Things to do

The Skyline trail at Washington state’s Mt. Rainier offers sweeping, glacier-fed waterfalls and what feels like a face-to-face meeting with the mountain itself. Photo by Alex Bruell

This summer, visit a paradise on Earth

If you’ve never visited the Paradise area of Mt. Rainier, there’s still time this summer to correct that grievous error. Embarrassingly late for a Washington… Continue reading

The Skyline trail at Washington state’s Mt. Rainier offers sweeping, glacier-fed waterfalls and what feels like a face-to-face meeting with the mountain itself. Photo by Alex Bruell
Hikers walk near the entrance of Ape Cave in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The cave is a series of lava tubes from an eruption of Mount St. Helens 2,000 years ago. (Taylor Balkom / The Columbian)

Venture into the dark at Washington’s Ape Cave

The 42-degree underworld on the flank of Mount St. Helens is fun to explore — in a spooky sort of way.

Hikers walk near the entrance of Ape Cave in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The cave is a series of lava tubes from an eruption of Mount St. Helens 2,000 years ago. (Taylor Balkom / The Columbian)
Compressed Cube Tensegrity Sculpture is one of the first sculptures seen from the east parking lot Thursday, May 5, 2022, at Earth Sanctuary in Clinton, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

For $7, take a walk on the spiritual side of Whidbey Island

The 72-acre nature preserve has sculptures and sacred spaces. “It is contemplative, peaceful and magical.”

Compressed Cube Tensegrity Sculpture is one of the first sculptures seen from the east parking lot Thursday, May 5, 2022, at Earth Sanctuary in Clinton, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The powerful Spokane Falls are a must-visit experience in Spokane, WA.

Family takes a mystery trip that’s full of adventure

Her family was minutes away from leaving on a road trip, but there was a catch — they had no idea where they were going.

The powerful Spokane Falls are a must-visit experience in Spokane, WA.
An Amtrak train rolls westbound along the White Rock, B.C. waterfront. File photo

Passenger train between Vancouver and Seattle to resume in September

Passenger-train service between Vancouver, B.C. and Seattle, WA. is set to resume in September for the first time since the start of the pandemic. It’s… Continue reading

An Amtrak train rolls westbound along the White Rock, B.C. waterfront. File photo
Dept. of Commerce and Economic Development A boy with a picnic basket is photographed in front of Deception Pass Bridge in 1950.

Washington State’s most popular park turns 100

The most visited state park in Washington celebrates a century of recreation and conservation.

Dept. of Commerce and Economic Development A boy with a picnic basket is photographed in front of Deception Pass Bridge in 1950.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it's one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Three Beacons: Take a tour of three Everett-area lighthouses

These beacons guided mariners to safety for many years — since 1861, in one case. Here are their stories.

The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it's one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Jetty Island ferry service from the Port of Everett waterfront to the two-mile sandy breakwater is set to return July 6 through Labor Day. (Lizz Giordano / Herald file)

Jetty Island ferry reservations open for the summer season

Reservations are required and cost $3 per person for the short ferry ride to sandy beaches

Jetty Island ferry service from the Port of Everett waterfront to the two-mile sandy breakwater is set to return July 6 through Labor Day. (Lizz Giordano / Herald file)
On summer afternoons, the sun warms the shallow water off Jetty Island’s west shore. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

5 things to do this summer in Snohomish County

Hop a ferry. Play in the sand. Look for Bigfoot. Tour the past. Toast the sunset.

On summer afternoons, the sun warms the shallow water off Jetty Island’s west shore. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Jenny Schmitz on the Skyline trail at Mount Rainier National Park. Ted Bashor photo

Washington hiking guide offers a new way to find accessible trails

one that helps users determine whether or not a trail is… Continue reading

Jenny Schmitz on the Skyline trail at Mount Rainier National Park. Ted Bashor photo