Explorer Sue • Your Guide to the Pacific Northwest - Part 8

5 Things to Pack for the Pacific Northwest (Any Time of Year)

British Columbia, Canada

First of all….CONGRATULATIONS on your upcoming PNW adventure. You are going to have so much FUN. But now it’s time to start thinking about getting to the nitty-gritty of things and figure out what to pack for Oregon, Washington, or British Columbia…the cities, the country, the mountains, the coast, you’ll want to pack thoughtfully. ***This post was updated on April 9th, 2023. There are affiliate links on this site, however, all opinions here are my OWN.*** Careful thought should go into what you will pack! As with any destination, it is wise to check the weather report ahead of time for where you will be going and for what day. The Pacific Northwest can be temperamental weather-wise: even in winter, we can get some very mild days, filled with sunshine and (slightly) warmer weather. Even though our summers have been hot and dry recently, you should be prepared for the…

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Skiing in the Pacific Northwest – The Complete Guide

British Columbia, Canada

For people who love the outdoors, there is no greater destination than the Pacific Northwest. And for skiers? Whew-eee! You simply cannot call yourself a skier if you haven’t been to one of our gorgeous ski resorts. Okay, maybe that was a bit harsh. But if you haven’t yet been, then what are you waiting for? I am not one to talk since I’ve lived here for twenty years and only just had my first ski trip last year. And I’m raring to go on my next one this year. Wondering which resort(s) to visit? I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of each ski resort in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. So get your ski boots on and have a great winter! Skiing in Oregon Travel Oregon Oregon Ski Resorts Skiing in Washington Ski Washington Washington Ski Resorts The Biggest Ski Resorts in Washington State Skiing in B.C. On…

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My First Travel Blogging Conference (and it was Awesome)

Beyond the PNW

I am a solo female adventure traveler (who wears a size 12) and blogs about the Pacific Northwest. That was my ‘elevator pitch’ when I went to Austin, Texas for TravelCon 2018 and It Was Awesome!!! It was my first travel blogger/media conference and my first time in Austin. Yes, I hit two birds with one stone. How was Austin? Hot. Sticky. I heard cicadas and I love cicadas – I miss them as they’re not in the Pacific Northwest. I went rafting on the river. I waited in line for three hours for BBQ (it was worth it!) Austin is also really fun. The waterfront. The street art. Sixth street and all of the music. Here is a great city guide with vacation rentals in Austin. For vacation rentals in several cities throughout the U.S. Domio is a great resource. I learned a lot of stuff about the current state…

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I Can’t Do It All (But I Wish I Could!)

Personal Musings

As we age, you would think that we’d start to slow things down, wouldn’t you? Not so with me. If anything, I’m ramping things up. Big time. For decades I was asleep at the wheel. Doing what society has told me to do. To be a good girl, have a full-time job, have kids (I love kids but I was able to skirt that last one). And while I was busy fulfilling the status quo, I let my true passions fall by the wayside. Up until about two years ago. When I decided to throw caution to the wind and start this blog. I love writing and being the sole owner of a work in progress, but the love has been one of labor, no doubt. Some weeks I struggle to come up with a suitable blog topic (and some weeks I don’t get a post up, at all!) I still…

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Cannon Beach, Oregon – The Ultimate Guide

Guides

To get the true essence of the Oregon coast, nothing is better than Cannon Beach. The iconic Haystack rock is mere steps away from the main drag of town on a large beach with plenty of places to relax the afternoon away. It is one of the MANY great day trips from Portland. Venture beyond the main shopping and dining areas where you will find weathered, cedar-shingle residences and vacation homes, just steps from the beach. Wispy bushes dot the sand dunes as you approach the ocean, inviting you to come to explore what might be around next corner. What better way to experience quintessential Oregon than a visit to Cannon Beach? Things to Do in Cannon Beach Haystack Rock. At low tide, you are able to walk around this behemoth of beauty and explore the tide pools. However, it is a state-protected marine area, so you are not allowed…

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5 Reasons Why Every Female Should Travel Solo (at least once!)

Beyond the PNW

I’m going to jump on the bandwagon here because I rarely do that. I’m writing this week’s blog post as a list. The ever-popular “5 reasons why (insert subject here)”. Because 1) it’s fun, and 2) everyone loves a list of something. It’s click-bait and I’m not ashamed to flaunt it. And I’ll say it now – every female should travel solo! So why am I writing a post that seems to have nothing to do with the Pacific Northwest? Oh, contrare! The PNW is a playground for solo travel! Female solo travel, in particular. Solo travel in Washington and Oregon is so – much – FUN!!! In many parts of the world, it is still considered unusual or even bad form for a woman to be traveling completely alone. But that is slowly changing. Oregon, Washington, and yes, British Columbia are very progressive states/provinces and it’s normal to see…

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5 Myths About the Pacific Northwest

Personal Musings

It’s funny how different people have their own ideas about an area of the world in which they don’t live, or have never been. For example, there are those in New York City who have never ventured out of their hometown and think that Iowa is full of nothing but corn and cows. And that chocolate milk is made out of brown cows. I kid you not. (I hope you’re not one of those people!) Bottom line is, legend and here-say is pretty powerful if you’ve heard or experienced nothing else to contradict it. Here are a few myths that I will do my best to debunk. Most People in Oregon are Tree-Hugging Hippies Marijuana is legal here, it’s true. And we do have our share of dreadlock-wearing, plaid-loving wanderers. But the vast majority of us are hard-working artists and professionals trying to live respectable lives just like the rest…

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Twin Peaks Locations in Washington State

Guides

David Lynch’s television masterpiece, Twin Peaks, enjoyed cult success in the 1990’s. Recently it has been resurrected (unlike Laura Palmer) in the form of several new shows available for streaming thru Showtime via Amazon. Twin Peaks definitely has its hardcore fans. And with good reason! The storyline is engaging to the hilt, the cinematography is grand, the directing, genius. Much of the show was filmed on location in the backwoods of Washington State. It was a natural and familiar place, as Mr. Lynch spent some of his childhood in Spokane. While some of the set was recreated on a Hollywood soundstage, many of the locations and structures shown in the series are still in existence in Washington. It should come as no surprise that fans of the show may want to make their pilgrimage to Washington at some point to visit some of these locations. Here they are! Ronette’s Bridge…

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St. Johns Historic Neighborhood in Portland

Food & Drink

There is a section of Portland where the Willamette River and the mighty Columbia River meet. At this confluence resides the historic neighborhood of St. Johns. A section of Portland that used to be its own separate town. To this day St. Johns still retains its independent charm. Portland is a collection of neighborhoods (link to your article!) with their own distinctive personalities, and St. Johns is no different. St. Johns was its own incorporated city from 1902 to 1915, when residents from both cities voted to approve its annexation into Portland. Because it lies at the confluence of two rivers, it’s no surprise that there are lots of parks and water-based activities in the area. Cathedral Park You’ve no doubt seen images of the jaw-dropping gothic St. Johns bridge as it spans over the northern Willamette River. Underneath the bridge on the east side is a lovely park where…

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Best Campgrounds in Washington State That are Free

Guides

**This post was updated on April 24, 2024** Looking for free camping in Washington State? You’ve hit the jackpot! Camping is one of the premier outdoor experiences you can have. It seems that when planning a trip that includes the best tent camping in Washington State, there are various things you should consider. The time of year, the location, and yes even the climate! You have your pick of ocean view, dense old-growth forest, wide-open valleys and then some. Luckily, there is plenty opportunity for dispersed camping in Washington State. Many people fly into Portland to start their Washington State camping adventure, as it’s just past the southern border of the state. Many people look into RV rentals in the northwest. They will rent an RV in Oregon, then cross the border to begin their adventure. I highly recommend RV traveling. It’s a great way to find an inexpensive…

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10 Unusual Things That Make Portland Great

Must Go

I’m going to forego the usual boring introduction (that no one reads anyway) and just get right to it. These are ten things (out of thousands) that make Portland great. The Naked Bike Ride For one evening every June, Portlanders love to let their freak flag fly and parade down the city streets going full commando and then some! If you are offended by nudity, then…well, what the heck are you doing in Portland?!? FYI, nudity is optional during the ride; plenty of folks take the opportunity to dress how they like and can still take part. A seemingly unlimited amount of tasty food carts Portland has more food carts per capita than anywhere else in the country and maybe the world? Some of them are actually run by chefs. Whatever your culinary pleasure, you can surely find a food cart to suit your cravings. The Unipiper This…

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Things to Do in Astoria Oregon

Guides

Astoria is Oregon’s northernmost coastal city. Perched at the top of her many hills, you’ll be offered a sweeping view of the very long Astoria-Megler bridge into Washington state, and the Columbia River spilling out to the Pacific Ocean. In this charming town, there are many things to do, despite her sleepy first impression. Beaches are not Astoria’s forte. You may find one or two tiny areas of sand with which to sit with a glass of wine and view the sunset. But for the most part, Astoria is a fishing town, through and through. There are several fish canneries along the waterfront. Pier 39 at the east end of the Riverwalk has Bumble Bee fish cannery, complete with a small museum run by the Hanthorn Cannery Foundation. I had heard tales of Finnish bathhouses here. Since I am a big fan of a steamy relaxing soak, I was keen…

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The Ultimate Vancouver Island Road Trip – Part 3

British Columbia, Canada

Can you think of a place that is so untouched by human hands, and yet so traversed that it’s difficult to imagine why it remains so beautiful? Vancouver Island is one of those places. This nature-lovers dream of an Island is large enough to accommodate the best of several worlds. Among them, charming village and city life, fantastical rainforests and northern remote wilderness. See Part 1 and Part 2 of this epic road trip of mine. My solo Vancouver Island journey takes me from the quaint village of Port Alberni at the center of the island, north up the Inter-Island highway to the village of Courtenay. It’s a great place to stop for coffee at Common Ground Café, or perhaps for lunch at The Hen and Hog Café. Dinner, you say? Then head to The Prime Chophouse and Wine Bar. After you’ve fueled your body with food and/or caffeine, its…

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The Cannabis Industry in Oregon

Informational

“That’ll be $69 an ounce, sir.” The dispensary clerk told my husband, who wanted to try a small sampling of Green Dragon, a strain of cannabis that was advertised to relax you without the side effects of getting the munchies. Walking into the place, we were immediately presented with a full menu of different strains of marijuana. Each offering different ways of enhancing our reducing various human conditions. Such as it has been here in Oregon since 2015 when the voters of Oregon overwhelmingly voted to legalize a substance that is safer to use than alcohol. Who’d a thunk? I myself don’t really partake marijuana all that much. Sure, its great for unwinding, relaxing and for soothing a myriad of ailments. I’m all for its responsible use. But for me, at least right now, it doesn’t do much for me. And that’s perfectly fine. Maybe one day my time will…

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The Ultimate Vancouver Island Road Trip – Part 2

British Columbia, Canada

Continuing my exploration of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, I was excited to finally break through the stronghold of Victoria. With its Empress Hotel, Butchart Gardens and so many places to eat and shop, most people do not venture far from the city to explore Vancouver Island itself. A national treasure. I awoke in my tiny Airbnb cabin to the sounds of gentle waves lapping at the shore. Here in Ladysmith, there is plenty of birdwatching to be had, but I didn’t hear any this particular morning. As I rose to begin my adventures for the day, the cloudy skies brought a steady drizzle that lasted through most of the morning. No bother, I was off to explore the lovely town of Nanaimo, just a few miles north of Ladysmith, on the western side of Vancouver Island. As I rumbled into town on that Monday morning, all was quiet, as…

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Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail

Guides

The Pacific Crest Trail. It’s on every serious hiker’s to-do list. Mine included. I’m getting to a point in my life where, if I don’t do it within the next five years or so, well…hey, grannies can be thru-hikers, can’t they? Yes, they can. But I’m not that old. To walk the entire length from the Mexican Border near Campo, CA all the way up through Washington State and 12km into Manning Park, BC, Canada – now that’s a feat! The trail snakes through some of the nation’s most spectacular mountain and wilderness scenery, following the Sierra Nevada (mmm, did someone say beer?) and Cascade Mountain ranges. The PCT passes through 25 national forests and seven national parks. To hike the entire trail at once takes many months of serious planning and about 5 months of hiking. For a thru-hiker, the usual daily grind of working a job and…

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The Ultimate Vancouver Island Road Trip – Part 1

British Columbia, Canada

This is the first in a series of stories about my exploration of Vancouver Island, Canada. Makes for a great road trip in British Columbia. Read about parts two and three here. It is just one of many Pacific Northwest road trips you can take. Vancouver Island is big. Well, big for an island, I suppose. In fact, it is the largest Pacific Island east of New Zealand. To put things in perspective, it takes roughly six hours by car to travel from Victoria at the southern end, up to the northern end, Port Hardy, where the main road stops. But it doesn’t end there. Venture further north past Port Hardy, and you are likely a hearty backpacker or have an experienced guide. This far north you are into an immense wilderness of wolf and bear country. The main road north out of Victoria is Highway 1. Follow this road…

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Where To Go Off the Beaten Path Oregon

Informational

Think you know Oregon? Think again… Oregon is not the biggest state in the Union, not by far. But venture east of the Cascades into High Desert country and it can certainly seem that way. Gigantic open spaces where the skies open up and the infinite wild west claims you as one of their own. Going off the beaten path in Oregon holds a promise that will fulfill and excite you. There are millions of acres of untouched wilderness. The Mount Hood region alone has so many hidden pockets of dense forest, sparkling lakes, and remote mountains where the wildlife go months or even years without seeing a single human in their midst. The Oregon coastline is heavily traveled but look hard enough and you will discover many opportunities for isolation along the edge of the majestic Pacific Ocean. Granted, there are a ton of things to do around the…

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How to NOT Get Lost on the Hiking Trail

British Columbia, Canada

I was so excited to go on a solo trip to Vancouver Island. Having never been further than the city of Victoria, my explorer hat was in full force as I picked up a rental car for the 5-day journey. After sitting on my toosh all day driving from Portland up to Port Angeles, taking the ferry to Victoria, then another hour to my Airbnb, I was desperate to get my hiking on the next day! Early the next morning, a quick look at Google Maps told me that East Sooke Provincial Park just west of Victoria was a good choice. After a cursory look at the map at the trailhead, I decided to take the most direct route to the shoreline, not knowing how long that would take. The trails were clearly marked, so that was good. I followed the trail to another trail that would take me to…

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Where are the Best Doughnuts in Portland?

Food & Drink

It’s not unusual to walk down a street in Portland and find a line out the door to an eating establishment. There are so many incredible restaurants in the city; Portland has become one of the premier places for brunch, fine dining, food carts…. …and doughnuts. So where are the best doughnuts in Portland? You no doubt have heard of Portland’s iconic VooDoo Doughnuts or even Blue Star Doughnuts. Just about every single travel blog about ‘where to eat in Portland’ will have one or the other on the list. So imagine my surprise when I drove down NE Fremont street near my neighborhood, and found yet another line out the door, to a place called Pip’s Original Doughnuts. But wait! I’ve never heard of this place! And in reading the hundreds of travel blogs that I do, many of them about Portland, no one has mentioned Pip’s. Astounding.…

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