2106, 2018

Get back to nature at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

Washington Our Home
June 21, 2018
Destinations, Family, History, Mt. Rainier, Western Washington, Wildlife
0
2478

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.

2210, 2016

Old Alder: Visit before it vanishes

Washington Our Home
October 22, 2016
Ghost Towns, Hikes, History, Mt. Rainier, Western Washington
10
10679

The term “ghost town” in today’s time has evolved from its more literal interpretation to describe any small town that has been abandoned or vacated. Most of the time, however, towns devoid of inhabitants have nowhere to grow but older. Not so for old Alder.

2909, 2015

Go ride the rails at Mount Rainier

Washington Our Home
September 29, 2015
Destinations, History, Mt. Rainier, Western Washington
1
1960

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

1006, 2014

Mount Rainier will always pose a threat

Washington Our Home
June 10, 2014
History, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Saint Helens, Western Washington
0
961

Mount Rainier is an active volcano. We all live in its shadow and love having it serve as one of our state’s most iconic symbols. We drink in its abundant wildlife and panoramic views, and take our midwest friends on tours of its national park. Yet it’s imperative that we all remain prepared for the inevitable.

2304, 2014

Northwest Trek: Experience Washington’s wildlife in the outdoors

Washington Our Home
April 23, 2014
Family, Mt. Rainier, Recreation, Western Washington, Wildlife
0
1376

In a split second, I knew it was a bald eagle as it shot by about ten feet overhead. I had never been that close to one in flight before. The unmistakable white markings, yellow beak and talons and gargantuan wingspan that easily distinguished it from the more common ravens and falcons in Ocean Shores were clearly visible just before it disappeared over the roofline as quickly as it had materialized.

0706, 2012

Spending National Trails Day at Sahara Creek/Nicholson Horse Trail System

Several weeks ago, I spotted a Facebook post from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources which invited any and all participants to volunteer with trail repair and maintenance. Being that I was in need of some good, old-fashioned dirty, wet and muddy outdoor time I decided to sign up. I checked out the various locations in which DNR needed volunteers and decide that Sahara Creek/Nicholson Horse Trail System would