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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.

Beautiful spring sunset from Alki Beach in West Seattle. The light waves wash up onto a rocky beach while the pier juts out into the water. The Olympic Mountains in the distance create a backdrop for the peach, yellow and blue colors of the sky with a bright yellow ball of sun getting ready to set.

The best things to do in West Seattle, including Alki Beach

Matthew
February 27, 2025

A local’s itinerary for things to do in West Seattle & Alki Beach. Includes a driving map: best views, beaches, nature, and food & drink.

Continue Reading The best things to do in West Seattle, including Alki Beach

A view down a gravel roadway while Forest Bathing in Seattle's Washington Park Arboretum in February. The trees are dormant but the rhododendrons show off their twisted trunks holding their canopy of leaves up toward the gray sky.

Forest Bathing Seattle

Matthew
February 19, 2025

Unique two-hour mystic experience in Seattle’s flagship Arboretum | Quiet your mind | Manage emotions for better outcomes | Trust your intuition more | Face your fears with support | $90 per person until March 31, 2025 |

Continue Reading Forest Bathing Seattle

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.

How to enjoy Fall in Seattle — 30 of the best outdoor things to do

Matthew
August 27, 2024

Autumn leaves, parks and art, my curated list of 30 outdoor things to do to enjoy Fall in Seattle. Includes lots of photos, an interactive map, and many of my Tiktok videos.

Continue Reading How to enjoy Fall in Seattle — 30 of the best outdoor things to do

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

Matthew
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

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 impressive view of Lake Quinault Lodge shows the cedar shake siding and green shutters contrasting with the blue sky above.

Experience the rich Washington rainforest wonderland at Lake Quinault Lodge

Matthew
December 17, 2024

Nestled deep within the Olympic Peninsula rainforest in Washington, Lake Quinault Lodge brings to life a perfect mixture of magical nature.

Continue Reading Experience the rich Washington rainforest wonderland at Lake Quinault Lodge

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.

How to enjoy Fall in Seattle — 30 of the best outdoor things to do

Matthew
August 27, 2024

Autumn leaves, parks and art, my curated list of 30 outdoor things to do to enjoy Fall in Seattle. Includes lots of photos, an interactive map, and many of my Tiktok videos.

Continue Reading How to enjoy Fall in Seattle — 30 of the best outdoor things to do

Seattle to Mt. Rainier National Park makes a remarkable day trip because the mountain is so massive in beauty. In this photo, she is covered with snow under a blue sky with patches of bare rocks and light dusting of snow in the foreground with small alpine fir trees that are dark green.

How to make a remarkable Seattle to Mt Rainier day trip — all the best information

Matthew
July 25, 2024

Everything you need to plan your epic nature adventure from Seattle to Mt. Rainier — photos, maps, reservations, and the best stops. From a lifelong Pacific Northwest local.

Continue Reading How to make a remarkable Seattle to Mt Rainier day trip — all the best 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

Matthew
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

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.

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
December 17, 2024

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

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

Matthew
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

Yaquina Head Lighthouse rises up on a spit of land surrounded by waves crashing against dramatic rock stacks. There are some cars parked right on the edge of the cliff with a staircase leading down to the rocky beach.

Where to enjoy nature things to do in Newport, Oregon

Matthew
June 13, 2023

14 favorite nature things to do in Newport Oregon based on my mystic sensitivities. Oregon coast beaches, aquarium, lighthouses, forests, planning information & more.

Continue Reading Where to enjoy nature things to do in Newport, Oregon

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

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.

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
December 17, 2024

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

Yaquina Head Lighthouse rises up on a spit of land surrounded by waves crashing against dramatic rock stacks. There are some cars parked right on the edge of the cliff with a staircase leading down to the rocky beach.

Where to enjoy nature things to do in Newport, Oregon

Matthew
June 13, 2023

14 favorite nature things to do in Newport Oregon based on my mystic sensitivities. Oregon coast beaches, aquarium, lighthouses, forests, planning information & more.

Continue Reading Where to enjoy nature things to do in Newport, Oregon

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

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

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
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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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