Elizabeth Rose, based in the Portland, Oregon area, travels throughout the West and beyond writing about destinations, services, accommodations, events and local cuisine. As an expert in cultural tourism, her writing reflects that passion. She is drawn to the ruggedness of the West and its natural beauty yet isn’t above soaking in a resort spa or dining at a five star restaurant. She is a member of The International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association. She has won awards for her photography and accompanies her articles with her own images. When not out exploring, she can be seen at Vancouver, Washington dog parks with Cinnamon and Francesca.
Washington’s North Cascades Region takes you from the highs of the Cascades Mountain Range to agricultural lowlands and waterfront scenery. Towns like Bellingham, Anacortes and Mt. Vernon draw visitors for regional art, food and color. Skagit Valley Visitors thrill at the colorful fields and display gardens during tulip season in the Skagit Valley. The lowlands of the Skagit Valley are...
Port Townsend, Washington is known as a historic Victorian seaport. It’s at the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula bordered by Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, also known as the Salish Sea. You’ll enjoy the historic homes and buildings, views of the water and snow capped Olympic Mountains and discover the art, food and culture of...
You can visit or see five lighthouses on the Olympic Peninsula by starting at the northeastern town of Port Townsend and ending in the fishing and logging area to the southwest (and, of course you can travel the route in the reverse). While the lighthouses are a draw for the enthusiast, the settings will provide visitors with opportunities to visit historic sites, museums and scenic parks and beaches.
The Long Beach Peninsula in Washington is one of those places that meets the expectations of both Boomers and younger families. While the beach town is just like it was in “the day”, it also has plenty to cater to the families of today. You can easily spend a day right in the middle of Long Beach and keep all...
Poulsbo Washington on the Kitsap Peninsula is a scenic little Norwegian fishing village. Poulsbo has become a popular getaway spot for people living in more urban settings such as Portland and Seattle. A major draw is beautiful Liberty Bay and the quaint downtown area surrounding the harbor. Poulsbo History The port of Poulsbo was founded in the late 1880s when...
As you travel north on the Kitsap Peninsula you’ll encounter more wooded areas, smaller towns and natural beauty at every turn. To get to the area, take a short, scenic Washington State Ferry ride from Seattle to Bainbridge Island or from Edmond’s to Kingston. Or, drive across the world’s largest floating bridge from the Olympic Peninsula, or take the Tacoma...
Once you cross the Tacoma Narrows Bridge or step off the ferry to Bremerton from Seattle, you’ll be on Washington’s beautiful Kitsap Peninsula. While North Kitsap Peninsula is less crowded, there is plenty of natural beauty and fun things to do on the southern part of the peninsula. If you arrive via the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, the beautiful historic fishing...
Now, I think it’s rushing it to spend just a day in Anacortes but there is much to do and see even if your time is limited. Anacortes is easily reached from the mainland via a short bridge. It is located on Fidalgo Island, measuring over 15 square miles. Half of that is parks, public lands and water. Many come...
The best time to visit the San Juan Islands is between April and October and with 2 days you can visit the best spots. Summer is nice and warm but it means higher prices. A first-timer will enjoy exploring San Juan Island arriving by ferry from Anacortes to Friday Harbor in the morning. Anacortes to Friday Harbor San Juan Island...
When you hear about the Columbia River Gorge you usually think about the Oregon side, lined with waterfalls such as the renowned Multnomah Falls. But on the other side of the river, things are a bit slower and every bit as scenic. It’s just drier. The Washington side of the gorge begins just east of Vancouver, Washington, part of the...
Some major highlights of the Columbia River Gorge can be enjoyed fairly close to Portland. You don’t need hiking gear to enjoy the sights. You can take a leisurely driving trip including a stop for lunch that will take you less than a day. The Historic Columbia River Highway (Historic Route 30) turns 100-years old this year. It’s still used...
The Olympic Peninsula of Washington is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean, on the east by the Hood Canal and on the north by the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The Olympic Peninsula is home to the rain forests and rugged terrain of the Olympic National Park, as well as historic lodges, logging towns, Native American cultural centers...
The Long Beach Peninsula of Washington, a popular vacation spot for people from Seattle and Portland, is known for its continuous sand beaches, lighthouses, seafood and Lewis and Clark history. Whether you want to walk the “Longest Beach in the US,” relax in an ocean-front B&B with a glass of wine, or watch cranberries being harvested, there will be an...
As the ferry slips away from the Seattle Ferry Terminal headed for Bainbridge Island or as you drive your car across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge from the bustling port city of Tacoma, you’ll be entering an area of Washington that is laid back and filled with natural beauty. It’s not so crowded on “the Kitsap,” as they call it (formally...
The Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular geological wonder. The Ice Age Missoula Floods cut the steep, rock walls that exist today. The Gorge runs from Troutdale, Oregon, just east of Portland to The Dalles where the Deschutes River flows into the Columbia, approximately 70 – 80 miles. The western part of the Columbia River serves as the border between...
The San Juan Islands, in extreme northwest Washington state, include 172 named islands and reefs. When you visit the San Juans you’ll most likely be going to the four islands served by ferry; San Juan Island (Friday Harbor), Orcas Island, Lopez Island and Shaw Island. The sailor and kayaker may want to explore farther afield. Getting to the San Juan Islands...
The Pacific Northwest’s Cascade mountains, part of the Pacific Ocean’s Ring of Fire, are stunning high points leading you through the west coast states of Washington and Oregon. The Cascades include Mount Hood and Mt Rainier visible from the two exciting cities of the area, Seattle and Portland. While you’ll find adventure in the mountains, another major landmark, the Columbia River,...
I’ve learned that traveling close to home, sticking to the Western U.S., gives me the same exciting and rich experiences I had when traveling in other countries. Not all that far from home I’ve encountered places where my language is not spoken and I’m a cultural outsider. I’ve been to UNESCO World Heritage sites. When I travel locally, I can find any type of cuisine from a myriad of countries to savor and learn about. And, it’s easy on the pocketbook to travel close to home!
Surprise! You’re going off-roading up a mountain! In Canyonlands National Park I was offered a 4×4 ride. Easy enough, I thought. But this ride took us up rocky hillsides, through canyons so narrow the driver had to pull in his side mirrors, and on trails where you didn’t dare look down. And I loved the experience and the photos I took… when I wasn’t holding on for dear life!
The Kitsap Peninsula of Washington is much less known than the Seattle area which is just across the Puget Sound. I spent a month exploring this peninsula and discovered a world class Bonsai display garden, a captivating lighthouse, a fascinating tribal museum, a thriving arts community and a Norwegian village with the best pastries I’ve ever tasted!
I’ve come to enjoy car and van travel. I like stopping in out of the way places on the spur of the moment, photographing an elk herd that appears unexpectedly in a meadow and taking all my gear and clothing along with me as I travel. Yes, it takes longer than flying airport to airport, but I see and experience more.