PNW Things to Do

PNW Things to Do! The Pacific Northwest is a broad area, and these categories are not divided by area, so you may want to check the tags at the end of the post if you want more specific selections. These are, instead, organized by the type of activity. Many are centered around western Washington State, as that’s where we live, but may include any area in the PNW.

Crystal Mountain Resort
lukeb021

Where Should I Ski In Washington This Winter?

Here are some of the ski areas to visit in Washington State this winter.

Puget Sound Summer Events Seattle Summer Festivals Puget Sound Summer Festivals Fremont Solstice Parade Purple Hats Pacific Northwest Events
Cheryl

Sound Summer: A Guide to Seattle Summer Events and PNW Summer Activities

A guide to some of the best Seattle area Summer festivals and events with some greater PNW festivals thrown in the mix. Have an event that should be here? Submit it!

Mt. Rainier image from unsplash for washington state treasures post
sophiemariesmith

Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest

Article about six fabulous "hidden" spots to visit in Washington and Oregon with breathtaking natural beauty.

Off Leash Dog Areas in Seattle
Alana R

Leash Laws in Seattle & Off-Leash Dog Parks in Seattle

Whether you're a seasoned pet owner or a newcomer to Seattle, understanding these laws is crucial to ensure the safety of your furry friend and maintain harmony within the community.

outdoor shakespeare in seattle
Cheryl

Outdoor Shakespeare (and other outdoor performances) Near Puget Sound

Just updated for 2024, and we're still adding plays! We love Shakespeare in the Park and other outdoor theater performances! Pack a picnic and a blanket and sit in the sun (or in some cases under the stars). Here's a brief guide to some PNW (mostly Seattle area) Shakespeare in the Park productions.

Legend of Zelda Cosplayers at Sakura Con 2015 in Seattle PNW Geeky Events
Cheryl

Geeky Events in the PNW

Like comics, anime, cosplay? Sci-fi? Fantasy? This is a list of some of the major "geeky" events in the PNW.

Tulips Puget Sound Spring Festivals Pacific Northwest Spring Festivals Seattle Spring Events
Cheryl

Vibrant Seattle Spring Events and PNW Spring Festivals

Celebrate Spring with these Pacific Northwest, Seattle area, and western Washington Spring festivals and events.

Events, Fairy Doors, Hobbit, King County, King County Events, Northwest Flower and Garden Festival, Seattle, Seattle events, Secret Garden, garden, garden shows, home shows, whimsical
Cheryl

Bring in Spring at the 2024 Northwest Flower and Garden Festival

The annual Northwest Flower and Garden Festival is going on from February 14 - 18 at the Seattle Convention Center. Here are some of the highlights from the magnificent garden displays at the festival.

Great Blue Heron at Union Bay Natural Area in Seattle post image for pacific northwest birding festivals
Cheryl

Pacific Northwest Birding Festivals

Are you a bird nerd? Here's a list of upcoming Pacific Northwest Birding Festivals. Most of these events feature various classes, field trips, and lectures for the bird enthusiast and photographer.

Popcorn Beer and Cider at Port Townsend Starlight Room
Cheryl

Port Townsend’s Starlight Room is a classy moviegoing experience.

Comfortable seats, chandeliers, popcorn with REAL butter, and craft beers make going to Port Townsend Rose Theater's Starlight Room a way to see a movie in style.

PNW Cycling Events Calendar
Cheryl

Cycling Events in Washington State and the PNW

Want to find a cycling event in Washington State? We've edited, and are republishing, this post about cycling events through the year in the PNW (mostly in Washington State).

Sasquatch during Victorian Country Christmas at the Washington State Fairgrounds
Cheryl

Puget Sound and Western WA Holiday Events 2023: Christmas Lights, Gift Shows,Theater, near Seattle…ish.

Here's our list of holiday events to check out -- near Seattle, and beyond depending what our users submit. Christmas lights, concerts, gift shows -- find something to make your holidays sparkle.

Turkey Trots Events Image
Cheryl

Turkey Trots in the Puget Sound Area (&Beyond) in 2023

If you're in the Puget Sound area and looking for a turkey trot to burn off those Thanksgiving Day calories, you have plenty of choices! Here's a list of many of them.

Pia the Peacekeeper Bainbridge Island Troll
Cheryl

Visiting Pia the Peacemaker on Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Island has received one of several whimsical wood troll sculptures by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Here's a bit more about visiting Pia.

A bald eagle cries out at Big Beef Creek in Seabeck, WA.
Cheryl

Bald Eagles at Big Beef Creek: “It’s that Seabeck time again.”

Every year in late May and early June, a number of bald eagles come to Big Beef Creek in Seabeck with the morning low tide.

seal rock campsite at doe bay resort orcas island
Cheryl

Orcas Island Camping (and Other Things to Do on Orcas Island)

Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juan Islands -- and a great place to camp. Here's a brief post about camping spots on the island and a few other things to do while you're there as well!

Cheryl

Finding Wintering Trumpter Swans in Northwest Washington State

Every winter trumpeter swans from Alaska and northern British Columbia migrate to the Pacific Northwest. Here's a bit more informaiton on these, the heaviest of flying bird, and where to find them in western Washington State.

PNW Cycling Events Calendar
Cheryl

Gearing up for the STP

I'm hoping to finally check off one of my bucket list goals this year: the Seattle to Portland bike ride. We'll see! Here are some tips I've gathered from others about conquering this ride.

Photo of Seattle from Kerry Hilll
Cheryl

14 Unique Things to do in Seattle That Every Seattleite Should Know About

Author Ana de Guzman from Redfin asked some Seattleites (including me) about some of their favorite interesting and offbeat things to do in Seattle. Here are some suggestions they offered.

Animals, Brinnon, Dosewallips North Tidal Area Trail, Dosewallips State Park, Elk, Jefferson County, Nature, Washington State, Wildlife
Cheryl

Viewing Elk at Dosewallips State Park

Dosewallips State Park by the Dosewallips River is a great place to view wildlife. In particular, there's a large herd of elk in the area.

tufted puffin
Cheryl

Searching for Tufted Puffins in the Salish Sea

Taking a cruise near Smith and Protection Islands is something to put on your calendar for the Summer months. Who knows, you just might see an actual tufted puffin!

Kitsap Salmon Tours Kitsap Salmon Viewing Day
Cheryl

Where to View Salmon Spawning in Kitsap County This Autumn

Every year the salmon return from the ocean to their home streams to spawn. WSU offers a day of salmon viewing and education in the fall. Here's where and when to view spawning salmon in Kitsap County this Autumn.

Railrioad Bridge Olympic Discovery Trail Sequim to Port Angeles
Cheryl

Riding the Olympic Discovery Trail Sequim to Port Angeles (River and Prairie Section)

The Olympic Discovery Trail is a trail running through the Olympic Peninsula from Port Townsend to the Pacific Ocean. This is the first of several posts exploring different sections of the trail, mostly from a cycling perspective.

Tulips and Barn at Tulip Town
Cheryl

Visiting the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

After cancellation in 2020, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is back for 2021. Here's more information and when to see the tulips.

Foulweather Bluff Sign
Cheryl

Foulweather Bluff

Foulweather Bluff is a protected nature refuge in Hansville, WA. It offers a short family-friendly hike to the beach and great birdwatching!

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Big(ish) Changes!

pumpkin spice
We just did a major site revamp and changed our profile system and a bunch of other things. If you’d like to know what changes we made, you can read our note about it. It’s the note with the pumpkin spice latte. Now we’re going to go drink one and take a break for just a bit. Whew!