Best Kept Secrets of The Northwest

It seems that when summer hits that all our favorite local Northwest areas are overrun with people. Whether it’s your local lake, or some place as well known as Alki Beach, there are people EVERYWHERE! It’s almost impossible to get a space to yourself, much less a parking spot.

We thought it would be fun to give you a few lesser-known spots in the Northwest to enjoy the outdoors, and spend some quality time with your family.

Lynden, Washington

If you are looking for a small town feel and plenty to do then Lynden is a great place for a day-cation. Just a few miles south of the Canadian border, it is a great small town with culture. In the mood for some sweets? Bjornstad Farms offers summer time U-Pick blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. They have a great picnic area in Berthusen Park for a nice outdoor meal. If you are looking to spend a few days here they also have many amenities. Hidden Village RV Park for RV fans or the Dutch Village Inn, a 72ft windmill turned inn making a great place to get in touch with the rustic heritage of the area.

Vancouver Island, BC

There are all kinds of touristy things to do in Vancouver but not many people are aware of the abundance of wildlife to be seen there. A stay at any of the local bed-and-breakfasts will give you a front row seat to eagles soaring above the tree tops. And keep your eyes peeled for the whales in the water and seals on the shoreline.

Want a bit more? Black bears can be seen hunting salmon at the Thornton Creek Hatchery. They are observable from the viewing deck along a portion of the creek.

Mt. Mazama, Oregon

The site of an eruption approximately 5677 B.C., Mt. Mazama collapsed into what is now Crater Lake. (the deepest lake in the U.S.) Crater Lake has been long identified as a holy site to the Klamath Tribe.

Locals and visitors both enjoy cycling the road around the lake in warmer months, and snowshoeing and skiing at the national park in the winter months.

Hobbit Beach Trail, Oregon

Hobbit Beach Trail leads to a immaculate beach at the base of Heceta Head. The trailhead is located about 2 miles from Washburne on the east side of Hwy 101, and is easy to miss if you are not looking. The one-mike hike interlaces through tree structures and deep forests that are reminiscent of a hobbit landscape.

Goat Lake Trail, Washington

This trail features several magnificent waterfalls, including McIntosh Falls. Most hikers only journey to the first view of the lake, but more adventurous hikers are rewarded with outstanding photo ops if they continue along the eastern semi-paved path over tree roots, rocks, and branches to the base of the falls.

The trailhead is off Mountain Loop Hwy on Forest Road 4080.

This should give you some ideas on getting out and having some adventures this summer in the Northwest. If you have others you would like to share please comment below!