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.

The New Old Country

Boise’s Basque Celebration Actually Goes Year-Round

Jaialdi is back, but you don’t have to wait five years for a good time.

07/01/2025 By Allison Williams

Public Lands FTW

The Northwest's Best State Park Cabins

Cozy rentals at budget prices.

06/30/2025 By Allison Williams

Wine, Eh

The Okanagan Valley Hides a Charming, Sun-Splashed Wine Region

Just head for Canada’s desert. (Really.)

06/24/2025 By Allison Williams

In Tents

30 Best Washington Campgrounds

Where to camp in the mountains, on the beach, or among the ruins of a decommissioned army base.

06/05/2025 By Allison Williams

Shore Enough

Guide to Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula

Sweets, kites, and sand as far as the eye can see.

06/02/2025 By Allison Williams

Plane Crazy

New Nonstop Flights from Seattle Change the Airscape

Getting out of town just got easier.

05/22/2025 By Allison Williams

Making a Splash

Why Does Canada Have So Many Great Waterslides?

In British Columbia, there’s an affordable water park everywhere you look.

05/22/2025 By Allison Williams

No go

The Worst Weekends of Seattle Summer, Ranked

Bad traffic, big festivals, and the horror of freeway closures.

05/19/2025 By Allison Williams

Detours

How to Actually Visit Our National Parks This Year

Primary access points and visitor centers are closed. Here's where to go instead.

05/15/2025 By Allison Williams

Interview

Anne Helen Petersen Has Serious Thoughts on Random Subjects

The Culture Study writer made her own niche covering sorority rush, celebrity gossip, and millennial burnout.

05/06/2025 By Allison Williams Photography by Charity Burggraaf

Coaxing Canucks

Seattle Businesses Are Embracing Reluctant Canadian Tourists

This year's Mariners–Blue Jays series is gonna be a strange one.

05/02/2025 By Allison Williams

Planner

What to Do in Washington State in May

With flowers and festivals across the state, it's the season to celebrate.

05/01/2025 By Allison Williams

Moby Who?

Guide to Whale Watching in Washington

It’s not just about our local orcas anymore.

04/24/2025 By Allison Williams

Papers Please

Real ID Is Really Happening This Time

Here's what you need at the airport.

04/22/2025 By Allison Williams

THE OLYMPICS

Insider's Guide to Visiting Washington State's Olympic National Park

What to do, where to hike, and where to camp under the stars in Washington's most diverse national park.

04/17/2025 By Allison Williams

Destination Dossier

What You Need to Know About a Trip to Packwood

Washington’s quietest mountain pass has a lot going on.

04/14/2025 By Allison Williams

Tee It Up

Three Northwest Golf Resorts Are Reinventing the Game

Frisbees, goats, and short courses: This isn’t your granddad’s golf game.

04/10/2025 By Allison Williams

Neighborhood Guide

Secret Spots in Seattle’s Capitol Hill

Look past the crowds to the new speakeasy and hidden mural.

04/07/2025 By Allison Williams

Picture This

What Happened at Mount Baker's Oculis Lodge?

A good rendering can sell the idea of a cool hotel. But the reality isn't always so smooth.

04/03/2025 By Allison Williams

Planner

What to Do in Washington State in April

Color is everywhere, from a Holi celebration to spring art walks.

03/27/2025 By Allison Williams