coffee, hiking, Mt.Rainier National Park

Kuju Coffee Review

We recently had an overnight at a Mt. Rainier Hut and so I knew I wanted some coffee for our stay . I picked this up at REI and I was so impressed with it! First of all , how can you not love the name basecamp when you are doing an outdoor mountain adventure?
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As soon as we made it to the hut and after getting settled , I made a cup of coffee. It was so good! There is something about being on top of the mountain in a hut with a cup of hot coffee in hand. My friend and I headed out to the deck to enjoy as our littles played in the snow and we savored each drop with the beautiful background.


I really love the design and functionality of the coffee.
Each filter fits into your cup and you tear the top off then pour hot water . Delish! Perfect pour over ☕️ It is perfect for outdoor adventures and officially added to my hiking gear .

hiking, pnw, travel

Wahclella Falls Trail

Wahclella Falls Trail is one of our top 10 hikes! I lost count of the waterfalls as we hiked in and out but everywhere I turned there was a waterfall . It is definitely the greatest Show in nature and it’s a perfect hike if you are wanting a quick hike with a great views.

It felt a little bit like we were in Jurassic World because of how beautiful and lush it was. Absolutely breathtaking! You get a little of everything with this hike .. rocky , inclines , bridges and so many waterfalls ❤️

Stats ⬇️

📍Wahclella Falls
🧭 Cascade Locks , Or
🥾 1.9miles RT ( we came in at 2.9)
🏔️ 308 ft elevation gain ( we gained 591)
⭐️ Stats based on AllTrails and Apple

Check out our reel ⬇️

hiking, travel

Artist Point Snowshow ~ Mt.Baker

Oh the beauty of Mt. Baker! Artist Point was our first snowshoe of the season and we couldn’t have picked a better place to go. You get endless views of the North Cascade peaks ,as well as stunning views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan.Two of the most beautiful mountains in Washington State.


It is also on the ski area boundary for Mt. Baker so as you climb up one of the steep sections you will see skiers and snowboarders a few feet from you .. this was actually pretty awesome!

Trail Stats ⬇️

📍 Heather Meadows and Artists Point Trail
🧭 Deming , Wa
🥾 3.2 miles RT ( we came in at 3.99)
🏔️ 872 ft elevation gain ( we gained 959)
⭐️ Stats based on AllTrails and Apple
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Artist Point is in avalanche terrain, so it is best to check the NWAC avalanche forecast before venturing out (updated every night at 6pm).

Check out our reel below ⬇️

hiking, pnw, travel

Pnw Hike ~ Otter Falls

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 .


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
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
📍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

“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

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

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

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

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

coffee, family adventures, Review

Seattle Starbucks Reserve Roastery ~ Holiday Menu

The Starbucks Reserve in Seattle never disappoints ☕️

We went right before Christmas to try some of the holiday flavors, like the Starbucks Reserve peppermint mocha, which by the way was delicious! The eggnog cookie was a fun treat that had the sprinkled star, the raspberry cornetto was delish , and my husband always looks forward to the Whiskey Cold Brew when we visit.

Check out how they serve the Whiskey Cold brew with the old fashioned ice cube.🧊

Want a tip on to save for parking? Comment coffee below and I’ll send you how we save on parking ❤️