How to have a perfect day trip to Westport

It's always a good time to visit the Washington Coast.

Photos: Thor's Well is a natural marvel on Oregon's Cape Perpetua

Visit Thor's Well, Devil's Churn and the Spouting Horn on Oregon's Cape Perpetua.

Bring your appetite and taste for adventure to Oregon's Hood River

Picturesque backdrops make even simple things, like a bike ride or visiting a winery, a memorable experience.

Columbia Gorge: Part 2 of a soulful summer getaway to Oregon

Welcome to Part 2 of a rejuvenating getaway to Oregon.

Cruise review: Seattle to Alaska on the Discovery Princess

The views, though!

Portland: Part 1 of a soulful summer getaway to Oregon

Borrow this relaxed itinerary for your next PNW road trip.

Miss Jefferson can't fly, but her personality soars

Wildife Images' resident bald eagle, Miss Jefferson, was found badly injured near Lake of the Woods in Oregon.

Road trip: Incredible views from Crystal Mountain and Sun Valley

Welcome to the best kind of road trip!

Road trip: Photos that put the rad in Colorado

Welcome back to the best kind of road trip.

9 wonderful wineries to visit in Canada's Okanagan Valley

Find a new world of wine just across the border.

Your handy guide to PNW island hopping this season

Hop to it! The islands are waiting.

Road trip: Stunning scenes from Wyoming and Utah

Welcome to the best kind of road trip!

Couple lives permanently on cruise ships because it's cheaper than housing

WASHINGTON (TND) — A Seattle couple has lived aboard cruise ships for the past year after determining it's cheaper than a mortgage — and they have no plans to return to living on land. Angelyn and Richard Burk — both in their 50s — have always dreamed of retiring to a life of travel, according to 7 News in Australia. The couple had been going on a cruise around the world at least once, sometimes twice each year.

Photos: 2022 Seattle cruise season arrives with Norwegian Bliss

Happy Cruising!

Enjoy the Olympic Peninsula from the comfort of Lake Quinault Lodge

'Out here, it's quiet.'

Mount Rainier ranks in top 10 among family-friendly national parks

ASHFORD, Wash. — Mount Rainier ranked in the top 10 among the country's most family-friendly national parks, according to the Family Vacation Guide. The Family Vacation Guide, a website that recommends vacation destinations for families, based its criteria on nearby child-friendly hotels, walking trails, attractions and family sightseeing landmarks and slotted Mount Rainier at 10th in the United States.

Photos: How to visit giant lumberjack Paul Bunyan in the PNW

You can't miss Paul, he's 31-feet tall!

Photos: Oh, the quirky things you'll see in Long Beach, Washington

Perfectly peculiar in the PNW.

Whale of a day: 72 orcas spotted in Puget Sound

It's a single-day record for the Salish Sea.

Photos: Northern lights sightings across Washington

Tips for outdoor PNW adventures with your little ones

To sum it up: Snacks. But you'll want to know the rest of these tips, too!

The Firehouse: The front porch of Snoqualmie Pass

Evolution Projects stepped in to save the Firehouse, turning it into a new spot for folks to gear up, grab a bite or just hang out.

Photos: Satisfying visit to Washington's Cape Disappointment

The only disappointing part is leaving.

Room to Roam: 3 peaceful PNW destinations for the family

These gorgeous locations are just a car ride away.

Monday is Women's Day at the Seattle Boat Show

Get your free pass and meet extraordinary local women boaters.

RVs are all the rage again and the Tacoma RV Show has hundreds to explore

The Tacoma RV Show rolls into town this weekend from Jan. 20 to 23 at the Tacoma Dome.

Photos: Way Out West is a must-see roadside attraction near Spokane

Escape and connect with nature at Leavenworth's Sleeping Lady Resort

Staying at Sleeping Lady is truly an escape from not only buzzing downtown Leavenworth but from our busy day-to-day lives, as well.

Travel Tuesday: Snowy Snoqualmie

There's no doubt about it; winter is on its way!

Photos: Lovely larch season in the Pacific Northwest

Soaking up the remaining days of larch season!

Lotte Hotel Seattle named #10 hotel in the PNW one year after opening

What a way to celebrate one year!

Exploring Kurt Cobain Memorial Park on 30th anniversary of 'Nevermind'

Nirvana's iconic album "Nevermind" recently turned 30 years old, and what better way to commemorate the record than visiting Aberdeen, the small lumber town and birthplace of frontman Kurt Cobain.

Travel Tuesday: Gateway to The Enchantments

IT'S LARCH SEASON!

Photos: Exploring the many 'Simpsons' murals around Springfield, OR

Did you know there are 33 towns and cities named Springfield in the United States?

Travel Tuesday: Magnificent Mount Rainier

One destination that's always worth the drive? Local mountaineer and photographer Andy Morris makes a great case for Washington's beloved Mount Rainier!

Photos: Experience the Enchanted Forest in Salem, Oregon

The Enchanted Forest — one man’s hand-built, roadside theme park dedicated to storybooks and nursery rhymes.

Travel Tuesday: An A+ A-Frame

It’s hard to imagine a better place for a proverbial battery recharge than a quaint cabin in the forest, particularly one that also boasts a sumptuous bathtub tucked into the apex of the A-frame!

One man is living his literal dream at Deception Pass Tours

You have probably heard (and said, with a tinge of sarcasm) the phrase, “Living the dream! ” Yet, there is one man who really is living his actual dream, and it's aboard the Island Whaler and Deception Pass Tours.

Travel Tuesday: Fire & Ice, Summitting Glacier Peak

A little wildfire haze didn't get in the way of these mountaineers' good time! With sights set on the tippy top of Glacier Peak, local hiking enthusiast Vazul Szakacs (along with two adventure buddies) climbed 9,000 feet of elevation over 35 miles. Traversing pale blue ice sheets and winding through wooded trails, camping by alpine lakes along the way, the group was treated to some of the most spectacular, hard-earned views in the state.

Travel Tuesday: Shilshole Bay Sunset

It’s not really a hot take to state unequivocally that Seattle is a city of unparalleled beauty, but what’s its best angle? Looking out at the Olympics over Elliott Bay? Staring up at the towering Space Needle from below? Well Emerald City-based photographer and videographer John Duong makes a very good case for the city’s waterfront being best viewed from the sky! Click through the gallery below to take in an incredible sunset over Shilshole Bay Marina through John’s breathtaking drone work.

Travel Tuesday: Up Close & Personal with Mount Rainier

Any respectable Seattle local could point out Rainier on the horizon (if the day is clear enough, that is! ) but most of us are only familiar with its commanding presence from far away. Might be time to level up your PNW proficiency with a visit to the mountain itself, like Emerald City resident Catrina Kindahl-Ross did on her trip through Mount Rainier National Park.

True Life: We tried surfing Lake Chelan's new massive, stationary wave

In an area known for outdoor adventure, Chelan's Lakeside Surf provides a new kind of thrill ride.

7 Northwest Lavender Fields to Visit this Summer

Summer in the Northwest. It may bring blue skies and hot days but it also brings something just as beautiful: lavender! Of course, you couldfly to Provence to view the majestic, purple fields - or you could stay close to home and travel to a few areas around Western Washington, like Sequim, Friday Harbor, Port Angeles and Arlington. All have lavender farms in full bloom during these summer months.

Travel Tuesday: The Golden Side of Oregon

From staggering rock formations to the kaleidoscopic Painted Hills, Eastern Oregon should be on your must-visit list!

Roadside Rarity in Aloha, OR: Have You Seen This Rabbit?

Aloha, Oregon might be the farthest from any sort of tropical landscape, but the quirk of a retired boat shop makes up for all that.

Photos: Tour Freakybuttrue in Portland, the world's only Peculiarium

Portland has the world’s only Peculiarium — a sci-fi-meets-uncommon-oddities museum filled with movie props, curious vignettes, one-of-a-kind wall art and, of course, aliens and Bigfoot.

9 Nerdy Day Trips From Seattle

Washington and Oregon are teeming with iconic film locations, pop culture references, counter-culture references and real-life destinations that inspire fantasy. And Seattle is the perfect basecamp for exploring them all. Here are the best nerdy day trips from Seattle, from a mini Marvel universe to the actual Halloweentown. 1. Vashon Island’s Fence of Doors. So many iconic stories rely on the symbolism of doors to convey change, adventure or mystique.

Travel Tuesday: Dazzling Diablo Lake

Calling Diablo Lake a "gem" of the Pacific Northwest might sound like hyperbole, but once you see the color of its waters, you might find yourself adopting that vernacular, too! A luminous shade of turquoise, Diablo positively sparkles whether you visit on a typically Washingtonian gray day or under a blue sky. Click through the gallery below for some jaw-dropping shots of the lake courtesy of mountaineer and photographer, Andy Morris, with a range of dramatic skies!

Travel Tuesday: Conquering Aasgard Pass

Looking to level up your summer hiking game? Follow Seattle local Taisha Bezzo’s lead and set your sights on a specific peak to summit. After 12 weeks of training, Taisha and her friends were rewarded for their hard work and determination with some seriously bucket list-worthy PNW sights! A perfectly glassy Colchuck Lake all to themselves, the first light of day splashed across the Cascades, and even a close encounter with some resident mountain goats.

An idyllic, quick trip to Willamette Valley

We are slowly, but surely (and safely! ) opening up our lives to the outside world again. It’s been a weird 15 months, and while we aren’t out of the woods just yet - things are opening up well enough to warrant a celebration in the woods. Ok, well, wine country isn’t in the woods exactly - it still feels like a beguiling, blissful getaway far away from the stresses of city life. It is also the perfect trip to take as we transition back to ‘normal life’. The best part?

Travel Tuesday: A Perfect Weekend on Vashon

Ferry rides, ice cream cones, beer tasting, and a kayak excursion. Do we have your attention yet?

Travel Tuesday: Summertime Hiking Season

Mount Rainier views, alpine lakes, scenic trails, and a little something to take the edge off!

Travel Tuesday: (San Juan) Island Time

The moment you arrive on San Juan Island it almost feels like time slows down.

International Mermaid Museum opens in Westport, WA

Heading out to the Washington coast beaches always captures a magical feeling for me. And what adds even more mystical fun to time with the surf and sand? Mermaids!!

Sail Bainbridge: Exploring all the PNW has to offer, from a sailboat named True

"There's something about the way the air moves. The way it smells. The salt. The sounds. It's just a pretty magical experience."

Travel Tuesday: The Best of Oregon

Well it’s official, summertime weather has arrived in Seattle!

Photos: You can visit an Alpaca Farm on San Juan Island

Did you know that alpacas hum? Or that they're related to camels? You can learn these facts (and more) about these adorable animals at The Farm at Krystal Acres.

ROAD TRIP! 4 easy destinations for when you just want to get away

As the good weather of late spring approaches, it has us craving one thing- road trips! Whether they are long or short drives, there is nothing quite like packing up the car for a couple of days and heading out for a change of scenery. Time spent with the ones you love seems easier to come by when you are away from the everyday distractions and responsibilities of everyday home life.

Travel Tuesday: Sawtooth Mountain Scoping

Tag along with PNW photographer Tina Drebin on a backpacking trip up to Sawtooth Mountain to take in the sights (oh hey there, Mount Adams! ) and breathe in that fresh mountain air.

Travel Tuesday: Mountain Views at Artist Point

If a deep breath of fresh mountain air were to take the form of a Steller story, this post from nature photographer James Esh would be the result! Tucked right alongside Mount Baker, Artist Point offers fields of wildflowers, seemingly endless expanses of evergreen trees, and peaks aplenty. Paired with the glowy late afternoon light that James captured, it’s truly a scene of PNW beauty.

Photos: Surf the World's Largest Standing Wave in Lake Chelan

Well this is cool!

Travel Tuesday: Pocket Park on the Bay

When it comes to public greenspaces, Seattle is lucky enough to essentially have an embarrassment of riches. If you’re looking for a spot to soak in some vitamin D and sweeping waterfront views when old standbys like Gas Works or Discovery are feeling a little too crowded, allow local photographer Sam Horine to acquaint you with Smith Cove Park!

Travel Tuesday: The Foxes of San Juan Island

Did you know that only one of Washington state's 172 San Juan Islands has a population of wild foxes? Well thanks to photographer and storyteller Max Nichols, we sure do now! Kudos to Max for managing to spot and photograph these elusive, adorable little islanders. Click along in the gallery below to reap the rewards of his patience and sharp eye – and get ready to fall in love with the San Juan Island locals!

Photos: New 'Crystal Sky Camp' glamping experience only accessible via chairlift

This collab between Crystal Mountain Resort and Under Canvas kicks off July 1, 2021.

Photos: Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club completes $3.8 million renovations

Just a cool $3,800,000....

Travel Tuesday: Island Time

There is perhaps nowhere better to visit for a proverbial battery recharge than the San Juan Islands.

Travel Tuesday: Exploring Olympic National Park

Sometimes it almost feels like Washington state is just plain showing off – and there are few places where this is more true than Olympic National Park.

Travel Tuesday: The Remote Beauty of the Enchantments

The Enchantments region of the Cascades are as beautiful as they are notoriously difficult to get a camping permit for. But that didn’t stop local photographer Joe Tobiason, who trekked 20 miles on a day trip into this untouched wilderness for an engagement shoot, bringing along his point-and-shoot film camera. Click along in the gallery below to explore the jagged peaks and shockingly blue alpine lakes of this remote area through Joe’s vibrant film photography – no permit required! jtobiason.

Photos: 'Pause, Rest, Worship' at this Tiny Chapel in Sultan, WA

According to the chapel's Facebook page, the mini church was dedicated in 1962 during the time of the World's Fair held in Seattle.

Travel Tuesday: Dusk at Mount Baker

On a crisp, sunshiny day in Seattle we’re sometimes lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Mount Baker in the distance, but have you ever gotten up close and personal with this volcanic beauty? Nature photographer James Esh invites us along on a sunset photo excursion to the glaciated giant, complete with some tips on how best to capture the iconic PNW peak during this time of day. Click along in the gallery below to soak in the vibrant colors and dramatic silhouettes of sundown hour at Mount Baker!

Leavenworth cancels 2021 Oktoberfest because of COVID-19 restrictions

LEAVENWORTH, Wash. - Leavenworth’s Oktoberfest has been cancelled for the second year in a row. Organizers of the festival, which is held every year in Washington’s famous Bavarian town, announced the cancellation on their website Tuesday. In the announcement, organizers said because of COVID-19 restrictions on entertainment, food, dancing, and singing they have decided to cancel the festival for 2021.

Photos: Wandering through Winthrop, Washington's only Western-themed town

5 rental homes in Washington straight out of a fairytale

When you think of fantasy-themed lodging, you probably think of castles in Ireland or the Hobbit set in New Zealand. But Washington state is full of magic, too. (There's even a hobbit house for rent in Orondo! ) Twilight locations aside, we have cool castles, dramatic waterfalls, beautiful bridges and several enchanting vacation rentals — some less than one hour from Seattle.

Travel Tuesday: Spectacular Seattle Sunsets

I think we can all agree that Seattle is an exceptionally scenic city, but what’s its best angle?

Photos: Up, Up & Away! Winthrop's annual Hot Air Balloon Festival kicks off

Winthrop, Washington is famous for it’s cozy western themed town, miles of cross-country skiing and a pretty unique, winter hot air balloon festival.

Photos: #ThatNWBus is an iconic roadside attraction outside Washtucna, WA

Travel Tuesday: A Day on the Olympic Peninsula

Occupying the farthest northwest point of the contiguous United States, the Olympic Peninsula has all the rugged natural beauty you could dream up packed into one region. Dramatic mountain peaks, towering evergreens, an unobstructed expanse of Pacific Ocean – maybe even a bald eagle or two! Tag along in the gallery below with Seattle photographer Eric Bird on a visit to this little corner of PNW paradise.

Travel Tuesday: Lakes and Snow and Bear Prints - Oh My!

Hello Winter...

Travel Tuesday: Woodsy Weekend Getaway

Crackling fire? Check. Steamy hot tub? Check. Towering evergreens? Check.

Travel Tuesday: North Cascades Snow Day

If you're like us, these months of lockdown and social distancing measures might have you teetering on the brink of full-on cabin fever and considering a move to the mountains to try and get away from it all.

Some of the Largest Trees in the World Are in Our Backyard

Last fall I needed to get away. Some nature. Some reprieve from technology. A moment to breathe deep and stand in awe.

Travel Tuesday: A Moment of Zen at McDowell Creek Falls

At a time when a lot of us could probably use a dose of serenity and a deep breath of fresh forest air, we're lucky that the Pacific Northwest can deliver both in spades.

Photos: Prehistoric Gardens in Oregon is home to 23 full-sized dinosaur sculptures

Travel Tuesday: Camping in a Winter Wonderland

If Pacific Northwesterners know how to do one thing, it's not let the weather get in our way of our outdoor adventures!

Photos: Missing Christmas already? This Leavenworth holiday shop is open year-round

Welcome to Kris Kringl in Leavenworth, where the holidays aren't just once a year - they're YEAR-ROUND.

Cars seemingly roll uphill by themselves on Gravity Hill outside Prosser, WA

Just outside Prosser, WA lurks a mysterious stretch of road where cars seem to be able to roll uphill without help from their engines.

Travel Tuesday: Exploring Barclay Lake

Jagged mountains, dense forest, and serene pools of water - the quintessential trifecta of PNW outdoor beauty - can all be found on a day trip to Barclay Lake.

Travel Tuesday: Snowshoeing in Stevens Pass

There are few sounds that scream "winter has arrived" more than the crunch of first tracks in fresh powder.

Photos: The Teapot Gas Station that's a Yakima Valley landmark

No, you can't buy fuel here but looking through the window, they appear to sell coffee cups (teacups?)

Travel Tuesday: Ballard Staycation

One small silver lining of this difficult year that has been decidedly light on travel is that we've had the opportunity to better familiarize ourselves with the place that we call home.

Photos: Giant outdoor movie screen returns with holiday light show to Gold Beach, OR

"Illuminate the Pacific" is a light show covering six acres from the hotel's oceanfront rooms to the sea.

Travel Tuesday: Cabin Season

There are very few reasons we could think of to leave the charming warmth of a mountain cabin, but a cedar soaking tub would definitely top the list! Get some winter staycation inspiration from travel expert Jess Dales as she spends a weekend among the evergreens on a retreat to Packwood, WA. From the natural wood walls to the kitschy artwork, you’ll be packing up your coziest sweaters and a good book for a visit to this woodsy haven before you even reach the end of the gallery below!

Travel Tuesday: Sky High in Skykomish

We'd argue that Skykomish's lush evergreens and winding river don't have a bad angle when it comes to photography, but Seattle-based photographer Sam Horine makes a pretty good case for shooting it from above!

Travel Tuesday: Fall at Diablo Lake

Northern Washington's Diablo Lake is well known for its almost luminescent shade of blue, but as nature photographer James Esh shows us, the lake takes on a richer, moodier hue in the low light of fall!

Photos: Outdoor enthusiasts create epic 'Gear Shed' to house their equipment

Today, in the most PNW story you'll see all week...

Travel Tuesday: What We're Thankful For

We are all really missing travel right now.