Hey there Reader,
Welcome to Last Summer in the PNW, a new series we’re kicking off with this issue!
Last summer, we packed up the car, strapped in our furry travel companions, and hit the road for a 7,000-mile adventure across the U.S., from Alabama all the way up to the northwesternmost point in the contiguous United States.
But this time, we did things a little differently. Instead of hopping between National Parks, we slowed down and gave the Olympic Peninsula the time it deserves.
Our first stop in the Pacific Northwest? Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge, with some iconic sights and unexpected finds along the way.
Sights on the way to Olympic
A Windy Riverside Picnic at Maryhill
Before reaching Oregon's famous waterfall, we made a quick stop across the river at Maryhill State Park. It turned out to be a great riverside spot to stretch, picnic, and get blown around by that famous Columbia Gorge wind.
The park's actually across the river in Washington, so you get to cross a scenic bridge suspended over the gorge to get there.
Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the country. This two-tiered waterfall is easy to access, unforgettable in person, and a perfect, dog-friendly start to our PNW adventure.
Olympic’s Wild Southern Coast
Crossing into Washington brought us into the Olympic Peninsula, which is home to some of the most rugged and windswept coastline we’ve ever seen. We've explored Florida's beaches for years, but this was a whole different world.
And good news: So many stops in Olympic are dog-friendly, too! 🐾
Glamping in the Peninsula
Our home base for exploring the southern coast? A cozy yurt tucked into the trees just west of Forks. We stayed at Mossquatch Resort, which leans into the mossy vibe the region is known for.
Ruby Beach
Sea stacks. Driftwood. Fog. We spent an afternoon wandering Ruby Beach just as the tide was coming in. Our pups loved exploring—though they weren't huge fans of the drizzle.
The Tree of Life
Hanging by its roots over a collapsing cliffside, the Tree of Life at Kalaloch looks like it should have fallen long ago—but somehow, it's still standing.
Big Cedar
Just down the road, this massive cedar tree offered a quiet, grounding moment (and it smells amazing, too).
What’s Next?
This was just the beginning. In the next part, we’ll hike into Olympic’s Hoh Rainforest and drive up to its far northernmost reaches. If you’ve ever wanted to walk through moss-draped forests or stand at the edge of the U.S.—you won't want to miss it.
