pnw.adventure.explorer

01/31/2026

11/16/2025

Dog lichen (*Peltigera canina*) and purple-edge bonnets (*Mycena purpureofusca*) stealing the show on the forest floor at Upper Dungeness Trailhead 🍄🌿
A miniature world of texture, color, and quiet magic.

10/31/2025

🌊 UPPER DUNGENESS TRAILHEAD: PNW RIVER MAGIC FOR BEGINNERS! 🌲

Tucked in Olympic National Forest (near Sequim), this is your chill intro to wilderness vibes—no summit required. Follow the roaring Dungeness River through old-growth forest to Camp Handy (shelter + picnic spot).

**Quick Stats**:
✅ Distance: 7 miles RT to Camp Handy (easy-moderate)
✅ Elevation: ~750 ft gain (gentle)
✅ Time: 2.5–3 hrs
✅ Dogs: Leashed, yes!
✅ Best for: All ages (snow-free Oct–May)

**How to Get There** (17 miles from Hwy 101):
1. From Sequim Bay State Park, turn left on Louella Rd → left on Palo Alto Rd (1.1 mi).
2. Right on FS 2880 (past Dungeness Forks Campground).
3. Left on FS 2870 (8.7 mi of bumpy gravel—high-clearance recommended, but sedans make it slow).
4. Park across the river bridge (large lot, vault toilets).

Pro Tip: Roads are rough (potholes + dust), so download offline maps. Leave No Trace—pack out everything!

Who's ready for river therapy? Tag your hike buddy & save for weekend plans! 👇

10/30/2025

The Red Floor (officially “The Red Hall”) on Level 4 of the Seattle Central Library was designed by Rem Koolhaas and Joshua Prince-Ramus of OMA, with LMN Architects.
Their vision was to make each part of the library feel like a different zone of experience — not just another floor in a building.

The Red Floor serves as a “transitional zone” — it connects the public areas (reading rooms, stacks, and open spaces) with more private and functional rooms like meeting areas and staff offices. To emphasize this change of atmosphere, Koolhaas used intense color and sculptural architecture to make visitors feel like they’re entering a different world.

05/06/2025

The Tin Mine Trail, nestled within the Green Mountain State Forest near Bremerton, Washington, offers a moderately challenging hike rich in natural beauty and local history. Spanning approximately 5 miles with an elevation gain of around 600 feet, the trail is suitable for families and hikers of various skill levels.

Beginning at the Gold Creek Trailhead, the loop can be traversed in either direction. Opting for a counter-clockwise route presents a steeper ascent via switchbacks, leading to rewarding vistas of the Olympic Mountains and the Sinclair Inlet. Along the way, hikers will encounter diverse terrains, including dense forests of Douglas fir and western red cedar, serene ponds, and a small creek crossed by wooden bridges.

A notable feature of the trail is the historic tin mine, dating back to the late 19th century. While the mine itself is flooded and not safe to enter, it stands as a testament to the area's mining past.

The trail is dog-friendly (leashes required) and accessible year-round. Amenities at the trailhead include parking and restrooms, though a Discover Pass is required for vehicle access.

For those seeking a hike that combines scenic views, historical intrigue, and a touch of adventure, the Tin Mine Trail is a commendable choice in the Kitsap Peninsula region.

04/29/2025

Iron Goat Trail
The Iron Goat Trail is a scenic and historic hiking trail located in the Cascade Mountains near Stevens Pass in Washington State. Once a railway route for the Great Northern Railway, the trail follows the old grade built in the early 1900s, featuring tunnels, snow sheds, and interpretive signs that tell the story of railroad history and the tragic Wellington avalanche of 1910.

The trail is relatively easy and well-maintained, making it perfect for families, history buffs, and casual hikers. It's especially beautiful in spring and fall, with lush greenery or vibrant autumn colors. With multiple access points and loop options, you can tailor your hike from a short stroll to a longer day hike.

04/28/2025

Cathedral Falls is a stunning 248-foot waterfall nestled within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, near Glenoma, Washington. This hidden gem cascades over a moss-covered cliff, offering visitors the unique experience of walking behind the waterfall into a cavernous hollow, which inspired its name.

The hike to Cathedral Falls is accessible via the Goat Creek Trail, a 1.7-mile out-and-back route considered easy to moderate, with an average completion time of about 49 minutes. The trail meanders through lush forests, featuring huckleberry bushes and wildflowers in the late spring and early summer. Along the way, hikers will encounter a couple of small creek crossings and narrow sections, which may require assistance for younger children.

The falls are most spectacular from early May to mid-June, when water flow is at its peak due to snowmelt and spring rains. By late June, the flow diminishes, but a gentle trickle often continues through the year, making it a worthwhile destination even in drier months.

To reach the trailhead, travelers should navigate to Forest Road 2750, following directions through the Cowlitz Valley. The route includes a stretch on a dirt road that is publicly accessible, despite being privately owned by a timber company.

Cathedral Falls offers a serene and family-friendly hiking experience, combining the beauty of a towering waterfall with the tranquility of Washington's old-growth forests.

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03/17/2025

Hole in the wall from afar .

03/16/2025

Went to Ruby Beach today. Amazing place to visit.

03/16/2025

Went to Rialto Beach today and visited Hole in the wall and checked out some tide pools. Awesome early morning exploring.