Travel & Outdoors

Mountain Menu

Leavenworth's Dining Scene Finally Transcends Kitsch

Forget the giant pretzel: The Bavarian town's food landscape levels up in unexpected ways.

04/03/2023 By Allison Williams

Short Stops

In Working Class Central Oregon, a Hotel Devoted to Mindfulness

The city of Redmond is quietly distinguishing itself from neighboring Bend.

04/03/2023 By Allison Williams

Planner

What to Do in Washington State in April

Apples and tulips hold down classic festivals, while the Washington State Fair makes a comeback. Plus: Racing crabs.

03/31/2023 By Allison Williams

And on your left

The Top Guided Tours of Seattle

Walking tours, boat cruises, and food circuits through Pike Place Market. You don’t have to be a newbie to appreciate a shrewd insider look at the city.

03/28/2023 By Allison Williams and Allecia Vermillion Illustrations by Ryan Snook

Flower Power

Guide to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

New tulips just dropped: The rural farmland north of Seattle erupts into a rainbow of color during the state's biggest flower fest.

03/27/2023 By Allison Williams

Look, honey!

Ranking Seattle's Tourist Traps

From the Space Needle to Smith Tower, just how cheesy are the city's biggest attractions?

03/23/2023 By Allison Williams

Road Warriors

How to Rent a Camper Van in Seattle

Four wheels, a bed, and the open road: Van life is within reach with Volkswagens, Sprinters, and more.

03/21/2023 By Allison Williams

Map Quest

A Road Trip from Fort Spokane to Kettle Falls

Deep in Central Washington, the mighty Columbia spreads itself into Lake Roosevelt, and a scenic highway traces its shores.

03/17/2023 By Allison Williams

Spring to It

Where to Hit the Slopes for the End of Ski Season

The Washington ski season is almost over—better make those last turns count at these local ski resorts, including Crystal and Mount Baker.

03/15/2023 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach and Allison Williams

Hanami How-To

A Viewing Guide for the UW Cherry Blossoms

The quad at the University of Washington has your flower peeping covered. Plus, tips for parking and hanami how-tos.

03/09/2023 By Seattle Met Staff

It's Time For You to Meet the Magical Lower Deschutes River

From its beginnings high up near Mount Bachelor to where it flows into the Columbia River, Central Oregon's Deschutes River is a special place.

By Sam Stites
Published 06/08/2023

Your Best Ever White Water Trip on the Lower Deschutes

Rafting on the Lower Deschutes River is an Oregon rite of passage, just 2 hours from Portland. A former rafting guide tells us the outfitters, guides, and rapids to know.

By Sam Stites
Published 06/08/2023

The Deschutes River Became My Therapist and Healer

A navy veteran fighting PTSD reflects on the Central Oregon gem, where he found healing, hope, joy, and fly-fishing.

By Chad Brown
Published 06/08/2023

Going Luxe on Lodging Along the Lower Deschutes

Staying on the Deschutes River doesn’t have to be a grimy and bug-filled experience, thanks to luxurious and charming spots like these.

By Sam Stites
Published 06/08/2023

New York Experiences Wildfire Smoke, Can’t Handle It

Portlanders are puzzled by East Coasters' response to poor air quality, which is their annual reality.

By Sam Stites
Published 06/07/2023

$200,000 Grants Pave the Way for Accessibility at Oregon Coast

Cannon Beach, Lincoln City, Manzanita, Seaside, and others are joining the push to improve beach access for those with disabilities.

By Molly Allen
Published 06/07/2023

not refreshing

New Reservation Systems Have Complicated Camping

First came the online systems for calling dibs on a campsite—then the ways to circumvent them. Who wins in the battle for a few square feet of dirt?

03/09/2023 By Allison Williams

Planner

What to Do in Washington State in March

Who doesn't want to be outside, bird watching and crab feasting?

03/03/2023 By Seattle Met Staff

Show-offs

Where to Take Tourists in Seattle

Where Seattle Met editors go to show off the city to our guests.

02/27/2023 By Allison Williams

Inspiration

Winter Road Trips from Seattle

Need ideas for the next weekend getaway? The open road is calling, even when it's chilly.

02/23/2023 By Allison Williams

Short Stops

Crystal Mountain's Famed Snorting Elk Bar Sold to New Owner

But the nachos aren't going anywhere at Washington state's classic post-ski spot.

02/21/2023 By Allison Williams

Cold sleep

How to Go Snow Camping in Washington State

Pitch a tent in a blizzard? Yep, really. Here's how.

02/17/2023 By Allison Williams

Destination Guide

Port Townsend: Where to Eat, What to Do, and Where to Stay

The Olympic Peninsula's prettiest town is here for a good time, from Finistere to events like Thing Festival.

02/13/2023 By Allison Williams

Map Quest

A Road Trip through Out-of-the-Way Oregon

Partway between Portland and Bend, a quiet stretch of high desert holds a quirky escape.

02/07/2023 By Allison Williams

Romance on the road

Romantic Valentine's Day Vacations in the Northwest

From hotel spas to cozy getaways, nothing says love like leaving home.

02/02/2023 By Allison Williams

Short Stops

Whistler's Bobsled Ride Delivers Bone-Rattling Realism

Cue the Olympic fanfare and climb in behind a real athlete to live out all your Cool Runnings dreams at Whistler Sliding Centre.

01/30/2023 By Allison Williams