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Hikers on Hurricane Ridge trail in Olympic National Park,  AdobeStock

Port Angeles tour company to welcome more hikers with new location

Tour company plans to open ‘heart and soul of the operation’

 

Artwork is found throughout La Conner, including along its channelside boardwalk. Jon Bauer photo

Fall for La Conner, Washington: fewer crowds, full charm

A local shares why autumn is the best-kept secret in this artsy waterfront town.

 

The Methow Valley in North Central Washington draws visitors year-round for hiking, rafting, skiing and fly-fishing.

Twisp with a twist: Road-tripping to Washington’s Methow Valley

Welcome to Twisp, the mountain town that puts “fun, funky and friendly” on the map.

 

Join us as we explore some of the western US’s most stunning destinations. Isogood_patrick // Shutterstock

13 of the most surreal places to visit in the western US

You know those places that feel so dreamlike that you ask yourself, “Did I just fall into a screensaver?” No? Well, that’s probably because you’ve… Continue reading

Join us as we explore some of the western US’s most stunning destinations. Isogood_patrick // Shutterstock
The North Cascades Highway is seen from the Washington Pass overlook in 2021. (Sue Misao / The Herald)

Adventure & stunning scenery await: North Cascades Highway reopens for 2025 season

The Washington State Department of Transportation has reopened State Highway 20, also known as the North Cascades Highway, for the 2025 season. The scenic highway… Continue reading

The North Cascades Highway is seen from the Washington Pass overlook in 2021. (Sue Misao / The Herald)
Tulips grow at Roozengaarde outside of Mount Vernon, Washington during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival on April 10, 2025. (Will Geschke / The Herald)

Stop and smell the flowers at Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

North America’s largest tulip festival features five gardens and runs through April

Tulips grow at Roozengaarde outside of Mount Vernon, Washington during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival on April 10, 2025. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
(Photo by Cindi Rausch)
T46B4 Quiver breaches near Sam George by Keystone Ferry Landing on March 21.

Photo of ‘staggering’ Whidbey Island orca encounter makes waves

Before moving to Whidbey Island, Cindi Rausch’s closest whale encounter was with Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick. Since 2021, the retired high school English teacher has been… Continue reading

(Photo by Cindi Rausch)
T46B4 Quiver breaches near Sam George by Keystone Ferry Landing on March 21.
Seattle is a city made for spring explorations. Sergey Novikov // Shutterstock

8 spectacular things to do in Seattle in the spring

Seattle in the spring enjoys a unique blend of urban charm and nature activities, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and… Continue reading

Seattle is a city made for spring explorations. Sergey Novikov // Shutterstock
La Conner, Washington produces more tulips and daffodil bulbs than anywhere else in the U.S.

3 of the ‘most charming small towns’ in the the Pacific Northwest

American tourism is often associated with big cities, focused on the largest metropolitan areas in each state. But small towns around the U.S. are a… Continue reading

La Conner, Washington produces more tulips and daffodil bulbs than anywhere else in the U.S.
Christmas Lighting Festival, Leavenworth, Washington, the Christmas capital of the Pacific Northwest.

How one village became the Christmas capital of Washington state

Leavenworth, in central Washington, calls itself the Christmas capital of the Pacific Northwest

Christmas Lighting Festival, Leavenworth, Washington, the Christmas capital of the Pacific Northwest.
Amtrak Cascades train 517 to Portland departs from Everett Station on Saturday, Sep. 2, 2023, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

U.S. federal money moves Pacific Northwest high-speed rail forward

Planning for an ambitious high-speed rail system in the Pacific Northwest will continue thanks to nearly $50 million in new U.S. federal funding. Traveling at… Continue reading

Amtrak Cascades train 517 to Portland departs from Everett Station on Saturday, Sep. 2, 2023, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
People take photos of the lights surrounding the the fountain at the the entrance to the Tulalip Resort & Casino in Tulalip, Washington. Olivia Vanni / The Herald

Record Tulalip holiday display lights up the night

The largest light display in Washington is free of charge and open through Jan. 12.

People take photos of the lights surrounding the the fountain at the the entrance to the Tulalip Resort & Casino in Tulalip, Washington. Olivia Vanni / The Herald
Enchant Christmas returns to T-Mobile Park in Seattle! Enchant Christmas photo / Courtesy Visit Seattle

Why Seattle is a favourite holiday season destination

No matter the time of year, Seattle offers endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation and celebration. Come December, many of those celebrations take on a decidedly… Continue reading

Enchant Christmas returns to T-Mobile Park in Seattle! Enchant Christmas photo / Courtesy Visit Seattle
The award-winning and locally owned Magnolia Hotel is perfectly located for those wanting to enjoy downtown Victoria. Courtesy The Magnolia Hotel

City lights, cosy nights: ​​A weekend escape to downtown Victoria

“We need to get away,” I said to my husband after the monotony of parenting, working and daily life had lately left us feeling more… Continue reading

The award-winning and locally owned Magnolia Hotel is perfectly located for those wanting to enjoy downtown Victoria. Courtesy The Magnolia Hotel
Mountains in the Spokane area are eying opening day as they start piling up snow.

Let it snow: Spokane-area ski hills ready for winter

It’s always a good sign when a chairlift starts running before the midpoint of November. That’s what’s happening this weekend at Lookout Pass Ski Area,… Continue reading

Mountains in the Spokane area are eying opening day as they start piling up snow.
A rainy day is no match for a city like Seattle, which offers an abundance of wet-weather activities, including a visit to the famed Space Needle. AdobeStock

12 great things to do in Seattle when it rains

An iconic city synonymous with rainy weather, Seattle brilliantly showcases that drizzle can’t dampen its spirit. From exploring Seattle’s world-class museums like MoPop to engaging… Continue reading

A rainy day is no match for a city like Seattle, which offers an abundance of wet-weather activities, including a visit to the famed Space Needle. AdobeStock
Twede’s Cafe is pictured at the corner of Bendigo Boulevard and North Bend Way on Sunday, June 9, 2024, in North Bend, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Relive ‘Twin Peaks’ with cherry pie and damn fine coffee at Twede’s Cafe

The North Bend cafe, known as Double R Diner on the campy cult-classic, serves up nostalgia and a damn good breakfast.

Twede’s Cafe is pictured at the corner of Bendigo Boulevard and North Bend Way on Sunday, June 9, 2024, in North Bend, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Mt. Rainier, in Washington state, is the subject of an exhibition at Washington State History Museum, The Mountain Was Out.

‘The Mountain was Out:’ Tacoma museum welcomes new exhibition celebrating Mt. Rainier

Western Washington residents have a love-love relationship with Mount Rainier. Catching a glimpse of the state’s tallest peak often elicits the expression: “Look! The mountain… Continue reading

Mt. Rainier, in Washington state, is the subject of an exhibition at Washington State History Museum, The Mountain Was Out.
People enjoy the grand opening of the new Heritage Distillery tasting room at Angel of the Winds Casino on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Heritage, Stillaguamish partner on new Angel of the Winds distillery

Until 2018, it was illegal for tribes to distill on their land. Now, the casino near Arlington has its own tasting room.

People enjoy the grand opening of the new Heritage Distillery tasting room at Angel of the Winds Casino on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
The West Coast offers a lot to love for Halloween fans!

Scaring up a Halloween fright fest in Seattle, San Fran, L.A. & Vegas

It’s the happiest time of the year for lovers of ghoulies, ghosties and things that go bump in the night. If you’re looking for thrills… Continue reading

The West Coast offers a lot to love for Halloween fans!