Hello everyone,

We are super excited to visit the area!

Sorry in advance if I am making stupid questions but it's our first time traveling in the area during this time of the year and also we rented a van for the first time, so we would like to know your suggestions about campgrounds or where to park our van during this time, since we are not planning on booking any hotels.

Our itinerary will be pretty much (Chat GPT) did it:

Day 1 (April 16): Kirkland → Olympic National Park (Hurricane Ridge & Lake Crescent)

Day 2 (April 17): Hoh Rainforest & Pacific Coast

Day 3 (April 18): Olympic → Mount Rainier (Paradise Area)

Day 4 (April 19): Mount Rainier (Sunrise Area & Waterfalls)

Day 5 (April 20): Mount Rainier → Kirkland (Departure)

Do campgrounds offer showers and stuff? our van unfortunately does not have a shower so we are thinking what to do here.

How crowded is it going to be during this time??

Any recommendations would be appreciated it. This is going to be fun!!!

I am taking the journey from San Francisco to Denali, Alaska this May. I am looking for any suggestions or tips on the trip. I plan on taking the 101 and am giving myself 9 days to make it there. Should I give myself more time? Are there any routes I should avoid? Anything you think might help is greatly appreciated! I am super excited for this trip but want to make sure I am prepared. Please let me know! 😎🤙

Some pictures coming back on the Bremerton Ferry on Saturday at sunset. What a beautiful area we live in. 🥰🤘🏽

Federal way Washington

Hello! My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to the PNW, camping, hiking, seeing where the adventure takes us, etc. I'm just wondering if a NW Forest Pass would be worth purchasing, would it be helpful if we had to find a campsite last minute, for certain hikes? I'm still digging in and researching but thought I'd ask for any advice here as well!

Two part question. 1). The beauty of the PNW is undeniable. Rugged coastlines, lush rainforests, iconic mountains, etc. My question as someone who doesn’t live in the PNW (would like to eventually), do these elements grow stale over time, or do they keep their novelty? For example, the first time seeing Mount Rainier / Mount Hood takes your breath away, but living with them in the background for decades, do they lose their specialness? And 2). Many people move to the PNW to be closer to nature. While compared to other states, there is definitely more nature in normal daily activities (commuting, neighborhood walks, etc), but how often are you intentionally getting out with activities such as hiking, biking, camping, and so forth? Even with such convenient access, I’m sure it’s not uncommon for life to get busy and only finding yourself in nature once or twice a month. Ex. If you live in Portland, how often are you realistically going to drive 1hr to the coast, or 2hrs to Mount Hood? Very curious how time, familiarity, and busyness impact the scenic elements. Looking forward to hearing any thoughts.

The effects of climate change are global, national and local — and Washington state is feeling the heat. From melting snowpack to tragic wildfires, it’s clear to policymakers that action is needed. But as renewable energy projects are introduced and proposed, strong opposition has arisen too, from Washingtonians that worry about the impacts these massive undertakings will have on their communities and lives. 

In “It’s Not Easy Going Green,” a new three-part series from Northwest Reports by Cascade PBS, host Maleeha Syed is joined by investigative reporter Brandon Block and the two travel to Horse Heaven Hills just south of the Tri-Cities. There, a wind farm project featuring more than 200 wind turbines was approved by former Gov. Jay Inslee, but has been in limbo due to resistance from local homeowners, wildlife conservationists and the Yakama Nation. 

Block and Syed also explore the inner workings of the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC), a state body with the power to override local laws and recommend permits for new energy projects that is consistently criticized by clean energy developers, Indigenous nations and even the state legislature. In the final episode of the series, Syed and Block spotlight farmers — a strong voice in the debate over renewable energy development. Some see new energy facilities as economic opportunities, while others fear they threaten their way of life. 

Listen to all three episodes of “It’s Not Easy Going Green” out now, on Cascade PBS or wherever you get your podcasts.

Onion Creek

Colville, WA 2820 ft Elevation

Please Enjoy

r/Ask_Ben PhotoBen750 http://photoben750.com/

It’s not Oregon, Washington or Idaho but it’s damn close

Hwy 20 from Bend into Tumalo

Hello, my child and I currently live in the Midwest and I have always been in love with the Pacific Northwest, especially western Washington. I know that there are a million posts asking about places to live in the Pacific Northwest, but I haven’t seen any with my more specific situation, which is why I’m posting.

Are there any cities or towns that come to mind that would be easier for a single mom and child to make friends and community? Both my child and I loved Seattle, but it has the lowest amount of single moms and we definitely felt socially isolated in that sense. We don’t fit into the typical suburban family communities. I’m not against living in a suburb, just saying that we don’t fit into the typical suburban family areas, just as we don’t fit into areas that are more childfree friendly.

My child is autistic, and so it would be helpful if where we live has access to services and therapies.

My main focus for where we move is nature, community, and areas that feel safe as a woman. We love hiking. I would like opportunities to make friends, rather than places that are less friendly to single parents (such as Seattle).

I work remotely so jobs and commuting doesn’t matter. I know that everywhere is expensive, in asking this question I’m not focused on budget, just wondering what cities and towns come to mind that have access to nature and might be easier for a single parent to make friends compared to places like Seattle that are more difficult in that sense.

I do really enjoy ecstatic dances and artistic community in places like Seattle and Portland.

I have been thinking of Vancouver, WA. I had thought of Eugene, but have heard it has been feeling less safe for women. I have also thought of Ashland as a possibility.

I am going to be in Bend for the fist time the very last week of April for a conference. I was hoping to check out a few sites in the surrounding area while I am there, but based on my research most of the roads are still closed? I have Smith Rock on my list, but I was hoping to also see Tumalo Falls and maybe Newberry Volcano. I have no snow gear and wouldn't want to hassle with it anyway on a short trip.