Pacific Northwest Archives • Amanda Wanders

5 Places to Go Whale Watching in the Pacific Northwest

Orcas surfacing in the Pacific Northwest with an island in the background

You may have heard going the United States’ west coast is good for whale watching, and you’re wondering where to visit in Oregon and Washington specifically to find out. But then, after deciding you DO want to go whale watching, you realize you need the “where to go whale watching in the Pacific Northwest” questionContinue reading “5 Places to Go Whale Watching in the Pacific Northwest”

1 Day Itinerary for Olympic National Park

5+ giant moss-covered trees in the Hoh Rainforest of Olympic National Park with ferns covering the ground

Olympic National Park is one of the three gorgeous national parks in the state of Washington and it really is so, so special. Whether you’re looking for mountain hikes, rocky coastlines, rainforests, or anything in between you’re likely to find it at Olympic. While you could spend MANY days here and never run out ofContinue reading “1 Day Itinerary for Olympic National Park”

3 of the Must-Do Best Day Trips from Portland, Oregon

Mount Hood in the background with a vineyard in the foreground leading up to the camera

Portland is such a unique and special city in the US. My husband and I spent three weeks in Oregon, one of said weeks staying in Portland and we honestly fell in love with the city. There aren’t many cities in the US with such proximity to mountains AND the ocean and that’s just partContinue reading “3 of the Must-Do Best Day Trips from Portland, Oregon”

Abiqua Falls Hike • Guide to This Oregon Waterfall Near Portland

Water pouring over the waterfall with basalt columns all around

Oregon is home to many gorgeous and famous waterfall hikes, and Abiqua Falls has to be one of the most beautiful. It’s so unique, so special, and an overall not very difficult hike assuming weather is in your favor. So if you’re wanting to plan a day trip from Portland or are somewhere near SilverContinue reading “Abiqua Falls Hike • Guide to This Oregon Waterfall Near Portland”

1 Day in Mount Rainier Itinerary • How to Spend a Day

Tipsoo Lake with Cascade Mountains and Mount Rainier in the background

Washington is a beautiful state filled with so much natural beauty to see and so many amazing activities to do. And Mount Rainier National Park is absolutely a highlight in both of those areas. If you’re spending any time in Washington’s biggest city, then a Mt Rainier day trip from Seattle is an easy andContinue reading “1 Day in Mount Rainier Itinerary • How to Spend a Day”

The Best Place to Watch a Seattle Sunset

View of the Seattle skyline and Mount Rainier during sunset from Kerry Park.

Seattle is a super cool city with a ton to do (check out my one-day guide for inspiration) and even more amazing views. My favorite view from my time in the city was no doubt watching sunset. We found this incredible spot that I would have to consider the best place to watch a SeattleContinue reading “The Best Place to Watch a Seattle Sunset”

One Day Seattle Itinerary • Best Things to Do in Seattle

View of the Space Needles beyond the trees

Find yourself in the beautiful state of Washington and have the luxury of spending a day in Seattle? Well aren’t you lucky!? It is an absolutely gorgeous city and there are so many things to do in just one day in Seattle that I’m already dying to go back. The combination of mountains, volcano, andContinue reading “One Day Seattle Itinerary • Best Things to Do in Seattle”