The Washington Journal
Stories, guides, and inspiration for exploring the Evergreen State
All Articles
18 articles
Hoh Rainforest Washington: A Complete Visitor Guide
Everything you need to plan a trip to the Hoh Rainforest in Washington: trails, wildlife, best times to visit, camping, directions, and what to bring.
Olympic Hot Springs WA: Trail, Pools, and Planning Tips
Plan your visit to Olympic Hot Springs in Olympic National Park, Washington. Trail directions, pool conditions, best seasons, what to pack, and fees explained.
Things to Do in Olympic National Park: A Complete Guide
Plan your visit to Olympic National Park with this guide to Hurricane Ridge, the Hoh Rain Forest, Pacific coast beaches, Sol Duc Hot Springs, Lake Crescent, and wildlife watching.
Cape Disappointment State Park: A Complete Visitor Guide
Plan your visit to Cape Disappointment State Park with this complete guide to its two historic lighthouses, coastal hiking trails, Lewis and Clark history, camping, and what to expect on Washington's Long Beach Peninsula.
Washington State Ferry to the San Juan Islands: A Guide
Plan your Washington State Ferry trip to the San Juan Islands with this guide to reservations, island stops, walk-on vs. vehicle travel, and what to expect on the crossing.
Hiking the Olympic Peninsula: Best Trails and What to Know
Plan your Olympic Peninsula hiking trip with this guide to the Hoh Rain Forest trails, Hurricane Ridge, Rialto Beach, the Enchanted Valley, and Sol Duc Falls, plus permit and timing tips.
Paradise at Mount Rainier: Your Complete Visitor Guide
Plan your visit to Paradise at Mount Rainier National Park with this guide to wildflower hikes, parking permits, the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center, and what to expect in every season.
Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center: Plan the Perfect Day Trip
Everything you need to know before visiting Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park: parking, trails, wildlife, seasonal road hours, and what to expect at the visitor center.
Olympic National Park Visitor Centers: Hours, Tips, and What to Expect
Plan your Olympic National Park visit with this guide to every visitor center: Hurricane Ridge, Hoh Rain Forest, Kalaloch, and more. Hours, fees, and permits.
Camping in Olympic National Park: A Complete Guide
Reserve the right campground before you go. This guide covers every camping zone in Olympic National Park, from Hoh Rain Forest to the Pacific coast, with reservation tips and gear advice.
Sol Duc Hot Springs, Washington: What to Know Before You Go
Plan your visit to Sol Duc Hot Springs in Olympic National Park. Learn what the mineral pools are like, how to get there from Seattle or Port Angeles, and what to do nearby.
Mount Rainier Day Hikes: 8 Trails for Every Skill Level
From easy meadow strolls to an 8.5-mile climb toward the summit, these Mount Rainier day hikes cover the full range, with practical info on permits, parking, and the best time to visit.
Things to Do in Leavenworth, Washington: Your Complete Guide
Plan your Leavenworth, Washington trip with this guide to hiking Icicle Canyon, whitewater rafting the Wenatchee River, Oktoberfest, the Christmas Lighting Festival, and where to eat and stay.
Olympic Peninsula Road Trip: A 7-Day Itinerary
Plan your Olympic Peninsula road trip with this day-by-day guide to Hurricane Ridge, the Hoh Rain Forest, Rialto Beach, Lake Quinault, and Port Townsend.
Carson Hot Springs Washington: What You Need to Know
Plan your visit to Carson Hot Springs in Washington State. Learn what the mineral pools are like, how to get there from Portland or Seattle, and what else to do in the Columbia River Gorge.
5 Hidden Waterfalls Worth the Hike in Washington
Beyond the tourist crowds, these lesser-known Washington waterfalls reward the adventurous with solitude and staggering beauty. Lace up your boots and discover cascades most visitors never see.
A Seattle Food Crawl: Pike Place Market and Beyond
From the iconic fish throwers to hidden gems in the back alleys, here's how to eat your way through Seattle's most famous market — and the neighborhoods just beyond it.
The Best Time to Visit Washington State (Month-by-Month)
Washington transforms dramatically with each season. Here's what to expect month by month — from cherry blossoms to ski season — so you can time your trip perfectly.