• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About Me
    • Photo Gallery
    • Media — Plays well with others
    • Privacy Policy
  • Start Here
  • Blog
  • Destinations
    • Pacific Northwest maps
    • Pacific Northwest travel
    • Washington State
      • Soulful travel in Seattle
      • Salish Sea
      • Cascade Mountains
      • Olympic Peninsula & Washington Coast
    • Soulful travel in Oregon
      • Portland, Oregon
      • Willamette Valley
      • Oregon Coast Towns
      • Oregon Coast
      • Central Oregon
      • Eastern Oregon
  • Travel planning & guided experiences

Kessi World

Mindful travel around the Pacific Northwest.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • TikTok

Mountains

How to plan a nature forward trip to Leavenworth, Washington

February 21, 2023 by Matthew Leave a Comment

People wander in the snow as it falls on the front street of Leavenworth, Washington. The buildings are lit up in this evening shot and you can see the snowflakes falling.

Leavenworth, Washington, is a soulful bavarian-themed town tucked within the dramatic beauty of the Cascade Mountain Range. Each time I visit, I'm struck by the spirit of the land -- holding a community with love. There are numerous ways to experience this "little Germany." Eat through schnitzel and sauerkraut, climb every mountain, and everything in between seems … [Read more...] about How to plan a nature forward trip to Leavenworth, Washington

Wallowa Lake Tramway — Eagle Cap Wilderness magic

August 24, 2022 by Matthew

View from the summit of Wallowa Lake Tramway. The blue lake is in the background with the rolling farmland of Joseph in the background. There are two white gondolas gliding on black cables.

The Wallowa Lake Tramway is your ticket to the alpine wonderland of Eagle Cap Wilderness. A unique opportunity awaits to experience Oregon's highest concentration of mountain peaks (over 8,000 feet). This area of Eastern Oregon, with thrilling views of Joseph, is known as the "Little Switzerland" of Oregon. On a clear day, witness the beauty of four states (Oregon, … [Read more...] about Wallowa Lake Tramway — Eagle Cap Wilderness magic

Exploring Paradise at Mt. Rainier — National Park escape

October 13, 2021 by Matthew

A beautiful landscape of reds and oranges on the path leading up from Paradise on Mt. Rainier. The mountain is already covered with a dusting of snow which pops against the blue sky.

Paradise Mt. Rainier is the premier offering of beautiful Mt. Rainier National Park. The 14,411 feet peak towers above the Seattle-Tacoma metropolis in Washington State for all the world to see. At least, when she wants you to see her!  Locals usually say something like, “When the mountain is out” to indicate clear viewing of what the Coast Salish call Tahoma or other … [Read more...] about Exploring Paradise at Mt. Rainier — National Park escape

Spirit Lake, Washington road trip — the secret side of Mount St. Helens

September 8, 2021 by Matthew

A beautiful view of Spirit Lake, Washington from the Windy Ridge Viewpoint. In the foreground is decomposing stump on a hill with golden grass amongst ash from Mount St. Helens. The lake is vast and blue in the background.

Mount St. Helens is a captivating area of the Pacific Northwest, combining the volcanic mystique of the famous 1980 eruption with uplifting examples of Mother Nature’s regenerative ability. She also happens to be located directly East of the only major North/South roadway in the Pacific Northwest, conveniently between Seattle and Portland.  There are many ways to enjoy … [Read more...] about Spirit Lake, Washington road trip — the secret side of Mount St. Helens

John Day Fossil Beds — the best 3-day drive itinerary

August 4, 2021 by Matthew

Matthew Kessi poses for a photo at the overlook to the Blue Basin in John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. The canyons are a variety of blue and green colors and continue up to grass covered slopes leading to pointed peaks. There are endless canyons in the background that flow to partly cloudy skies. Matthew is wearing a red shirt and green shorts and a backpack and blue hat. He looks sweaty, as if he is hiking.

Oregon is famous for natural diversity and Central Oregon hosts something for just about everyone. The famous variety of attractions cater perfectly to outdoor enthusiasts of all octane levels. Often overlooked is the other-worldly wonderland of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument and the fascinating drive that offers an up-close and personal connection to this colorful, … [Read more...] about John Day Fossil Beds — the best 3-day drive itinerary

Next Page »

Footer

Search the site

I would like to acknowledge that much of my inspiration comes from living on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

Follow Me

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • TikTok

Top Posts & Pages

  • How to train from Seattle to Vancouver -- the best information
    How to train from Seattle to Vancouver -- the best information
  • Seattle to Vancouver drive -- plan the best road trip
    Seattle to Vancouver drive -- plan the best road trip
  • How to transform your travel experience with nature forward vacations
    How to transform your travel experience with nature forward vacations

Copyright © 2023 · Magazine Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in