Washington
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The US contains 50 states. And with a country size of 9,826,630km² (3,794,083 square miles / 2,428.2 mln acres / 1,839.5 mln football fields / 753.4 trillion square hamburgers) you can count on an incredibly high level of variety in character and identity of each and every one of them. Yet, the very first one I got to discover takes a special place in my heart. It might be the thrill of novelty, the outdoor escapades I enjoyed here, or because Cupido traced me down at its very grounds. Most likely, it’s the stunning landscapes that mirror my dreams: endless mountain ranges, lush wilderness, shimmering emerald lakes and dense forests. A splash of Pacific on the side I’ll count as a friendly bonus. It was my first contact with the US of A, but it’s a place I ended up coming back over and over again, even for a longer-term basis. Washington truly embodies my American Dream.
Pacific Crest Trail
I had just finished my 9,500km cycle journey across Canada and I had still some summer left to spare. With the United States lined up as my next destination, I figured I should hike those last sunrays away before the notorious Washington rainclouds would take the stage again. It was therefore a stroke of good fortune to be in Washington, as the hiking opportunities here are among the finest you can discover in the entire nation. The state is home to an array of long-distance trails, with several earning the distinction of being thru-hikes, such as the sections of the Pacific Northwest Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail that traverse its landscape. Due to its elaborate media exposure, with both a book and a film on its name, the PCT immediately rang a bell. The Pacific Crest Trail, measuring 4,265 kilometres (2,650 miles), connects Mexico to Canada as it meanders through the states of California, Oregon, and Washington. The route meanders across the broad western American landscapes, showcasing a variety of environments such as sun-baked deserts, the frosty reaches of the Sierra Nevada, thick woodlands, and isolated wilderness areas, as well as the striking volcanic heights of the Cascade Range. The trail is an extended summary of the natural wonders that grace the magnificent west coast. Alright, let’s knock this baby out!
Pacific Crest Trail
I had just finished my 9,500km cycle journey across Canada and I had still some summer left to spare. With the United States lined up as my next destination, I figured I should hike those last sunrays away before the notorious Washington rainclouds would take the stage again. It was therefore a stroke of good fortune to be in Washington, as the hiking opportunities here are among the finest you can discover in the entire nation. The state is home to an array of long-distance trails, with several earning the distinction of being thru-hikes, such as the sections of the Pacific Northwest Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail that traverse its landscape. Due to its elaborate media exposure, with both a book and a film on its name, the PCT immediately rang a bell. The Pacific Crest Trail, measuring 4,265 kilometres (2,650 miles), connects Mexico to Canada as it meanders through the states of California, Oregon, and Washington. The route meanders across the broad western American landscapes, showcasing a variety of environments such as sun-baked deserts, the frosty reaches of the Sierra Nevada, thick woodlands, and isolated wilderness areas, as well as the striking volcanic heights of the Cascade Range. The trail is an extended summary of the natural wonders that grace the magnificent west coast. Alright, let’s knock this baby out!
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Honestly, that was easier said than done. Where I usually just grab the bare basics, tie my hiking boots and take off, I had to actually plan this undertaking. You see, where in Europe, food or facilities are always about a 48-hr hike away at best, here you’re out in the wild. The complete wild. There is absolutely nothing around. No shelter, no food, no medical services, no transport, nothing. In order to reach any service you have to hike multiple days out of the wilderness, stand for hours on a deserted road with your thumb up, and hitchhike at least 50 miles to the nearest mountain village. Where your past-self has sent a prepared food package to. This overwhelming sense of isolation and remoteness not only poses a significant challenge but also fuels the very passion that compels you to tirelessly trek for weeks on end. The seclusion with yourself and your prime thoughts, the direct one-on-one-encounter with the mountains, the lifeline between you and the crystal clear lakes… the complete reset to the roots. Covering 814 kilometres (506 miles), the Washington Section features treetop-covered summits, serpentine trails that meander along mountain rims and lakeshores, and expansive views that leave you breathless with emotion. An environment only shared with the marmots, black bears and mountain goats, and of course Mount Rainier, your omni-present ally.
Read more about my day-to-day adventures on the Washington PCT in these articles.
Read more about my day-to-day adventures on the Washington PCT in these articles.
The Islands
Washington seems to have it all. Featuring stunning snow-capped summits and vast mountain ranges, it is also home to a fascinating cluster of islands located just south of Canada’s Vancouver Island. At the northernmost point of the country lies the San Juan Islands Archipelago, which is home to at least 175 named islands. If you include all the land that emerges at low tide, the total number of islands in the could soar to 700! Nestled in the Salish Sea, north of Seattle, these islands are part of a submerged mountain range in upper Puget Sound. This vistas beckons visitors from all over the globe, highlighting a one-of-a-kind mix of lush greenery rising from rugged grey boulders, with remote, snow-capped summits rising up behind sandy coastlines. The San Juan Islands National Monument is a treasure trove of science and history, serving as a sanctuary for diverse wildlife and a peaceful retreat for both residents and tourists. The verdant shores and quaint villages provide an ideal base for activities such as whale and orca watching, fishing excursions, and kayak trips.
The largest one of all? Whidbey, located 42km north of Seattle. Here, lush forests cascade down to secluded coves, rugged beaches, and towering cliffs. It connects by a bridge over the Deception Pass, offering a route to Fidalgo Island and beyond, as well as by ferry from Mukilteo. Despite its easy access, Whidbey Island manages to maintain a sense of tranquillity, even during the bustling summer months. Its coastal towns are infused with the refreshing scent of salty air, the mesmerizing views of the ocean, and the haunting melodies of migrating whales. While some opt to hike the state parks, towns like Oak Harbor, Langley, and Coupeville offer a somewhat cultural distraction. Life here seems to take on a slower pace, quite gratefully so. Besides enjoying its surroundings during an 8-day housesit, the island stood out as a beloved part of my favorite road trip kicking off in Seattle. This drive takes you north along the scenic western coast before looping back down through Fidalgo, Whidbey, Bainbridge, and possibly even Vashon Island or Camano Island, connected to one another by bridges and ferries. Deception Pass State Park, the Robert Y. Pratt Reserve, Fort Casey State Park, Manchester State Park, Cedar Heights and Kopachuck State Park are a few of the state parks you’ll pass along the way... The city never seemed so far away.
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Washington seems to have it all. Featuring stunning snow-capped summits and vast mountain ranges, it is also home to a fascinating cluster of islands located just south of Canada’s Vancouver Island. At the northernmost point of the country lies the San Juan Islands Archipelago, which is home to at least 175 named islands. If you include all the land that emerges at low tide, the total number of islands in the could soar to 700! Nestled in the Salish Sea, north of Seattle, these islands are part of a submerged mountain range in upper Puget Sound. This vistas beckons visitors from all over the globe, highlighting a one-of-a-kind mix of lush greenery rising from rugged grey boulders, with remote, snow-capped summits rising up behind sandy coastlines. The San Juan Islands National Monument is a treasure trove of science and history, serving as a sanctuary for diverse wildlife and a peaceful retreat for both residents and tourists. The verdant shores and quaint villages provide an ideal base for activities such as whale and orca watching, fishing excursions, and kayak trips.
The largest one of all? Whidbey, located 42km north of Seattle. Here, lush forests cascade down to secluded coves, rugged beaches, and towering cliffs. It connects by a bridge over the Deception Pass, offering a route to Fidalgo Island and beyond, as well as by ferry from Mukilteo. Despite its easy access, Whidbey Island manages to maintain a sense of tranquillity, even during the bustling summer months. Its coastal towns are infused with the refreshing scent of salty air, the mesmerizing views of the ocean, and the haunting melodies of migrating whales. While some opt to hike the state parks, towns like Oak Harbor, Langley, and Coupeville offer a somewhat cultural distraction. Life here seems to take on a slower pace, quite gratefully so. Besides enjoying its surroundings during an 8-day housesit, the island stood out as a beloved part of my favorite road trip kicking off in Seattle. This drive takes you north along the scenic western coast before looping back down through Fidalgo, Whidbey, Bainbridge, and possibly even Vashon Island or Camano Island, connected to one another by bridges and ferries. Deception Pass State Park, the Robert Y. Pratt Reserve, Fort Casey State Park, Manchester State Park, Cedar Heights and Kopachuck State Park are a few of the state parks you’ll pass along the way... The city never seemed so far away.
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Tacoma
From deep-wild hiking endeavours to seafarer journeys and urban getaways… I just couldn’t wrap my head around the glorious diversity of this compact state. It all seems to be so damn good. Besides Tacoma. The city instantly erased from my memory the second I drove out of its city borders again, only to be reminded of it once scrolling through my photos weeks later. “Ah yeah, I guess I was there too.” I mean, they’re not doing anything specifically wrong. It’s a functional city providing a home to 223,000 people, of which 28.5 thousand students attending institutions such as the University of Washington. It has shops, it has streets and it has a bunch of parks. It’s just… boring. Once you spent the 25 seconds walking across the Chihuly Bridge of Glass and drove up and down its little light rail for the 3rd time, you just end up in a state of frantically searching for something to break the overwhelming monotony and kill the time until you may catch the bus out again. A bland experience. If you happen to end up here, make sure it’s the third Thursday of the month, when the Tacoma Art Museum, Washington State History Museum and the Museum of Glass can be visited free of charge (otherwise unaffordable for the average budget backpacker, thanks to the capitalist principles being applied to everything including the country’s cultural offer).
FREE Sights / Activities
PAID Sights / Activities
From deep-wild hiking endeavours to seafarer journeys and urban getaways… I just couldn’t wrap my head around the glorious diversity of this compact state. It all seems to be so damn good. Besides Tacoma. The city instantly erased from my memory the second I drove out of its city borders again, only to be reminded of it once scrolling through my photos weeks later. “Ah yeah, I guess I was there too.” I mean, they’re not doing anything specifically wrong. It’s a functional city providing a home to 223,000 people, of which 28.5 thousand students attending institutions such as the University of Washington. It has shops, it has streets and it has a bunch of parks. It’s just… boring. Once you spent the 25 seconds walking across the Chihuly Bridge of Glass and drove up and down its little light rail for the 3rd time, you just end up in a state of frantically searching for something to break the overwhelming monotony and kill the time until you may catch the bus out again. A bland experience. If you happen to end up here, make sure it’s the third Thursday of the month, when the Tacoma Art Museum, Washington State History Museum and the Museum of Glass can be visited free of charge (otherwise unaffordable for the average budget backpacker, thanks to the capitalist principles being applied to everything including the country’s cultural offer).
FREE Sights / Activities
- Sights: Chihuly Bridge of Glass, W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory, Union Station, Bob’s Java Jive, Port of Tacoma, Sanford & Son Antiques, Dune Peninsula, Point Defiance Slides, Spanish Steps.
- Museums: Foss Waterway Seaport Museum, Fife History Museum (by appointment), Tacoma Art Museum (Free 3rd Thu/month), Washington State History Museum (Free 3rd Thu/month), Museum of Glass (Free 3rd Thu/month).
- Hikes / Nature: Point Defiance Park, Ruston Way Park, Titlow Park, Wright Park, Chinese Reconciliation Park, Fort Stealacoom Park, Fireman’s Park, Owen Beach.
PAID Sights / Activities
- Museums: Pacific Bonsai Museum (by donation), Children’s Museum of Tacoma, Tacoma Nature Center, Buffalo Soldiers National Museum.
- Other: Breweries.
Seattle
Not one American city got the ample amount of my undivided time and attention as Seattle did. Admittedly, my perspective might be more tied to a certain individual rather than the city itself, but it did create plenty of opportunity for the city to grow on me. And it did. I wouldn’t necessarily consider myself a city person, especially when referring to North American cities that tend to lack the historical and cultural depth I typically appreciate. Yet, in prep- and rest times before, during and after the PCT, and amidst the three separate visits to a certain someone, Seattle showed its strengths. A group effort, so to say, as what typically stood out for me is its wide tapestry of different neighbourhoods, each one radiating its own special charm and ambiance. The artistic flair of Fremont, the diverse food scene and Scandinavian heritage of Ballard, the stylish elegance of Queen Anne and the upscale class of waterfront Magnolia. Seattle's identity is not limited to its contemporary downtown, known for its sharp and stylish architectural aesthetics, almost as to overcompensate for its disorganized and ever-growing sprawl of visible homelessness.
Seattle’s allure is further enhanced by its close proximity to all elements of nature. On a clear day, Mount Rainier stands tall and proud, visible from almost every corner of the city. And he’s not your only hiking buddy ready for some outdoor adventure: Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, the Issaquah Highlands, Squak Mountain State Park Natural Area, Tiger Mountain State Forest, Grand Ridge Park, Duthie Hill, Chinook Bend Natural Area, Soaring Eagle Regional Park and Redmond Watershed Preserve are all stroking the city’s edges. With a bit more time on your hands you can add Mount Si, the Twin Falls Natural Area, the Snoqualmie Pass, the Forks of the Sky State Park, Steven’s Pass and even the North Cascades National Park to the mix. As an extra bonus, this 755,000-inhabitant city is surrounded by water, with Lake Washington on its right and Puget Sound on the left: a part of the Salish Sea, connected through the Strait of Juan de Fuca, which opens up to the great Pacific Ocean. When the sun graces Seattle with its scarce presence, Alki Beach, Des Moines Beach, and Madison Beach are at your disposal.
Not one American city got the ample amount of my undivided time and attention as Seattle did. Admittedly, my perspective might be more tied to a certain individual rather than the city itself, but it did create plenty of opportunity for the city to grow on me. And it did. I wouldn’t necessarily consider myself a city person, especially when referring to North American cities that tend to lack the historical and cultural depth I typically appreciate. Yet, in prep- and rest times before, during and after the PCT, and amidst the three separate visits to a certain someone, Seattle showed its strengths. A group effort, so to say, as what typically stood out for me is its wide tapestry of different neighbourhoods, each one radiating its own special charm and ambiance. The artistic flair of Fremont, the diverse food scene and Scandinavian heritage of Ballard, the stylish elegance of Queen Anne and the upscale class of waterfront Magnolia. Seattle's identity is not limited to its contemporary downtown, known for its sharp and stylish architectural aesthetics, almost as to overcompensate for its disorganized and ever-growing sprawl of visible homelessness.
Seattle’s allure is further enhanced by its close proximity to all elements of nature. On a clear day, Mount Rainier stands tall and proud, visible from almost every corner of the city. And he’s not your only hiking buddy ready for some outdoor adventure: Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, the Issaquah Highlands, Squak Mountain State Park Natural Area, Tiger Mountain State Forest, Grand Ridge Park, Duthie Hill, Chinook Bend Natural Area, Soaring Eagle Regional Park and Redmond Watershed Preserve are all stroking the city’s edges. With a bit more time on your hands you can add Mount Si, the Twin Falls Natural Area, the Snoqualmie Pass, the Forks of the Sky State Park, Steven’s Pass and even the North Cascades National Park to the mix. As an extra bonus, this 755,000-inhabitant city is surrounded by water, with Lake Washington on its right and Puget Sound on the left: a part of the Salish Sea, connected through the Strait of Juan de Fuca, which opens up to the great Pacific Ocean. When the sun graces Seattle with its scarce presence, Alki Beach, Des Moines Beach, and Madison Beach are at your disposal.
The only downside of this city is, in my opinion, the sheer cost of everything. I'm not only referring to the skyrocketing cost of living or the outrageous prices of basic take-out food that lack any nutritional value (let alone a restaurant meal, this is an out-of-proportion-expense for the modest budget backpacker, especially considering the added VAT and the expected 20-35% tip as employers refuse to pay their staff the bare minimum here). The cancer of capitalism has shed its ugly shadow on every single component of society, including its art and culture scene. Exactly those elements that are capable of enriching the minds of many, only enrich the wallets of a few here. The Museum of Pop Culture? That’ll be $29.50 please. A quick visit to the Chihuly Garden and Glass? That’ll set you back $37.50! I almost expected to be able to take an artwork home afterwards for that kind of money. Even the so-called budget “city pass”, including the fees to (only) 5 attractions, costs a whopping $127. You know, museums quadruple the size and offer a collection 20x as large in Europe, for a few bucks or entirely free, as over there government funding isn’t only directed into war and overseas politics. Just sayin’. You’re only option is to focus on the few freebies at hand (Frye Art Museum / Klondike Gold Rush Museum / Marine Science and Technology Center / The Unity Museum / Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center) or plan your visit on the first Thursday of the month, when the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Asian Art Museum, the Museum of History and Industry, the Museum of Flight, the National Nordic Museum, the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture and the Holocaust Center for Humanity open their doors to the plebs.
FREE Sights / Activities
PAID Sights / Activities
Find the full list here.
FREE Sights / Activities
- Sights: Pike Place Market, Gum Wall, 1st Starbucks, Seattle Public Library, Olympic Sculpture Park, University of Washington (Suzallo Library), Seattle Spheres, Fremont Troll, Ballard Locks (Hiram M. Chittenden), Alki Point Lighthouse, Kurt Cobain House, Jimi Hendrix Park, Jimi Hendrix Statue, Bruce Lee Grave, Seattle Chinese Garden, Pioneer Square, Seattle Waterfront, Fishermen’s Terminal, St. James Cathedral, West Point Lighthouse, Shilsole Marina, Hammering Man Statue, Lenin Statue, Geocaching HQ (free scheduled visits).
- Museums: Frye Art Museum, Klondike Gold Rush Museum, Marine Science and Technology Center, The Unity Museum, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center, Connections Museum (appointment), Seattle Art Museum (Free 1st Thu/month), Seattle Asian Art Museum (Free 1st Thu/month), Museum of History and Industry (Free 1st Thu/month), Museum of Flight (Free 1st Thu/month), National Nordic Museum (Free 1st Thu/month), Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture (Free 1st Thu/month), Holocaust Center for Humanity (Free 1st Thu/month), Georgetown Steam Plant Museum (Free 2nd Sat/month), Neighbourhood Art Walks, Events at Seattle Center.
- Hikes / Nature: Discovery Park, Kerry Park, Gas Works Park, Green Lake Park, Golden Gardens Park, Interlaken Park, Kubota Garden, Golden Gardens Park, Waterfall Garden Park, Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden, Lincoln Park, Carkeek Park, Volunteer Park, Centennial Park, Denny Park, Seward Park, Viretta Park, Jefferson Park, Volunteer Park Conservatory (Free 1st Thu+Sat/month), Washington Park Arboretum, Woodland Park Rose Garden, Lake Union (free boat rental at Centre Of Wooden Boats), Alki Beach, Des Moins Beach, Madison Beach, Magnuson Park, Cal Anderson Park, Redondo Beach, Angle Lake, Lake Washington, Myrtle Edwards Park, Matthews Beach Park, Ravenna Park, Warren G. Magnuson Park, Madrona Park, Schmitz Park, Sunset Hill Park, Elliott Bay Trail.
- Other: Mox Boarding House Game Nights, Breweries, Distilleries.
- Neighbourhoods: Central District, Ballard, Fremont, Queen Anne, Magnolia, Capitol Hill, Chinatown, Belltown, University District, Phinney Ridge, Greenwood, Beacon Hill, Columbia City / Rainier Valley, SoDo, Georgetown, South Lake Union, Waterfront, West Seattle, White Center, Woodinville.
- In The Area: Mount Si, Bainbridge Island, Blake Island State Park.
PAID Sights / Activities
- Sights: Space Needle, Sky View Observatory, Smith Tower, Seattle Great Wheel, Benaroya Hall, 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle Symphony, Neptune Theatre, Seattle Opera, Seattle Japanese Garden.
- Museums: Chihuly Garden and Glass (very expensive), Museum of Pop Culture, Pacific Science Center, Wing Luke Museum, Seattle Children’s Museum, Pinball Museum, Northwest African American Museum, Seattle Metropolitan Police Museum.
- Other: Washington State Ferries, T-Mobile Park, Lumen Field, Climate Pledge Arena, Husky Stadium.
Find the full list here.
Olympic National Park
Nestled in the northwestern corner of Washington, the Olympic Peninsula is a treasure trove of diverse ecosystems, featuring everything from rugged coastlines to verdant rainforests and towering mountains. This stunning area ranks among the 15 most-visited national parks in the nation, boasting over 3,731 square kilometres (922,000 acres) to explore. The Olympic Mountains are adorned with ancient glaciers and alpine meadows guiding you through majestic rainforests filled with towering trees and waterfalls, while inviting you to wander along the untamed Pacific Coast. Olympic National Park is a remarkable destination that offers the chance to explore three unique ecosystems all in a single day: glaciated mountains, a rich coastline, and lush temperate rainforests. Begin your day on a mountain hike, descend through its dense forests and conclude with a refreshing dive into the ocean.
As I dedicated my narrow end-of-September/beginning-of-October thru-hiking window to the PCT, meandering through the North Cascades and Mount Rainier National Parks, I had little sunrays left for the Olympic NP exploration. While I admired its towering peaks every day for two months from my vantage point over Puget Sound, I can't share insights from my own endeavours. Thus, I’ll stick to the one thing that truly matters when discussing such a destination: its prime hikes (= at least over 15km each). With an impressive network of over 965 kilometres of trails, ranging from simple walks to tough treks with elevation gains of up to 900 meters, the thrill of exploration is at our fingertips.
Other Washington Cities: Bellingham, Spokane, Yakima, Leavenworth, Richland, Kennewick, Pullman.
Other Washington State Parks: Alta Lake, Anderson Lake, Battle Ground Lake, Bay View, Beacon Rock, Belfair, Birch Bay, Blake Island Marine, Blind Island, Bogachiel, Bottle Beach, Bridgeport, Bridle Trails, Brooks Memorial, Cama Beach, Camano Island, Cape Disappointment, Clark Island, Columbia Hills, Columbia Plateau, Conconully, Crawford, Cutts Island, Daroga, Dash Point, Deception Pass, Doe Island, Dosewallips, Doug’s Beach, Eagle Island, Federation Forest, Fields Spring, Flaming Geyser, Fort Casey, Fort Columbia, Fort Ebey, Fort Flagler, Fort Simcoe, Fort Townsend, Fort Worden, Ginkgo Petrified Forest, Goldendale Observatory, Grayland Beach, Griffith’s-Priday, Hope Island, Ike Kinswa, Illahee, Jackson House, James Island, Jarrell Cove, Joemma Beach, Jones Island, Joseph Whidbey, Kanaskat-Palmer, Kinney Point, Kitsap, Klickitat, Kopachuck, Lake Chelan, Lake Easton, Lake Sammamish, Lake Sylvia, Lake Wenatchee, Larrabee, Leadbetter, Lewis & Clark, Lime Kiln Point, Lincoln Rock, Lyons Ferry, Manchester, Maryhill, Matia Island, McMicken, Millersylvania, Moran, Mount Pilchuck, Mount Spokane, Mystery Bay, Nisqually, Nolte, Obstruction Pass, Ocean City, Olallie, Olmstead Place, Pacific Beach, Pacific Pines, Palouse Falls, Palouse to Cascade, Paradise Point, Patos Island, Peace Arch, Pearrygin, Penrose Point, Peshastin Pinnacles, Pleasant Harbor, Posey Island, Potholes, Potlatch, Rainbow Falls, Rasar, Reed Island, Riverside, Rockport, Sacajawea, Saddlebag Island, Saint Edward, Saltwater, Scenic Beach, Schafer, Seaquest, Seashore, Sequim Bay, Shine Tidelands, Skagit Island, South Whidbey, Spencer Spirt, Spokane River, Spring Creek Hatchery, Squack Mountain, Squilchuck, Steamboat Rock, Steptoe Battlefield, Steptoe Butte, Stuart Island, Sucia Island, Sun Lakes – Dry Falls, Tolmie, Triton Cove, Turn Island, Twanoh, Twenty-Five Mile Creek, Twin Harbors, Wallace Falls, Wenatchee Confluence, Westport Light, Willapa Hills, Willie’s Keil & Yakima Sportsman State Park.
Nestled in the northwestern corner of Washington, the Olympic Peninsula is a treasure trove of diverse ecosystems, featuring everything from rugged coastlines to verdant rainforests and towering mountains. This stunning area ranks among the 15 most-visited national parks in the nation, boasting over 3,731 square kilometres (922,000 acres) to explore. The Olympic Mountains are adorned with ancient glaciers and alpine meadows guiding you through majestic rainforests filled with towering trees and waterfalls, while inviting you to wander along the untamed Pacific Coast. Olympic National Park is a remarkable destination that offers the chance to explore three unique ecosystems all in a single day: glaciated mountains, a rich coastline, and lush temperate rainforests. Begin your day on a mountain hike, descend through its dense forests and conclude with a refreshing dive into the ocean.
As I dedicated my narrow end-of-September/beginning-of-October thru-hiking window to the PCT, meandering through the North Cascades and Mount Rainier National Parks, I had little sunrays left for the Olympic NP exploration. While I admired its towering peaks every day for two months from my vantage point over Puget Sound, I can't share insights from my own endeavours. Thus, I’ll stick to the one thing that truly matters when discussing such a destination: its prime hikes (= at least over 15km each). With an impressive network of over 965 kilometres of trails, ranging from simple walks to tough treks with elevation gains of up to 900 meters, the thrill of exploration is at our fingertips.
- Olympic National Park Traverse (ONPT): 168km
- Sol Duc – Bailey Range – North Fork Quinalt Stretch: 103.5km
- Hoh River Trail: 52.9km
- Enchanted Valley Chalet via East Fork Quinalt River Trail: 41km
- High Divide and Seven Lakes Basin Loop: 34.6km
- Seven Lakes Loop / High Divide: 29km
- Upper Pena Lake Trail: 21.5km
- Spruce Railroad Trail / Lake Crescent: 18km
- Five Mile Island: 17km
- Ozette Triangle Trail: 15km
- Maiden Peak: 15km
- Cape Alava Loop Trail: 15km
Other Washington Cities: Bellingham, Spokane, Yakima, Leavenworth, Richland, Kennewick, Pullman.
Other Washington State Parks: Alta Lake, Anderson Lake, Battle Ground Lake, Bay View, Beacon Rock, Belfair, Birch Bay, Blake Island Marine, Blind Island, Bogachiel, Bottle Beach, Bridgeport, Bridle Trails, Brooks Memorial, Cama Beach, Camano Island, Cape Disappointment, Clark Island, Columbia Hills, Columbia Plateau, Conconully, Crawford, Cutts Island, Daroga, Dash Point, Deception Pass, Doe Island, Dosewallips, Doug’s Beach, Eagle Island, Federation Forest, Fields Spring, Flaming Geyser, Fort Casey, Fort Columbia, Fort Ebey, Fort Flagler, Fort Simcoe, Fort Townsend, Fort Worden, Ginkgo Petrified Forest, Goldendale Observatory, Grayland Beach, Griffith’s-Priday, Hope Island, Ike Kinswa, Illahee, Jackson House, James Island, Jarrell Cove, Joemma Beach, Jones Island, Joseph Whidbey, Kanaskat-Palmer, Kinney Point, Kitsap, Klickitat, Kopachuck, Lake Chelan, Lake Easton, Lake Sammamish, Lake Sylvia, Lake Wenatchee, Larrabee, Leadbetter, Lewis & Clark, Lime Kiln Point, Lincoln Rock, Lyons Ferry, Manchester, Maryhill, Matia Island, McMicken, Millersylvania, Moran, Mount Pilchuck, Mount Spokane, Mystery Bay, Nisqually, Nolte, Obstruction Pass, Ocean City, Olallie, Olmstead Place, Pacific Beach, Pacific Pines, Palouse Falls, Palouse to Cascade, Paradise Point, Patos Island, Peace Arch, Pearrygin, Penrose Point, Peshastin Pinnacles, Pleasant Harbor, Posey Island, Potholes, Potlatch, Rainbow Falls, Rasar, Reed Island, Riverside, Rockport, Sacajawea, Saddlebag Island, Saint Edward, Saltwater, Scenic Beach, Schafer, Seaquest, Seashore, Sequim Bay, Shine Tidelands, Skagit Island, South Whidbey, Spencer Spirt, Spokane River, Spring Creek Hatchery, Squack Mountain, Squilchuck, Steamboat Rock, Steptoe Battlefield, Steptoe Butte, Stuart Island, Sucia Island, Sun Lakes – Dry Falls, Tolmie, Triton Cove, Turn Island, Twanoh, Twenty-Five Mile Creek, Twin Harbors, Wallace Falls, Wenatchee Confluence, Westport Light, Willapa Hills, Willie’s Keil & Yakima Sportsman State Park.
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US Facts
Short History Recap
1565: 1st permanent European settlement: St Augustine, now Florida (Spanish). 1607: Jamestown, Virginia, founded by English. 17th-18th centuries: 100,000s of Africans brought in as slaves to work on cotton and tobacco plantations. 1763: Seven Years' War: England gets control over territory up to the Mississippi. ’74: Colonists form First Continental Congress. ’75: American Revolution: Continental Army under George Washington fight British rule. ’76: Declaration of Independence, colonies declare independence. ’83: Treaty of Paris, UK loses colonies. ’87: Founding Fathers, new constitution. ’89: George Washington first president. ’91: Bill of Rights, individual freedom. 1803: France sells Louisiana to US. ’08: Atlantic slave trade abolished. ‘12-’15: War of 1812 US -UK. Resistance by indigenous people. Massive European immigration. Number of states rises from 17 to 45.’46-48: Mexican War - US acquires large territories of Mexico, incl. New Mexico & California.’54: Abolitionists of slavery start Republican Party. ’60: Abraham Lincoln Republican president. ‘60-’61: 11 pro-slavery southern states secede from Union and form Confederate States of America = civil war with abolitionist northern states. ’63: Emancipation Proclamation by Lincoln, slaves in Confederate free. ’65: Slavery abolished in 13th Amendment. Lincoln killed. ’98: Spanish-American War = Puerto Rico, Philippines, Guam & Cuba American. US annexes Hawaii. 1917-’18: US mingles in WWI. Rejects membership of League of Nation. ’20: Women voting right. Sale and manufacture of alcohol forbidden. ’24: Indigenous people allowed citizenship. ’29-33: Wall Street stock market crash, triggers the Great Depression. Roosevelt’s "New Deal" recovery programme. Alcohol legal again. ’41: Japanese Pearl Harbour attack. Leads to US joining WWII against Axis powers. ’45: US drops 2 atomic bombs on Hiroshima & Nagasaki. ’47: Truman Doctrine: aid against communism. Start Cold War with Soviet Union. ’48: Marshall Plan. ‘50-’53: US participates in Korean War. ‘50-’54: Anti-communist crusade within US by Senator McCarthy.’54: Racial segregation in schools unconstitutional. Civil disobedience, pro African-American. ‘60: Nixon. ’61: Bay of Pigs = attempt to invade Cuba, unsuccessful. ’62: Cuban missile crisis. ’63: John F Kennedy assassinated. Johnson president. ’64: Military intervention Vietnam. Nationally, anti-discrimination law. ’68: Martin Luther King assassinated. ’69: Republican Nixon. Neil Armstrong on the Moon. ’73: Vietnam ceasefire. ’74: Watergate scandal, Nixon resigns. ’76: Carter. ’79: US embassy in Tehran hostage crisis. ’80: Reagan, Republican. Anti-communist. ’86: Bombing Libyan cities. ’88: Bush Sr. ’89: Panama invasion, Noriega arrested for drug-trafficking. ’91: Iraq War involvement. ’92: Clinton, democratic. ’92: Nafta. ’99: Nato bombardment Yugoslavia in response to Serb violence against ethnic Albanians in Kosovo. 2000: Bush Jr. ’01: 9/11, excuse for War on Terror. Invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. Against Taliban. ’02: Department of Homeland Security. ’05: Hurricane Katrina. ’08: Democratic Obama, 1st black president. ’09: 1st Tea Party rally = protest against bailing out banks and introduce healthcare reform. ’11: Presumed Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden killed. ’13: Snowden flees to Russia after leaking info on extensive internet and telephone surveillance by US. ’14: Diplomatic relations with Cuba. ’16: Trump. ’17: Trump restricts visas for Muslim-majority countries. Recognises Jerusalem as capital of Israel & sovereignty over Golan Heights. ’18: Trump meets Kim Jong-un (North Korea). New Trade deal with Canada & Mexico. ’19: Withdrawing troops from northern Syria. Turkey occupy Kurdish-run parts, create buffer zone. Trump impeached by House of Representatives on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. ’20: Covid-19 pandemic. Nationwide protests about killing of African-American George Floyd. ’21: Biden. ’25: Trump again.
US Facts
- Capital: Washington DC
- Language: English (Spanish)
- Population: ± 334.9mln
- Sq km: ± 9,833,517
- Currency: Dollar ($ - USD)
- Electricity Outlet: A + B / 120 V / 60 Hz.
- Country Code Phone: +1
- Emergency Phone: 911
- Visa: Some countries need to apply for a visa, which can be done here .Residents of visa-exempt countries can apply online for a visa waiver, called an ESTA.
- Vaccinations: None.
- Climate: The country is so huge, that we’re dealing with several climate zones. Find a map overview here.
- High season: June-August. Summer attracts most crowds due to school vacations.
Short History Recap
1565: 1st permanent European settlement: St Augustine, now Florida (Spanish). 1607: Jamestown, Virginia, founded by English. 17th-18th centuries: 100,000s of Africans brought in as slaves to work on cotton and tobacco plantations. 1763: Seven Years' War: England gets control over territory up to the Mississippi. ’74: Colonists form First Continental Congress. ’75: American Revolution: Continental Army under George Washington fight British rule. ’76: Declaration of Independence, colonies declare independence. ’83: Treaty of Paris, UK loses colonies. ’87: Founding Fathers, new constitution. ’89: George Washington first president. ’91: Bill of Rights, individual freedom. 1803: France sells Louisiana to US. ’08: Atlantic slave trade abolished. ‘12-’15: War of 1812 US -UK. Resistance by indigenous people. Massive European immigration. Number of states rises from 17 to 45.’46-48: Mexican War - US acquires large territories of Mexico, incl. New Mexico & California.’54: Abolitionists of slavery start Republican Party. ’60: Abraham Lincoln Republican president. ‘60-’61: 11 pro-slavery southern states secede from Union and form Confederate States of America = civil war with abolitionist northern states. ’63: Emancipation Proclamation by Lincoln, slaves in Confederate free. ’65: Slavery abolished in 13th Amendment. Lincoln killed. ’98: Spanish-American War = Puerto Rico, Philippines, Guam & Cuba American. US annexes Hawaii. 1917-’18: US mingles in WWI. Rejects membership of League of Nation. ’20: Women voting right. Sale and manufacture of alcohol forbidden. ’24: Indigenous people allowed citizenship. ’29-33: Wall Street stock market crash, triggers the Great Depression. Roosevelt’s "New Deal" recovery programme. Alcohol legal again. ’41: Japanese Pearl Harbour attack. Leads to US joining WWII against Axis powers. ’45: US drops 2 atomic bombs on Hiroshima & Nagasaki. ’47: Truman Doctrine: aid against communism. Start Cold War with Soviet Union. ’48: Marshall Plan. ‘50-’53: US participates in Korean War. ‘50-’54: Anti-communist crusade within US by Senator McCarthy.’54: Racial segregation in schools unconstitutional. Civil disobedience, pro African-American. ‘60: Nixon. ’61: Bay of Pigs = attempt to invade Cuba, unsuccessful. ’62: Cuban missile crisis. ’63: John F Kennedy assassinated. Johnson president. ’64: Military intervention Vietnam. Nationally, anti-discrimination law. ’68: Martin Luther King assassinated. ’69: Republican Nixon. Neil Armstrong on the Moon. ’73: Vietnam ceasefire. ’74: Watergate scandal, Nixon resigns. ’76: Carter. ’79: US embassy in Tehran hostage crisis. ’80: Reagan, Republican. Anti-communist. ’86: Bombing Libyan cities. ’88: Bush Sr. ’89: Panama invasion, Noriega arrested for drug-trafficking. ’91: Iraq War involvement. ’92: Clinton, democratic. ’92: Nafta. ’99: Nato bombardment Yugoslavia in response to Serb violence against ethnic Albanians in Kosovo. 2000: Bush Jr. ’01: 9/11, excuse for War on Terror. Invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. Against Taliban. ’02: Department of Homeland Security. ’05: Hurricane Katrina. ’08: Democratic Obama, 1st black president. ’09: 1st Tea Party rally = protest against bailing out banks and introduce healthcare reform. ’11: Presumed Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden killed. ’13: Snowden flees to Russia after leaking info on extensive internet and telephone surveillance by US. ’14: Diplomatic relations with Cuba. ’16: Trump. ’17: Trump restricts visas for Muslim-majority countries. Recognises Jerusalem as capital of Israel & sovereignty over Golan Heights. ’18: Trump meets Kim Jong-un (North Korea). New Trade deal with Canada & Mexico. ’19: Withdrawing troops from northern Syria. Turkey occupy Kurdish-run parts, create buffer zone. Trump impeached by House of Representatives on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. ’20: Covid-19 pandemic. Nationwide protests about killing of African-American George Floyd. ’21: Biden. ’25: Trump again.
Local Festivals
Find a full festival overview here.
Budget Bites
- Lake Chelan Winterfest – Jan, Chelan
- Ellensburg Winterhop Brewfest – Jan, Ellensburg
- Red Wine and Chocolate Weekend – Feb, Yakima Valley
- Seattle Museum Month – Feb, Seattle
- Whatcom Cultural Arts Festival – Mar, Bellingham
- Seattle International Film Festival – Apr, Seattle
- Skagit Valley Tulip Festival – Apr, Mount Vernont
- Washington State Spring Fair – Apr, Puyallup
- Irrigation Festival – May, Sequim
- Lake Chelan Wine and Jazz Festival – May, Chelan
- Northwest Folklife Festival – May, Seattle
- Spokane Lilac Festival - May, Spokane
- Viking Fest – May, Poulsbo
- Seattle PrideFest – Jun, Seattle
- Washington Brewers Festival – Jun, Redmond
- The Taste Northwest – Jun, Puyallup
- Chelan Pro Rodeo – Jul, Chelan
- Skagit Valley Highland Games – Jul, Mount Vernon
- Anacortes Arts Festival – Aug, Anacortes
- Boeing Seafair Air Show – Aug, Seattle
- Omak Stampede – Aug, Omak
- Ellensburg Rodeo – Aug, Ellensburg
- Pigout in the Park – Aug, Spokane
- Washington State Fair – Aug, Puyallup
- Bellingham SeaFeast – Oct, Bellingham
- Village of Lights – Dec, Leavenworth
Find a full festival overview here.
Budget Bites
- Main Supermarket Chains (Washington): Trader Joe’s, Safeway, Wholefoods, Metropolitan Market, Target, Albertsons, Walmart.
- Local Dishes (national): Hamburger, Hot Dogs, Buffalo Wings, BBQ Ribs, Roasted Turkey, Mac & Cheese, Meat Loaf, Sweet Potato Casserole, Fried Okra, Cobb Salad (avocado, chicken, hardboiled egg), Tex-Mex, Crab Cake, Corndogs, Clam Chowder, Gumbo, Jambalaya, Crayfish, General Tso Chicken, Chicago-Style Pizza, Chicken & Waffles, Biscuits and Gravy, Mission Burrito, Cheesesteak, Cornbread, Peanutbutter & Jelly Sandwich, Club Sandwich, Frybread, Po Boy (sandwich), Reuben Sandwich, Sloppy Joe, American Pancakes, Breakfast Burrito, Monterey Jack Cheese, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate Brownies, Fudge, Jell-O, S’mores, Donuts, Hushpuppies.
- The Veg Situation: Going veg is not so complicated in the United States, as vegetarianism and veganism is widely accepted. Most supermarkets contain veg products, be it very processed at times. Veg restaurants can be found here: https://www.happycow.net/north_america/usa/
- National Drink: Coca Cola.
Sleep Cheap
Mama Said
- Hostels / Hotels / Guesthouses: You probably knew already, before even booking your trip, that visiting the USA isn’t cheap. This goes for accommodation as well. Without being paid to say so, I love Booking.com: They have the biggest selection, are transparent about the final price and have an efficient search engine tailored to your specific needs (cheapest first!). If you use it often enough, Genius-discounts are applied. Air BnB is not what it used to be, price-wise, often displaying even higher rates than hotels. Be mindful of the additional booking and cleaning costs as well, as they can really add up. Writer’s Choice: I spent several visits and at least 2 months in Seattle, where I stayed with my partner who worked there as well as at various housesits. I also did a housesit on Whidbey Island. On the PCT I camped out each night, which is also the only option.
- Couchsurfing: allows you to stay with locals. Nowadays it has a moderate sign-up cost (unless you put a third-world country as homebase), but paying extra for verification is unnecessary: Positive reviews are way more important. Once active, there are no costs for staying at someone’s house. In order to get accepted, make sure to write an elaborate review explaining why you applied to this specific profile and think you and your host are a good match (copy-pastes tend to be ignored). The Couchsurfing community in the US definitely is a rather active one, incl. events organized in most of the cities. If you’re bikepacking you can also look into Warm Showers, which is a bikepacking community focussing primarily on 1-night stays.
- Wild Camping: is officially legal in the US on public lands and in national forests, grasslands and wildlife management areas. In national and provincial parks as well as in the backcountry camping is only allowed with a permit, sometimes for a fee.
Mama Said
- Safety: Overall, the United States is a safe country. Yet, all cities deal with a major drug addiction and homelessness problem, which can bring safety in jeopardy. Also, with guns legal to all, gun violence is always around the corner. Don’t trespass, interact with caution and like everywhere else in the world, go around using common sense.
- Tap Water: is safe to drink.
- The best credit/debit card for traveling is Wise, as they use the live conversion rates with minimal exchange fees. Wise also has the lowest fees for sending money to foreign accounts. That said, I do find their customer service rather questionable. Revolut is comparable, but they have higher exchange fees in the weekend and less wallet-options. Also, you can only wire money to Revolut in the currency you opened the account with, whereas Wise has IBAN’s from a wide variety of currencies, so you don’t have to pay a double exchange fee. Both Revolut and Wise have the option to open an American Dollar wallet. Most American ATMs charge a fee for cash outs, but card payments are accepted everywhere.
- Simcard: This can be of considerate cost in the United States. However, lately the market is opening up with more budget players entering the scene. During my 5-month visit, I order a Mint Mobile simcard, which has great coverage and offers low cost packages with particularly economical deals to new members. Other budget operators are Boost Mobile, Lyca, Mobile X, Ultra Mobile, Visible, Cricket, Metro and Tracfone. The main providers are AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon.
Transport
Next?
- Walking: The bigger American cities are quite spread out and designed for car traffic. Walking is generally a feasible option per neighbourhood, but might be too much of an effort on a city-wide level.
- Cycling: The United States does not have a cycling culture whatsoever. However, recently many cities are making an effort to promote this green way of transport by building cycle lanes and creating shared-bike-programs.
- Public Transport: Within the bigger cities, public transport is usually widely available. Expect an extensive bus network, potentially including a metro, tram or light rail network. On the coast, ferries are generally included in the public transit system. Day passes offer affordable deals within the city limits. To get from city to city, public transportation options are limited to bus lines and certain train connections. Smaller towns and villages are harder to reach.
- Taxi / Uber: The US has taxi apps such as Uber, Lyft and Easy Taxi.
- Train: The train network in the United States is limited. Trajectories are operated by Amtrak, BNSF Railway, Canadian National Railway, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, CSX Transportation, Norfolk Southern Railway and Union Pacific Railroad. The cities on the east- and west-coast are well-connected, but land inwards only certain routes are available. Find an overview on this map.
- Car Rental: This is not a cheap option in the US. However, the best deals can generally be found when the car is picked up from an airport or… from Las Vegas.
- Hitchhiking: is uncommon in the US, but certainly possible. Americans tend to be sceptical and scared in this regards, so it’s definitely not always easy to be picked up, yet I managed to get a ride on all the occasions when I tried to do so. Be aware that on some highway entries and around correctional facilities there are signs stating that hitchhiking is prohibited. More info on hitchhiking in the USA can be found on Hitchwiki.
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