Category: pnw

hiking, pnw, travel

Pnw Hike ~ Otter Falls

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This was one of our wettest hikes of the 2024 Season. I almost had a mutiny to not do it when we pulled up and it was still dark and pouring rain outside . So thankful for the friends who wouldn’t let me mutiny and encouraged me to still do it .

Persevering the dark and rain ❤️
Beautiful but so wet


It was so dark we had to have headlamps on to start so I had to include our pic of starting the hike. You start by walking through the forest for a few miles and navigate a few water crossings. Keep going until you come to the Otter Falls sign and then you go to the left . There is a bit of a hill to navigate over and then you come to a beautiful hidden rock face waterfall .

Heart Rock.. my sweet friend has a gift for finding them

It still amazes me that there are these hidden waterfalls in nature . And yes! It was totally worth it!

STATS
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📍Otter and Big Creek Falls via Taylor River Trail
🧭 North Bend,Wa
🥾 9.5miles RT ( we came in at 9.06 )
🏔️ 902 ft elevation gain ( we gained 1000 )
⭐️ Stats based on AllTrails and Apple

Check out our reel of the hike ⬇️

family adventures, pnw, travel

Bruun Idun, One of Thomas Dambo’s Northwest Trolls ~West Seattle

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“In the night, there was a storm, there at the beach
Where she was born
And Idun felt a feeling wrong, and so she walked there
In the dawn
And in a flute, the magic horn, a tune so passionate and Strong
She played for them an orca song to ask them where they all had gone”

– Thomas Dambo

Bruun Idun, one of the Thomas Dambo’s Northwest Trolls, lives at Lincoln Park in West Seattle. She is one of the six trolls that the Danish artist has made from recycled materials and has installed around the Northwest .

Look for the birdhouses . They are a clue that you are in the right area . Walk along the water until you see her near the Colman Pool, and from her spot hidden in the trees, she sings to the orcas of the Salish Sea❤️

Thomas Dambo has trolls all over the world so I attached the link below to see a map of where you can find them ⬇️

https://trollmap.com/

family adventures, hiking, pnw

Horsetail & Ponytail Falls Hike ~Columbia River Gorge

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Horsetail Falls is located in the “Waterfall Corridor “ of the Historic Columbia River Highway. It plunges a 176ft over a basalt cliff and is absolutely breathtaking. This waterfall is easily accessible for all . There is plenty of parking across the street but on sunny days come early because it fills up quickly.

If you want to add another short hike to Pony Tail Falls (Horsetail Falls #438) you will follow the trail to the left . It is a bit steep at first but it’s short so hang with it because when you come around a bend there is a beautiful waterfall that is in sight and feeds the Horsetail Falls. It cascades over a cliff and you can walk behind it . There is a beautiful pool that in the summer we have played in. It’s almost like a hidden pool…So beautiful!

📍Horsetail Falls and Ponytail Falls
🧭 Cascade Locks , Or
🥾 .8 miles RT ( we came in at 1.04)
🏔️ 301 ft elevation gain ( we gained 294)
⭐️ Stats based on AllTrails and Apple

Check out our reel with videos below ⬇️

family adventures, hiking, pnw

Pinnacle Peak Park via Cal Magnusson Trail Hike to Fire Lookout Tower

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Elevation Hike that makes you work for it! Mt Peak in Enumclaw has two routes .. Long and steady or short and steep . We took the short and steep on this trip .



Once we made it to the top , we enjoyed a break in the beautiful Fire Lookout and snapped some pics. It took us just about 2 hours round trip . Below are our stats⬇️

📍Pinnacle Peak Park via Cal Magnusson Trail
🧭 Enumclaw, WA
🥾 2.7miles RT ( we came in at 2.5)
🏔️ 1299 ft elevation gain ( we gained 1004)
⭐️ Stats based on AllTrails and Apple

coffee, pnw, Review

Fika @Farm 12 Valentine’s Treats

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Check out this fun cold brew we ordered at @farm12puyallup Fika. The Cupid’s Cold Brew …yumm❤️ It was so good and even had tiny heart sprinkles!

They have a fun Valentine’s Special Menu ,but only for a limited time , so grab a friend and go!!

And check out all these amazing treats!!

family adventures, hiking, pnw

Gold Creek Pond Snowshoe

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Gold Creek Pond Snowshoe is a perfect beginner Snowshoe ✨

It’s located 1 hour from Seattle, and offers some of the best winter views . Check the trail conditions and snowfall before you head out. I always like to check WTA and AllTrails for recent reviews of the trail so I know more of what to expect.

Details of the Snowshoe
📍Gold Creek Pond
✅ Snow Park Permit required
🥾 Elevation Gain 45ft (we came in at 72ft)
⭐️ Distance 1.2 mile (we came in at 1.9 )
🏔️ Difficulty easy

Stats are based on AllTrails

One of the bridges we crossed

If you are planning to visit Gold Creek Pond, here are a few things you should know before you go:

It’s in Snoqualmie Pass, WA
You will take the Hyak exit
If the road is closed , add 1/2 mile to your distance.
Dog Friendly
Microspikes /Snowshoes are advised
Roads may be icy and may have snow so be prepared with chains in case they are needed.

Frozen Lake

Check out our Snowshoe Adventure at Whitepass if you want to add another Snowshoe to your list this winter

Bringing in the New Year on the Slopes

pnw, Review, travel

Skamania Lodge Review

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The husband and I were able to getaway for a few days to @skamanialodge for a romantic getaway right before Christmas which at first I thought was terrible timing but turned out to be just what we needed❤️
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Skamania Lodge has so many things to offer not just for the two of us but for the whole family. There are two restaurants on property , coffee and tea service that is complimentary, Spa , game room set up with games ,adventures like zip lining , on property trails and their Holiday Walk during our stay.

Fireside w/view King


We were able to hike on our way to the lodge and then enjoy the hot tub once we checked in , which was so nice! There is an indoor and outdoor one .. the outdoor was our favorite!

Playing chess


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While we waited for our dinner reservations , we headed to the game room to play a game of chess. After dinner, we grabbed a complimentary umbrella and headed out for the Holiday Light Walk. It was an added treat and we enjoyed it . The best part was hearing an owl throughout the walk …so cool!


It’s no secret we love the Columbia Gorge area and Skamania Lodge is located in a great location to access so many different adventures . There are so many trails in this area to hike , so much history to immerse yourself in , and gorgeous views every where you look!

From our window


Have you ever visited the Columbia Gorge area? If so , what’s your favorite thing to do there?

Beautiful Lobby
Views❤️
Looking ahead to the New Year

family adventures, Money Saving, pnw, Review, travel

Bringing in the New Year on the Slopes

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Bringing in the New Year on the Slopes 🎿
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We enjoyed our winter getaway @whitepass . It was the perfect family adventure to get out and enjoy the beautiful mountains and snow. We love White Pass because of how family friendly it is. They offer a variety of different options so that everyone in your family can have a great time. They offer a mix of lessons for all ages , they have 3 carpets that make it easy for our littles that are still learning , they also offer the more difficult runs like black diamond and double black for the expert skiers and snowboarders so no matter where you are there is something for you.

The main Lodge is beautiful and has a variety of yummy food. They also offer a water tap and hot water so you can refill water bottles or add hot water to tea or soup . We always grab a tray of fries for the family to share and they are huge!While the family is munching on fries, I always grab coffee :)

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The upstairs is adult only ❤️

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There is also a Nordic Track across the street that offers several routes for Cross Country skiing and snowshoeing. We went and did the Lake Loop at twilight and it was so beautiful!

A few things to note..

You do need a trail pass to do these. They start at $15 Ang go to $35. After 3:30 , it’s doggie hour and after 4 you don’t need a pass but you are on your own.

Do you plan winter getaways? Or have a favorite Ski Resort? If so share them! We would love to know ❤️

pnw, Review, travel

Megs & Mo ~ Upscale Thrifting ~Review

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We spent the day with friends last weekend enjoying the beautiful waterfront , farmers market and visiting some fun thrift shops like this upscale one .. Megs & Mo.
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The store is beautiful and the items are all presented well. I was impressed with some of the designer labels they had and the price points for those items. Louis Vuitton , Hermes , Kate Spade ,Ulla Johnson and so many more !

They also had a great vintage section to shop from if you’re looking for some vintage pieces. There is something for everyone! Purses, shoes ,accessories and a mix of price points from 10-15$ to around 400$ depending on items.

This is a great shop to check out especially if you love thrifting and higher end items ❤️ I’m newer to thrifting but after this experience I’m excited to do more! I would love to know if you are a thrifter and if you have any tips to share.. leave in comments below ⬇️ and check out our virtual tour ⬇️

coffee, pnw, Review

Fika at Farm 12

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Fika at Farm 12 is a fun experience. The building and property are beautiful. Trendy and inviting. You will often have a line extending out the front door with those waiting to order their fav coffee and treat.


The prices are comparable to the main chain coffee shops with an exception.. the profits go to help train and educate mothers as part of the Step by Step Program. A great way to enjoy coffee and help someone ❤️
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One of the elements that makes Fika super inviting is there are lots of comfy spots to chat with a friend,have a meeting or just have some time to yourself. Everywhere you look , you are welcomed with seating inside and outside. They have picnic tables , chairs around a fire pit and several couches and tables throughout .


The drawback is the mugs. We love having a mug in hand to enjoy our espresso with froth art as we meet with others but we have found that we get a mug 1 out of 3 times and the other visits have been disposable. So be prepared you may not get a mug .


Oh and did I mention the pastries? They have some of the best pastries around and all between the 3-5$ range .