This is a map of various locations we've featured in our posts or wanted to draw attention to for some other reason. Looking for routes? You can find them on our routes page.
Displaying 10 of 29 locations.
November 28, 2023
Wiley Slough Area
The Wiley Slough and Skagit Wildlife area are a possible place to find wintering swans. Note: area is closed for renovations through November 2023.
21905 Mann Rd, Mount Vernon, WA 98273, USA
Mount Vernon
98273
November 3, 2023
Whale Watching
The address here is the one for Orcas Island Eclipse Charters or Orcas Island Excursions, but other whale watching opportunities abound in the San Juan Islands.
You may see orcas, humpback whales, or just have a lovely boat ride.
You may see orcas, humpback whales, or just have a lovely boat ride.
8368 Orcas Rd, Eastsound, WA 98245, USA
Eastsound
98245
November 3, 2023
Turtleback Mountain South Trailhead
Turtleback Mountain is a great place to hike and bird watch. The South trail is pedestrian-only. Take the hike up from here to Ship's Peak for a great view -- and great views on the way as well. Be prepared to stop and enjoy.
2267 Deer Harbor Rd, Eastsound, WA 98245, USA
Eastsound
98245
November 3, 2023
Turtleback Mountain North Trailhead
Mount Constitution is in Moran State Park. There's a hiking trail up the mountain, but there's also a road. At the top you'll find a stone tower which offers stunning views -- particularly at sunset, though the park closes at dusk.
1618 Crow Valley Rd, Eastsound, WA 98245, USA
Eastsound
98245
November 3, 2023
Sucia Island
Sucia is a small island just to the North of Orcas Island.
Transporation to Sucia is boat-only. If you don't have a boat of your own, Outer Island Excursions runs a water taxi and will (for an extra fee) bring along your ebike or kayak or let you rent one. There's also some camping spots on the island.
Transporation to Sucia is boat-only. If you don't have a boat of your own, Outer Island Excursions runs a water taxi and will (for an extra fee) bring along your ebike or kayak or let you rent one. There's also some camping spots on the island.
Q34W+2J Eastsound, WA, USA
98245
December 5, 2023
Smith Island
Small island is about five miles off the west coast of Whidbey Island. Smith Island is a protected aquatic reserve. boats must keep a certain distance from shore to protect the wildlife there.
Notable species found here are tufted puffins, rhinocerous auklets, rockfish and bull kelp. But you might also see harbor seals and sea lions on shore, cormorants, and glaucous wing gulls.
Notable species found here are tufted puffins, rhinocerous auklets, rockfish and bull kelp. But you might also see harbor seals and sea lions on shore, cormorants, and glaucous wing gulls.
8595+J5 Ault Field, WA, USA
November 28, 2023
Samish River Wildlife Area
Large groups of trumpeter swans overwinter in Whatcom County. Reports have been seen near the Samish River Wildlife area. The marker, here is general and approximate.
6389 Bayview Edison Rd, Bow, WA 98232, USA
Bow
98232
December 14, 2023
Salmon Haven at Dickerson Creek
According to the WSU website, you'll find mostly chum salmon at this site.
4808 NW Taylor Rd, Bremerton, WA 98312, USA
Bremerton
98312
December 5, 2023
Protection Island
Protection Island -- as its name implies -- is a protected aquatic reserve meaning that it has limited human traffic (I did note a hut on a bluff there with a bunch of people who I assume were volunteers or researchers) and boats must keep a certain distance from shore.
Some notable species you might find there are rhinoceros auklets, pigeon guillemots, tufted puffins, and glaucous-winged gulls.
And, of course, you might note some harbor seals on the shore.
Some notable species you might find there are rhinoceros auklets, pigeon guillemots, tufted puffins, and glaucous-winged gulls.
And, of course, you might note some harbor seals on the shore.
43GC+W4 Cape George, WA, USA
98382
March 22, 2024
Muriel Iverson Williams Poulsbo Waterfront Park and Kvelstad Pavilion
On Poulsbo's waterfront is a lovely park with lawn, walking paths and a large gazebo with some seating surrounding it. You'll find plenty of benches to sit and look out at the marina.
The park's namesake, Muriel Iverson Williams, was the town's second mayor.
While you're in the park, look for the small statue of Viking King Olaf near the Sons of Norway, and the Guardian Stone statue (swords in the stone!) And be sure to take a walk down the nearby boardwalk which will take you to some trails into American Legion Park.
If you're a birder, you'll find many marine birds and some other varieties. I've noted many great blue herons, several varieties of duck, occasionally I've spotted a belted Kingfisher -- though I think I recall that being closer down near the Fish Park bridge. Canada geese, of course, and many gulls. You also might spy a bald eagle or osprey but at this location they're usually farther overhead.
18809 Anderson Pkwy
Poulsbo
98370
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I’m not adding this to the main post as it’s not in Washington State…but I’m hoping to get going with my rooftop tent this summer and take a drive down the Pacific Coast Highway…we’ll see. If I do, I may need to take a brief detour to visit this little Hobbit hole that I found in Northern California. It’s tiny at 300 feet…but the toadstool in front is a nice touch 🙂
I don’t have any walking issues but I love trekking poles! So good for balance and stability. I’d always use two over one, as that way both sides are balanced. Once you get into a rhythm they also provide a good workout because of the muscles you use with them, so I definitely think they’re worth it (and that’s a good case for using two – you don’t want mismatched sides)
Thanks for supporting my cause! Yes, I think they add to the workout — they give my upper body a bit extra when I use them (and it needs it!)
Hi! I know some visitors here have been following comment updates on this post. I just realized that logged out users were being challenged by a CAPTCHA that was impossible to capture! That’s been fixed, and the persons responsible have been sacked (not really, because that would mean…me).
Anyways, comments are working again if you feel like leaving a comment. If I find any more hobbit houses around here, I’ll add another one myself. I am planning a hobbit house visit myself in August, and, if that actually happens (it seems like I’ve had a confluence of events that seem determined to disrupt my plans), I will post an update.
Thanks!
It’s too bad we were not able to get this in the article but this Thursday, Friday & Saturday (15th, 16th & 17th) and the following Thursday, Friday & Saturday (22nd, 23rd & 24th) there are free performances of “William Shakespeare’s Long Lost First Play (abridged).” It’s a hilarious performance of young Shakespeare’s first attempt at a very very very long play.
Tickets are FREE. Show is at the City of Shoreline City Hall. Starts at 7 p.m. Due to content, rated PG-13. Would love to have you.
Sounds great! Not sure I’ll be able to make it to the performance but I could add it to the event calendar when I’m back in town .
The close-ups are helpful, thanks. But you have only fourteen kings listed here, not fifteen. I think it’s Stephen that you’re missing, after Henry I.
You’re right! How did I miss him? Thank you for pointing that out. I’m sure I have the picture in my collection somewhere. I’ll edit it as soon as I get the opportunity.
OK, I found the missing photo of Stephen and added him in with the rest. Thanks!
Just an update, as I realize some people are subscribing to comments on this post. I finally was able to visit the Hobbit Inn in Orondo (“Underground Hygge” and wrote a post about it! Click here to read the post.
What a lovely post, Cheryl! Really enjoyed reading about these famous graves, Chief Sealth, in particular. We haven’t been to Seattle in a long time. When we revisit, would love to add these destinations. Glad we found your blog! Will check other posts as well!!
By the way, fantastic site design!!!
Thank you so much! I love visiting cemeteries — in Europe in particular, where there are much older graves. So you’re from the Bay Area? What cemeteries would you visit there? I just passed through SF this summer, but didn’t stop at any cemeteries in CA except for the one in Ferndale.
I was searching for Halloween stuff and happily came across your blog. I’m from Seattle and I love reading local blogs. Your cemetaries post really struck me. About 10-15 years ago, I went “ghost-hunting” with a friend who was involved with a group of ghost hunters. We went to a small, forgotten cemetary in Renton that had been recently discovered by Boy Scouts. The Boy Scouts got permission from the city to clean up the cemetary and my friend’s group was able to get the key to the gates from the scouts (and permission to go into the place at night and hunt ghosts). I’m not really a skeptic, but I felt that this group of about 30 people were more interested in being scared then really exploring. We went at night (of course) and it was spooky – especially in one specific area of the cemetary. The cemetary had been overgrown with vegetation from 100+ years of neglect. The scouts had just started weeding and clearing away bushes all around the cemetary. The clean up was still in progress when we chose to visit; the scouts had just discovered the cemetary a few weeks before.
It’s important to note that at the time this cemetary was in use there was a very prominent family in Renton with the last name “Monster”. You can still see that surname in and around Renton to this day. It’s also important to note that at this time (the tombstones had dates from the 1800s) families often did not name their children until they were several months old; life was harder then and the weak often didn’t survive. So when these babies died, their tombstones were engraved with “Baby” plus the last name. You can probably see where I’m going with this.
So in this little fenced off part of the cemetary the wealthy Monster family had their graves, separated from the other tombstones. There is one headstone engraved with “Baby Monster” and it just pulls at your heart strings. The cemetary is named Saar Pioneer Cemetary – I don’t know if that’s the original name or if it was renamed after rediscovery. Because of your interest in cemetaries and because you live locally, I realize you may be familiar with this story. But I thought I’d share it with you anyway. If you aren’t familiar with this story but are interested, in the age of social media you can find many pictures and stories online of Baby Monster.
Thank you for telling me about this ! No, this is a first for me; I’ve never visited Saar Pioneer Cemetery. I will definitely need to visit this cemetery next time I’m in Renton.
Just a note: I realized after I wrote this that my daughter referred to MrCheckedBaggage in her text, implying that she did NOT go carry-on only. She intended to and Chester did, in fact, fit in the overhead bin just fine, but MrCheckedBaggage, a large suitcase, ended up accompanying them on their trip so she could take things her friend in France needed and also bring things home for her (along with some very nice gifts.)
I LOVE the carved heads in the cathedral! It’s such a stunning Cathedral. I absolutely love York but it’s quite a busy city! Looks like you had a blast!
I had a great time — very cold and rainy when I was there, but I was prepared! And, yes…very busy. I was there over a bank holiday weekend and it seems everyone goes to York to party.
Great tips! I’ve always wanted to do vlogging but I am kinda shy to do it. Maybe one day!
Yeah, I like messing around with video, but I don’t necessarily putting my face and voice on things. I plan to do more video posts in the future…I just may not be in them as much as possible! ?
I love this post! So refreshingly different from anything else I’ve read today 🙂
MB | http://www.megbeth.travel.blog
Thank you! It makes my day to hear that! I’m glad you liked it. I love these books. ✨
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Good Effort here is a recommendation about the buying guide of the hammocks and camping. before purchasing any kind hammock just go through this guide once.
Love reading about visitors’ experiences at Stonehenge! Always new things to discover and see this one-of-a kind adventure through other people eyes! Now wish we visited Woodhenge and Old Sarum during our tip to Stonehenge as well!
There are 2 issues I have found after 2 years of using the Pro 2-3 time a week with carbon kayaks. First, the cheap material between each bar flattens and then your kayak is pressing on metal. Second, if you kayak rests on the two humps near where the pistons are they will dent your boat.
Thanks, and good point! I’ve only been using the Hullavator with rotomolded plastic and thermoform kayaks and, so far, haven’t had issues. But I’m not a 2-3 times a week kayaker! For me, it was the easiest way I found to take the kayak out on my own.
I believe you have the wrong date. I believe Viking Tour 2024 is on May 19.
Thanks for noticing the error. I’ve fixed it.
Now, actually, they’ve changed the date to June 15 and the location to Waterfront Park so that cyclist don’t have to contend with the traffic that Viking Fest brings.
WOW! What a phenomenal show this was that showcased how someone can have a stunning PNW garden! I loved the natural elements of the fungi, the cedar wood planks and the moss that surrounded many of these spaces making it feel like a true PNW fairy tale garden. Excellent photos!
Thanks! It’s a treat getting to go to their previews…but I wish I’d gone back for the rest of the show. It’s amazing what these designers, gardeners, and landscapers dream up and accomplish each year!
This event is June 23rd, not May 5th. The May 5th event is the Emerald City Ride, also hosted by Cascade Bicycle Club, so I think someone mixed them up.
Thanks for calling this to my attention. Turns out that, additionally, this event has now been canceled.
Well that’s a bummer, that must have happened just within the past day or so. BTW – I appreciate your work here to consolidate these events onto one calendar. They are oddly more difficult to find individually, particularly for someone like myself who is relatively new to biking.