Northwest Portal Blog - Discover!
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Discover Four Great Washington Waterfalls in Four Climate Areas
Discover four great Washington waterfalls in four climate areas. Two of the things that make Washington amazing are stunning waterfalls and the variety of climate zones. You can find waterfalls in the coastal rain-forests of the Olympic peninsula, the temperate forests of the Seattle area, the sub-alpine and alpine landscapes of Mt Rainier National Park and the arid shrub steppe of Center and Eastern Washington.
Five Best Places to View Wildflowers and Much More in Central Washington
View the wildflowers of Central Washington with this itinerary that has five great stops. Enjoy the flowers, learn about the history and geology of the region, view Native American petroglyphs, wind turbines, and even a giant salmon water-slide.
Best Places to See Wildflowers in the Columbia River Gorge
Take a joyride through the Columbia River gorge and enjoy the spring wildflowers, learn about the region and culture, and enjoy some great wine, beer and food.
A Note from Recreate Responsibly
A note of Gratitude for the Recreation Community from “Recreate Responsibly”.
Camping, Climbing, & Coffee - A Leavenworth Adventure
This week I had the pleasure of exploring a place in Washington that I had heard about for many years, but never had the chance to actually visit. Leavenworth, Washington is a popular tourist destination and is well known among Washington natives.
Joyride: Skamania Mountain Adventure
Base your stay at the Resort at Skamania Cove or Carson Hot Springs Resort, where you can opt for a room with a private balcony hot tub - or rent an RV space!
Joyride: Explore Skamania County’s Sasquatches
In September 1969, Skamania County Sheriff Bill Closner photographed two tracks, 15½ inches long by nine inches wide, at a logging operation five miles north of town.
Joyride: Take a Walk on the Dry Side
Less than two hours from Seattle on the dry (and uncrowded) side of the mountains, Kittitas County is a perfect weekend getaway for people looking to escape the rains and crowds of Puget Sound.
Joyride: Find the Best Fall Colors
The Mountains to Sound Greenway, which stretches along the I-90 Corridor from Seattle to Ellensburg, was officially designated a National Heritage Area in 2019. The Greenway weaves together urban and wild areas, including the 15th largest metropolis in the United States, 900,000 acres of public land, and 100,000 acres of permanent private forests.
3 Amazing OHV Opportunities in Washington
With summer here, it is a great time to get out and enjoy the great outdoors - responsibly of course! Off-roading is a great activity for getting some fresh air. Check out these three great Washington OHV locales, and find countless more near you on our comprehensive OHV WA web-map.
ATV Adventures in Tahuya State Forest
Experience heart-pumping excitement as you race down trails, climb over boulders, and tour - break away from the ordinary as you travel through the forest on a quad. Get out on an ATV and enjoy the outdoors in a new way.
Enjoy the Blooming Spring Orchards Near Leavenworth
Imagine driving along a roaring river surrounded by blooming orchards perfuming the cool air! Ready for a Roadtrip? The perfect daytrip from Seattle for some fun in the Mountains.
Mapping Fires & Closures
To help our community navigate the ongoing fire crisis, Northwest Portal by Washington Hometown updates our recreation maps and apps to show the information people need. This includes showing designated fire closure areas (boundaries) as well as closures of specific areas and facilities.
4x4ing in the Tahuya State Forest
If you are looking for a place to ride your 4x4, check out the 7-mile dedicated 4x4 trail system of obstacles and adventures in the Tahuya State Forest.