Rodents of Unusual Size

Everything You Need to Know About Marmots

They’re furry. They’re fat. And they’re in places you’d never expect (including your car).

06/05/2026 By Allison Williams

Listen Up

Things to Hear in Washington Before You Die (or Leave)

Our bucket list of sounds you can’t get anywhere else.

09/04/2025 By Allison Williams

Adrenaline Junkies

Things to Do in Washington Before You Die (or Leave)

Our bucket list of the state’s top experiences.

09/02/2025 By Allison Williams

Photo Ops

Things to Photograph in Washington Before You Die (or Leave)

Charge up your phone and dust off your lenses.

08/19/2025 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

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

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

Home Cooking

There’s a Cannibal Hot Tub near Mount Rainier

One Ukrainian family is turning a rural hotel into a wholly unique destination.

01/16/2025 By Allison Williams

The Ballot Cure

Where to Go Off-Grid (Ish) During Election Week

Run as far away from cable news as you possibly can.

11/01/2024 By Allison Williams

Short King

Rainier Is Shorter Than We All Thought

Our mountain is shrinking, and the summit isn't where it used to be.

09/06/2024 By Allison Williams

The Mountain

An Insider’s Guide to Visiting Mount Rainier National Park

Hiking trails, visitor centers, and other spectacular reasons to head to our friendly local volcano.

04/29/2024 By Allison Williams and Seattle Met Staff

Ranger of Motion

Mount Rainier’s Top Ranger Introduces a New Era at the National Park

As MRNP celebrates 125 years of existence, visiting its trails and vistas now means a brand-new timed-entry system.

04/01/2024 By Allison Williams

Book It

Summer Reservations Now Required at Mount Rainier National Park

A new system requires visitors have a timed entry permit to drive into the major visitor centers, so the rush is on.

02/21/2024 By Allison Williams

Because It's There

How to Climb Mount Rainier

What does it take to reach the highest peak in Washington? Planning, skills, and, most crucially, the right mindset.

08/12/2022 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

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

Map Quest

A Road Trip That Leads to Rainier

Cider, squash, and bighorn sheep: Take a drive through the rural highways that lead to Mount Rainier National Park.

03/14/2022 By Allison Williams

The Mountain Is Out

Property Watch: A Private Island at the Foot of Mount Rainier

A private island is a bonus with this waterfront property in both the town and water of Lake Tapps.

01/19/2022 By Sarah Anne Lloyd

Off season

Crystal Mountain Gets Glamping Tents This Summer

You just need to book them with 20–50 of your closest friends.

04/19/2021 By Allison Williams

Roll Yuletide

Day Trips from Seattle for Christmas Day

Go the distance for distanced holidays, or skip the Noel altogether.

12/15/2020 By Allison Williams

Get the Dirt

10 Best Hikes at Mount Rainier National Park

A totally subjective list from a lifelong Rainier hiker.

07/23/2019 By Allison Williams