Islands - Expert Travel Info & Tips: From Islands, to Mountains, & Everything In Between

Forget Seattle, Retire To These 7 Washington Cities That Are Just As Pretty And Way More Affordable

staff@islands.com (Arianna Helene Winslow) — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 19:45:00 +0000

Seattle may sound like a fun place to retire, but it is pretty expensive. However, there are plenty of other beautiful Washington towns that cost less.

Washington's Lesser-Known Island State Park Has Serene Campsites, Fishing, And A Scenic Loop Trail

staff@islands.com (Jean Chen Smith) — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000

The San Juan Islands encompass more than 170 islands, and this lesser-known one is only accessible by boat but does offer primitive camping and fishing.

Hidden On Washington's Goat Island Is An Abandoned Military Fort Explorers Can Only Access By Boat

staff@islands.com (Nikolai Arto) — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 23:00:00 +0000

It seems serene today, but in the early 1900s U.S. defense planners worried about an attack that could catch Seattle defenseless. This was part of the solution.

Between Portland And Seattle Is Washington's Mountain Lake Getaway With Camping, Fishing, And Recreation

staff@islands.com (Garrett Palm) — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 21:00:00 +0000

Head to this crystal-clear Washington lake near Mount St. Helens that provides beautiful scenery and idyllic places to spend the night under the stars.

Between Portland And Mount St. Helens Is Washington's Artificial Lake For Scenic Fishing And Paddling

staff@islands.com (Chris Tharp) — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Anglers and boaters flock to this lesser-known gem near the Cascade Mountains, which offers prime water activities with views of Mount St. Helens.

Washington's Deactivated Military Fort Is Now A Scenic State Park With Beaches, Trails, And Mountain Views

staff@islands.com (Jonathan Houston) — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 18:00:00 +0000

The United States is filled with abandoned military bases, including this one in Washington on Puget Sound. You can go for a hike and maybe see mountains.

Between Seattle And The Cascades Is Washington's Charming City With Walkable Fun, Art, Shops, And Restaurants

staff@islands.com (Nola Sarkisian-Miller) — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 22:45:00 +0000

This city between Seattle and the Cascades is a charming Washington suburb with history as a milling town and walkable fun, art, shops, and restaurants.

Outside Tacoma Is Washington's Artificial Lake With Parks, Golf, And Mountain Views

staff@islands.com (Kelley Dukat) — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 01:45:00 +0000

Tough to ask for much more than a relaxing day at a beautiful lake, especially one that has plenty of activities to offer and stunning views of a mountain peak.

Washington's Highest Point On Fidalgo Island Is A Mountain Beauty For Hiking And Breathtaking Lake Views

staff@islands.com (Lexi Kassler) — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:45:00 +0000

Washington's Fidalgo Island is home to a forested mountain full of picturesque hiking trails, at the peek of which you'll enjoy stunning lake views.

Washington's Highest Point On The San Juan Islands Is A Mountain Gem With A Watchtower And Scenic Views

staff@islands.com (Rene Bennett) — Sat, 30 May 2026 16:00:00 +0000

You can hike or drive to the top, but the views are worth the trip no matter what, with vistas of the surrounding islands, Salish Sea, and British Columbia.

Washington's Once-Thriving Coal Gasification Plant In Seattle Is Now A Picturesque Urban Park With Lake Views

staff@islands.com (Eva Johnstone) — Tue, 26 May 2026 21:45:00 +0000

The West Coast has a tradition of turning old factories and historical sites into fun recreational spots. This Seattle park is among the best of them.

Situated Between Seattle And Vancouver Is A Washington Lake Park With Mountain Views, Trails, And Fishing

staff@islands.com (Sarah Joseph) — Mon, 25 May 2026 21:45:00 +0000

The Pacific Northwest is loaded with outdoor sites to see and things to do, with this stunning little lake park near the top of any list.

America's Most Impressive Sculpture Parks Offer World-Class Art Nestled Amid Stunning Landscapes

staff@islands.com (Kate Mothes) — Mon, 25 May 2026 12:30:00 +0000

Sculpture parks are the perfect way to blend outdoor adventure with beautiful artwork. Here are some of the best places to see iconic works in the U.S.

Between Seattle And Portland Is Washington's Scenic Lake For Top-Tier Fishing All Year Round

staff@islands.com (Chris Tharp) — Sat, 23 May 2026 16:00:00 +0000

This Washington lake, open year-round, is an angler's dream, with several fish species and regular stocks of rainbow trout added to the water.

Between Portland And Mount Rainier National Park Is Washington's Dazzling Volcanic Lake With Scenic Trails

staff@islands.com (Stephen Hanson) — Sat, 23 May 2026 00:15:00 +0000

A dazzling lake created by a volcanic eruption sits between Portland and Mount Rainer, with accessible trails to experience the scenery.

Spokane's 'Jewel Of Downtown' Is A Washington River Park With America's Largest Urban Waterfall And Rides

staff@islands.com (Tess Kazenoff) — Fri, 22 May 2026 16:45:00 +0000

This Eastern Washington park is located in the center of the second-largest city in the state and offers visitors stunning views over thundering cascades.

Washington's Former WWII Housing Area Is Now A Lovely Park With Trails And Birdwatching

staff@islands.com (Eva Johnstone) — Fri, 22 May 2026 03:45:00 +0000

This Washington park offers pedestrian trails through WWII housing remnants, as well as miles of mountain biking paths, surrounded by nature and wildlife.

Washington's Pristine State Park On Two Lakes Is An Underrated Mountain Gem To Camp And Fish

staff@islands.com (Sam Scott) — Thu, 21 May 2026 17:45:00 +0000

This peaceful mountain park in Washington offers calm lakes, quiet campgrounds, alpine scenery, and uncrowded outdoor adventures surrounded by wilderness.

Spokane's 'Jewel Of Downtown' Is A Washington River Park With America's Largest Urban Waterfall And Rides

staff@islands.com (Tess Kazenoff) — Wed, 20 May 2026 01:45:00 +0000

This Eastern Washington park is located in the center of the second-largest city in the state and offers visitors stunning views over thundering cascades.

Washington's Scenic State Park Near The Oregon Border Has Camping, Hiking, And Panoramic Mountain Views

staff@islands.com (Jean Chen Smith) — Tue, 19 May 2026 21:45:00 +0000

Head to this state park in the Pacific Northwest for meadows dotted with wildflowers and plentiful birdwatching opportunities along its trails.