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Kessi World

Mindful travel around the Pacific Northwest.

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I’m glad you’re here.

Let me help you use this website.

Build a deeper connection with nature using my content focused on soulful experiences around the Pacific Northwest.

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About Matthew Kessi

It’s my passion to help you connect to soulful experiences in the Pacific Northwest — my home.

If you’re new to my website, here are four areas to get you started. Nature and meaningful moments are always top of mind when I create content — rest assured they are recommendations from the heart.

Are you new to the Pacific Northwest?

People move here for the clean air and beautiful scenery but don’t always know how to connect. This article is a great starter kit, full of easy ideas.

Elevate your nature connection.

I’ve spent my whole life in nature and know how to help you go deeper with your relationship with Mother Earth. Look for articles about how and where to do this.

Pacific Northwest destinations.

Genuine local recommendations: Seattle (including beautiful parks and gardens), Olympic Peninsula, Oregon Coast, Eastern Oregon, and mountains.

Planning help — maps, lodging, transportation.

Thoughtful information on how to get around and favorite places to stay. Helpful knowledge about ferries, trains, planes, and some epic road trips.

Matthew Kessi stands next to a giant old hemlock tree on the Quinault Loop Trail in the Olympic National Forest. He's wearing a black and white plaid shirt and shorts and the forest scene is full of different green leafy plants.

Elevate your nature connection.

I’ve developed a six-step process to help you make the most of your time in the healing elements of Mother Earth.

Plus, articles about recommendations on where to go to experience this technique. Hint: Parks and gardens make for excellent practice!

the six fundamentals

Pacific Northwest Destinations

Living most of my life between Oregon and Washington, I’ve got this Pacific Wonderland covered. This section provides inspiring and valuable information to make your own deeper connections — with nature, loved ones, and yourself.

These are the primary regions of geography held on this website. If you want to see more specific categories click the Destinations link in the main menu at the top of this page.

Seattle

Whether you already live in the Emerald City or plan to visit, I’ve got you covered with all the ways to experience our great city. My approach might be more nature-forward than what you see in the usual lists of 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

Matthew
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

Forest bathing in Seattle is a delight when the light shines through the collection of fir trees like in this photo with a spruce and younger hemlock tree with moss dangling from the branches.

Where to enjoy Seattle forest bathing in the rain

Matthew
January 24, 2023

There is no better time to commune with nature spirits than in the rain — when the unseen realm is effervescent. 27 best mystical places in and around Seattle for forest bathing in the rain. Healing and well-being are closer than you think.

Continue Reading Where to enjoy Seattle forest bathing in the rain

Nature connection at Ravenna Park begins with the pedestrian bridge that flows high above this photo, taken below in the deep forest. The bridge is painted green and a steel structure of Beams while the maple trees flow under a bright blue sky.

How to make a nature connection in Seattle’s Ravenna Park.

Matthew
October 12, 2022

A how-to guide, including my favorite mystical places, bridges you to a Ravenna Park nature connection with Seattle’s iconic ravine wilderness.

Continue Reading How to make a nature connection in Seattle’s Ravenna Park.

Silver salmon swim through a blue tinted viewing window at the Ballard Locks Fish Ladder.

Ballard Locks Fish Ladder — how to discover nature’s magic

Matthew
September 28, 2022

Detailed guide (includes video) showing you how to open up a genuine nature connection at Ballard Locks Fish Ladder.

Continue Reading Ballard Locks Fish Ladder — how to discover nature’s magic

But wait… there’s more
Washington State

Washington State offers such diversity, from the plush Olympic Peninsula to the bavarian charm of Leavenworth in the Cascade Mountains. If you see it here, it’s because I think you’ll be inspired too.

The Frenchglen hotel lights up the night with several windows shining bright as the stars in the sky above push out their light too. There are many cars parked in the front of the hotel, which is hidden under the brushy popular and cottonwood trees.

25 Hidden Oregon and Washington hotels — unique places to stay

Matthew
May 8, 2023

I’ve done the work for you — locating and vetting 25 hidden Oregon and Washington hotels won’t appear in usual online searches of places to stay in the Pacific Northwest.

Continue Reading 25 Hidden Oregon and Washington hotels — unique places to stay

The lobby of the Society Hotel is a cozy place to sit and read. There is afire roaring and shelves of books. Comfortable looking couches and chairs are strategically placed throughout the room.

My favorite unique Pacific Northwest hotels — a winter list of places to stay

Matthew
October 5, 2022

My favorite Pacific Northwest hotels and places to stay that offer unique experiences in Oregon and Washington State. Includes lots of Tiktok videos!

Continue Reading My favorite unique Pacific Northwest hotels — a winter list of places to stay

A roadway is covered by a canopy of fall trees losing their colorful leaves of different colors. Some of the leaves are on the blacktop pavement and there are a few black lamp posts along the drive.

Fall in Seattle — 25 of the best outdoor things to do

Matthew
September 14, 2022

Autumn leaves, parks and art, my curated list of 25 outdoor things to do to enjoy Fall in Seattle. Includes lots of photos, an interactive map, and many of my Tiktok videos.

Continue Reading Fall in Seattle — 25 of the best outdoor things to do

Matthew Kessi gazes up at a giant hemlock tree on the Quinault Loop Trail near Olympic National Park. The roots of the giant tree trickle down the dirt path toward another thick tree and the forest foliage is alive with shades of green and various textures.

Quinault Loop Trail — nature’s magic in an Olympic Peninsula rainforest

Matthew
July 27, 2022

My favorite all-in-one trail on the Olympic Peninsula. Quinault Loop Trail is the best way to explore a pristine Washington State rainforest — especially if you’re short on time.

Continue Reading Quinault Loop Trail — nature’s magic in an Olympic Peninsula rainforest

you’ve only just begun… click for more
Oregon

Ah, my homeland of Oregon! My family has lived in and around the state for generations. Although I was born and lived my early adult life in Portland, most of my content is about the vast diversity of beautiful nature in the Beaver State.

A view of the iconic Yaquina Bay Bridge in Newport Oregon. The sky is blue with puffy clouds while in the foreground there are weather coastal pine trees leaning down to the water.

How to see Newport, Oregon, in one day

Matthew
May 31, 2023

This one-day itinerary to Newport, Oregon, is terrific because you can experience the “greatest hits” of the Oregon Coast in a concentrated area. Enjoy a vibrant harbor, a world-class Aquarium, two lighthouses, a historic beach, and ancient forests in a nature-forward manner that’s great for the soul.

Continue Reading How to see Newport, Oregon, in one day

The Frenchglen hotel lights up the night with several windows shining bright as the stars in the sky above push out their light too. There are many cars parked in the front of the hotel, which is hidden under the brushy popular and cottonwood trees.

25 Hidden Oregon and Washington hotels — unique places to stay

Matthew
May 8, 2023

I’ve done the work for you — locating and vetting 25 hidden Oregon and Washington hotels won’t appear in usual online searches of places to stay in the Pacific Northwest.

Continue Reading 25 Hidden Oregon and Washington hotels — unique places to stay

Matthew Kessi leans against an old growth sitka spruce tree on the Oregon Coast at Oswald West State Park. He's wearing black raingear head to toe that appears very wet, with a striped colored hat. There are roots from another smaller tree and green fir branches hanging down into the shot.

How to find magic at Oswald West State Park

Matthew
January 4, 2023

Oregon Coast icon near Cannon Beach. My personal guide to quick, intermediate, and all-day hikes. Includes old-growth, creeks, beach, cliff views, and nature’s magic.

Continue Reading How to find magic at Oswald West State Park

Waves crash along the path on a famous Oregon Coast Hike at Shore Acres State Park. The sky is a swirl of gray and blue and the water foamy as it crashes on the rock formations.

10 Oregon Coast hikes to reclaim the soul

Matthew
November 2, 2022

The ten best Oregon Coast hikes to balance time with the spirits of nature. All my local knowledge, includes videos, interactive maps, and photos.

Continue Reading 10 Oregon Coast hikes to reclaim the soul

lots more Oregon by clicking here
Oregon Coast

My attraction to the sea started with regular family visits to the Oregon Coast as a child that turned into a lifetime of exploring up and down the entire 363-mile shore of the Pacific Ocean. Use years of knowledge offered in my articles to find your unique places in Oregon Coast nature.

A view of the iconic Yaquina Bay Bridge in Newport Oregon. The sky is blue with puffy clouds while in the foreground there are weather coastal pine trees leaning down to the water.

How to see Newport, Oregon, in one day

Matthew
May 31, 2023

This one-day itinerary to Newport, Oregon, is terrific because you can experience the “greatest hits” of the Oregon Coast in a concentrated area. Enjoy a vibrant harbor, a world-class Aquarium, two lighthouses, a historic beach, and ancient forests in a nature-forward manner that’s great for the soul.

Continue Reading How to see Newport, Oregon, in one day

Matthew Kessi leans against an old growth sitka spruce tree on the Oregon Coast at Oswald West State Park. He's wearing black raingear head to toe that appears very wet, with a striped colored hat. There are roots from another smaller tree and green fir branches hanging down into the shot.

How to find magic at Oswald West State Park

Matthew
January 4, 2023

Oregon Coast icon near Cannon Beach. My personal guide to quick, intermediate, and all-day hikes. Includes old-growth, creeks, beach, cliff views, and nature’s magic.

Continue Reading How to find magic at Oswald West State Park

Waves crash along the path on a famous Oregon Coast Hike at Shore Acres State Park. The sky is a swirl of gray and blue and the water foamy as it crashes on the rock formations.

10 Oregon Coast hikes to reclaim the soul

Matthew
November 2, 2022

The ten best Oregon Coast hikes to balance time with the spirits of nature. All my local knowledge, includes videos, interactive maps, and photos.

Continue Reading 10 Oregon Coast hikes to reclaim the soul

The iconic lamp post on the Seaside Promenade is made of yellow painted concrete with a black casing for the light fixture. The sky is bright blue and just a faint line of surf from the ocean can be seen banging onto the beach.

My favorite things to do in Seaside, Oregon

Matthew
April 20, 2022

My favorite things to do in Seaside, Oregon, including an interactive map for eating, drinking, and wandering along the Oregon Coast.

Continue Reading My favorite things to do in Seaside, Oregon

additional inspiration a click away
Selfie of Matthew Kessi sitting on a tree stump overlooking a lake with greenish water.

Do you want to take your relationship with nature to the next level?

Let me show you how paying attention to nature opens the door to seeing yourself — and the world — differently. Transformation is closer than you think.

I offer Mystic Nature Experiences, 90-minute in-person guided journeys in select parks and gardens in Seattle, Tacoma, and Portland.

more information
Drop me an email

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They’re not on the main website, but all my adventure itineraries are free when you subscribe to my newsletter all about this wonderland we call the Pacific Northwest.

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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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