for a dialed down, relaxing adventure in the San Juan Islands. Sit back while I take you on a tour of one of my favorite places in the world.
ATVing in Northeast Washington
North East Washington is an ATVers paradise. Hit the roads and trails.
Wilderness Coast Backpacking
Imagine waking up to the whoosh of the ocean breathing and sea birds cackling offshore. You can smell a mix of sea salt and conifer. Sunlight is just starting to illuminate the massive stone monoliths lazily bathing off shore. Tendrils of morning mist are swirling upwards as the day heats up. It’s morning on the Wilderness Coast!
Three Kayak Adventures in Washington
Get out on the water this summer and trying kayaking with one of these Kayak Adventures: the Tapteal Greenway on the lower Yakima River, tours from Tacoma, or the Mercer Slough near Seattle.
Grays Harbor Escape
Enjoy a peaceful weekend at the ocean in Grays Harbor County, Washington. Explore the Seabrook Resort, walk along the beach, mountain bike, surf, ride horses, kayak, and discover a rain forest.
Find a New Place to Camp on the Water: Five Washington State Campgrounds Run by Power Companies
Discover a new place to camp in Washington State at one of the campgrounds operated by power companies or utility districts to mitigate for their hydroelectric dams. If you want to boat, swim, fish, or just enjoy a lazy day by the river, these campgrounds are a perfect destination.
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.