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Getting around

Amtrak operates two kinds of trainsets on the Seattle to Portland train, as shown in this photo. On the left is a double-decker long haul train, with shiny silver siding with blue and red stripes and on the other side is a one-level glossy train with brown and green striping. This photo is taken at the Seattle train station at night.

Seattle to Portland train — the best Amtrak information

July 30, 2024

Everything you need to plan a great Seattle to Portland train ride — including schedules, photos and helpful considerations from a local.

Continue Reading Seattle to Portland train — the best Amtrak information

The roadway from Seattle to North Cascades National Park is stunning on this blue sky day, with mountains in the background and a two lane road framed in by tall and narrow fir trees.

Seattle to North Cascades National Park — how to plan an epic road trip

June 29, 2024

Local knowledge and experience to help you plan an epic road trip from Seattle to North Cascades National Park, plus Winthrop, Leavenworth and more.

Continue Reading Seattle to North Cascades National Park — how to plan an epic road trip

The St. Johns Bridge rises up toward Forest Park in Portland. There are a few cars coming and going.

Seattle to Portland drive — road trip planner to make the day unique

May 6, 2024

Tired of the slog between Portland and Seattle on I5? First time in the Pacific Northwest and wanting to see sights along the drive? Check out this list of fun local detours along the route between these two largest cities of Oregon and Washington State.

Continue Reading Seattle to Portland drive — road trip planner to make the day unique

Destinations of splendor. A beach scene of the Pacific Ocean waves crashing on the fine sandy beach with two large rocky islands in the background with fir trees growing on top.

How to plan an Olympic Peninsula road trip

July 10, 2023

All you need to plan an epic Olympic Peninsula road trip. Beaches, lakes, old-growth, mossy trees, alpine views and more–an excellent resource for first-time visitors. Includes nine TikTok videos.

Continue Reading How to plan an Olympic Peninsula road trip

The giant Peace Arch at the United States Canada border is a milestone along the Seattle to Vancouver Drive. The giant white marble columns are located on a grassy green lawn with trees and gardens and both the US and Canadian flags fly proudly overhead.

Seattle to Vancouver drive — 20 road trip things to do

June 21, 2023

Over 20 things to do to make the Seattle to Vancouver drive more memorable. Local tips for planning the best road trip. Includes interactive map. Great ideas for day trips from Seattle too.

Continue Reading Seattle to Vancouver drive — 20 road trip things to do

Railroad tracks pass by the blue waters of the Salish Sea. In the background you can see the San Juan Islands. The sky is bright blue and land along the tracks has lime green grass and darker green trees.

How to train from Seattle to Vancouver

April 6, 2023

Everything you need to plan your scenic train from Seattle to Vancouver — schedules, fares, service, photos, and helpful considerations. From yours truly — a lifelong Pacific Northwest local and travel expert.

Continue Reading How to train from Seattle to Vancouver

A blue SUV is parked on the side of a highway on an Oregon road trip while the South Sister of the Cascade Mountains rises up snow-covered, toward the blue sky.

Oregon road trip — photo gallery and helpful tips

June 9, 2021

Photo gallery of my recent road trip around Oregon. This curated set of pictures details the portion of the trip between Bend and The Dalles by way of Joseph, Oregon.

Continue Reading Oregon road trip — photo gallery and helpful tips

Matthew Kessi deplanes from his Alaska Airlines flight after using frequent flyer miles to fly to Redmond/Bend Airport for a quick getaway. He's wearing a face mask and carrying a backpack.

7 innovative ways to use your gazillion Alaska Airlines miles

May 12, 2021

A gazillion Alaska Airlines Miles burning a hole in your account or just need some Pacific Northwest travel inspiration? These 7 flight ideas for a quick getaway will have you exploring nature in no time.

Continue Reading 7 innovative ways to use your gazillion Alaska Airlines miles

Layover at Seatac Airport — 8 unique things to do

March 10, 2021

Have some time to kill on a layover at Seatac Airport? This list of 8 unique things to do, from a local, will help the time “fly.”

Continue Reading Layover at Seatac Airport — 8 unique things to do

Portland from Seattle — the best ways to travel

February 17, 2021

Flights, train, bus or car? Guide, from a Pacific Northwest local, on the best ways to travel to Portland from Seattle.

Continue Reading Portland from Seattle — the best ways to travel

a gray Tesla sits on the side of a road just on the edge of a bank leading down to a beach on Whidbey Island in the middle of the Puget Sound

Tesla road trip on Whidbey Island — amazing 3-day itinerary

November 16, 2020

Join this Pacific Northwest local as he heads on an action-packed 3-day Tesla road trip on Whidbey Island, with an itinerary including Port Townsend. With interactive map and photos.

Continue Reading Tesla road trip on Whidbey Island — amazing 3-day itinerary

A Tesla Model S sedan sits on the deck of a Washington State Ferry with open Puget Sound waters in the distance against a cloudy sky. The vehicle is a metallic gray blue and shows the prominent Tesla hood ornament on the front. There are other cars behind the Tesla and the metal structure of the ferry are painted white on the ceiling above.

Tesla Travels

October 25, 2020

What happens when a travel writer tests out a Tesla Model S for a road trip around rural Whidbey Island? Tune in for reflections of electric vehicle travel in the Pacific Northwest.

Continue Reading Tesla Travels

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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.

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Top Posts & Pages

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