July 4, 2023, was a fantastically radiant day in sunny Spokane, Washington. It was also a day off of work, and just happened to be the day before my 20th wedding anniversary. I decided to introduce my beautiful bride to some of my wonderful childhood memories by taking her on an adventure down the Little Spokane River. It was especially nice since the kids were staying with the grandparents for
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Installed in 1974, just in time for the World’s Fair Exposition in Spokane, Washington, this iconic structure has delighted children and adults visiting the Inland Northwest for generations—but it isn’t the canted pavilion that once marked the US presence at the fair, or the gondola across Spokane Falls that takes visitors so close they can feel the spray on their faces, or even the German beer garden facility that now
We learn about the history of the land, speak with naturalists about the newest hands-on learning area, and take a tram ride through the wilderness. But there are dozens more animals and attractions worth checking out along the park’s myriad trails and pathways.
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.
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
Not only is Moses Lake a great vacation destination, but it’s loaded with history as well. Let’s begin with the most obvious question…who is Moses Lake named for? The answer is not who you might think.
Any Washingtonian worth their basalt has – at one time or another – driven through Vantage during the long drive from Seattle to Spokane. Most of us breeze across the bridge and don’t look back as we climb the hills on the opposite side, dodging crawling semis and hoping our radiators don’t overheat. But if you’re more interested in your journey than your destination, you may have taken the time to
It was at this exact moment, 35 years ago, that the deadliest and most economically-destructive volcanic event in the history of the United States occurred just 60 miles from where I now live. Fifty-seven people were killed. 250 homes were wiped out. 47 bridges, 15 miles of railways and 185 miles of highway…gone. An earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale triggered an eruption and caused a massive debris avalanche that
Almost everyone has a connection to World War II, and chances are good that you’re holding on to photos of someone from our Greatest Generation. Washington’s Secretary of State wants to help you share that story this year through their Legacy Washington campaign called “Washington Remembers.” From the beaches of Normandy to Buchenwald concentration camp, Washington veterans recall their experiences during World War II. Learn more and pay tribute to Washington’s heroes who changed the
I introduced myself and my wife to our Lake Quinault coach tour guide, LeRoy Tipton. He said our names twice and quipped, “I have a really good memory. But my recall does not work very well. In fact, I have a very good memory except for names…faces, places, events, dates…stuff like that.” During the twenty-minute introduction where LeRoy (pronounced “luh-ROY” not “LEE-roy”) eloquently set the stage for our three-hour tour