Discovering the Creatures of the Northwest Trek Trails
0104, 2019

Discovering the Creatures of the Northwest Trek Trails

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In the 1930’s, a husband and wife team of conservationists purchased over 400 acres of desolate, charred land in south Pierce County, Washington. Fast forward 80 years (and factor in the meticulous planning, fastidious nurturing, generous donating, and fortuitous timing), and today, people of all ages can visit Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. In this episode, your fearless field guide Erich Ebel takes you on a tour of the park that’s

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Visiting Walla Walla’s Historic Marcus Whitman Hotel
0701, 2019

Visiting Walla Walla’s Historic Marcus Whitman Hotel

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Visitors to eastern Washington often find themselves drawn to the rich viticultural tasting opportunities found in Walla Walla wine country. There are literally dozens of wineries, tasting rooms and wine bars dotting the historic downtown area. It’s a superb example of a rural agricultural community that has revitalized its downtown core through business and tourism development. And the best place to stay in Walla Walla, by far, is the Marcus Whitman Hotel. Your fearless field guide Erich Ebel escorts you through the historic halls and into the palatial parlor on this exclusive Washington Our Home tour.

Get back to nature at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
2106, 2018

Get back to nature at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

This story begins in the majestically-forested foothills near Mount Rainier. Dr. David and Connie Hellyer purchased land there in 1937, and lived on it for over 40 years. In 1971, the Hellyers donated their land to the Tacoma Metropolitan Parks District, with the explicit intent to create a conservation habitat that the public could enjoy. After four years of diligent fundraising and planning, Northwest Trek officially opened its doors on July 17, 1975.

Fort Cascades in Skamania County
0707, 2017

Fort Cascades in Skamania County

Nestled just a stone’s throw beneath the Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River between Oregon and Washington lies an unassuming National Historic Site filled with stories worth telling. On a recent work trip to the south end of Skamania County, I stumbled upon this great heritage destination. If you’re looking to escape a bustling city without traveling too far into the void of central Washington, Skamania County is an excellent

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Marketing in the Methow Valley
1610, 2015

Marketing in the Methow Valley

Thanks to my work with Scenic Washington, I was invited to be a presenter at their annual retreat in Winthrop. Since I haven’t been to Winthrop since I was about seven, I jumped at the chance to not only see the Methow Valley again but to help some of Washington’s tourism partners recognize the value in history, heritage and culture. The drive from Lacey to Winthrop is a long one, but

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Go ride the rails at Mount Rainier
2909, 2015

Go ride the rails at Mount Rainier

One of the most enthralling aspects of Washington state – besides its snow-capped mountain vistas, panoramic ocean views, arid desert plains, and ancient lakes, rivers and forests – is the fact that there is a unique and wonderful history attached to each one. Nowhere is that arguably more evident than in the southwestern foothills of Mount Rainier. On the surface, an affordable train ride through the woods (with or without

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