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Hikers make their way along the Heybrook Ridge Trail on Friday, March 18, 2023, in Index, Washington. (Kayla Dunn / The Herald).

‘It took my breath away’: Lace up your hiking boots because spring is here

Heybrook Ridge Trail packs stunning views and a moss-covered forest in a 3.3 mile round-trip package.

 

Amtrak Cascades train 517 from Vancouver to Portland arrives at Everett Station Thursday, March 9, 2023, in downtown Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Ride the rails on the Amtrak Cascades for a rumbling adventure

The service derailed by the pandemic is fully restored with multiple travel options between Oregon and Canada.

 

Christmas in Seattle comes with activities for all ages, from festive lights for kids to the silly, boozy Seattle SantaCon. Seattle SantaCon photo

4 Ways to celebrate Christmas in Seattle this year

It’s never a sure bet whether Seattle will be able to celebrate…

 

People explore along the South Fork Stillaguamish River near the repaired bridge that heads to Big Four Ice Caves on Oct. 28, in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest near Granite Falls. Ryan Berry / Everett Herald photo

The Big Four Ice Caves: Access to one of Snohomish County’s most iconic destinations reopens

Washington’s Big Four Ice Caves, one of Snohomish County’s most popular nature destinations, about 20 miles east of Granite Falls, offers an experience well worth… Continue reading

People explore along the South Fork Stillaguamish River near the repaired bridge that heads to Big Four Ice Caves on Oct. 28, in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest near Granite Falls. Ryan Berry / Everett Herald photo
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.
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)
Airfares in Spokane, Washington are up 35 per cent, according to a new year-over-year study CheapAir.com that found smaller market airports were being more significantly affected by price increases. Conversely, larger markets, like San Francisco, are seeing less of an impact.

The US cities being most + least affected by airfare hikes

By Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Airfare costs are rising as demand surges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and fuel prices skyrocketing, but some cities… Continue reading

Airfares in Spokane, Washington are up 35 per cent, according to a new year-over-year study CheapAir.com that found smaller market airports were being more significantly affected by price increases. Conversely, larger markets, like San Francisco, are seeing less of an impact.
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