Since joining Seattle Met in 2011, Allison Williams has overseen the magazine’s travel and outdoor coverage, including deep dives into Olympic National Park, the Columbia River, and a Burger King drive-thru in Canada. She edits the travel-focused blog Tripster and contributes service, news, interview, and narrative pieces to the magazine, including long-form features about mountain mysteries and puppies in prison. She’s earned awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and been nominated for a City and Regional Magazine award. 

Allison was raised here in Olympia and studied writing at Duke University, Oxford University, Columbia Journalism School, and University of Alaska. She began her career in New York City in the newsrooms of Metro newspaper and Time Out New York, then hightailed it back to her native habitat so she could write guidebooks and climb mountains.

Due South

From Seattle, Belize Is Barely Off the Beaten Path

A new nonstop flight links Seattle to a small Central American country south of Mexico—but it isn’t as remote as it feels.

09/12/2022 By Allison Williams

Get Outta Here

Delta Is Giving Away Frequent Flyer Miles

But—and this is a big but—it all depends on the Seahawks doing well.

09/09/2022 By Allison Williams

Take Off

What's New at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Air travel is back, somehow both more glorious and frustrating than ever.

08/22/2022 By Allison Williams

Trail Tales

The Enchantments Is Washington's Most Spectacular Hike

The Leavenworth-area trail is long, steep, and unforgiving—and so stunningly beautiful that everyone wants to hike it.

08/19/2022 By Allison Williams

Lite Brite

How to See the Northern Lights Near Seattle

The best way to spot the aurora? Get out of town.

08/18/2022 By Allison Williams

Short Stops

Portland's Sports Bra Invents the Women's Sports Bar

This neighborhood joint has a mission—and really good wings.

08/16/2022 By Allison Williams

Quote Unquote

Avery Barnes Brings African Style to Pioneer Square

"This is not just a gallery or retail space, but more of a creative space."

08/15/2022 By Allison Williams

Save Us

Satellite Devices Redefine Safety for Hikers

Pacific Northwesterners love two things: exploring the wilderness and playing with technology. No wonder we like these gizmos.

08/10/2022 By Allison Williams

Cool Dips

10 Hikes to Swimmable Lakes in Western Washington

Step one: Walk in the woods. Step two: Jump in.

08/02/2022 By Allison Williams

summer slopes

Ski Areas Shift to Mountain Bike Parks in Summer

Stevens Pass reopens as a two-wheel destination this week, with Summit at Snoqualmie soon to follow.

07/27/2022 By Allison Williams

Take me out

Value Games Are the Best Way to Watch the Mariners

Dirt cheap is the only way to baseball.

07/25/2022 By Allison Williams

Refuse to Lose

Just How Good Are the Mariners This Year?

Winning streaks, home run sluggers—is this the year it finally comes together?

07/22/2022 By Allison Williams

Short Stops

A Remote Fire Lookout That Can Be Reached by Car

Deep in the forest between three volcanoes, a piece of history sits right off an unpaved road.

07/15/2022 By Allison Williams

Where To?

Introducing the PNWander Travel Newsletter

Sign up for a regular dose of exploration inspiration.

07/13/2022 By Allison Williams

Main Dish

Where to Eat in Walla Walla

You already know what to drink.

07/05/2022 By Allison Williams and Allecia Vermillion

Short Stop

A Tea Party for the Ages in Victoria, BC

The pinkies-up treat at the Fairmont Empress Hotel has to be sipped to be believed.

07/01/2022 By Allison Williams

Island Time

How to Get to Victoria, BC, by Boat or Plane

Journey to a land of afternoon tea and poutine for dinner.

06/28/2022 By Allison Williams

flaked out

Snow Blocks Many Trails as Summer Hiking Season Begins

Do you want to build a snowman...or take a hike?

06/23/2022 By Allison Williams

On Belay

Outdoor Rock Climbing Near Seattle

Break out the ropes and racks to climb Washington’s natural crags. Plus: The dirtbag-turned-storyteller behind climbing's biggest podcast.

06/15/2022 By Allison Williams

Rover Road Trip

Best Northwest Hotels to Visit with Dogs

Some overnights are a little furrier than others.

06/14/2022 By Allison Williams