Explorer Sue • Your Guide to the Pacific Northwest - Part 4

Misadventures in Olympic National Park – Part Deux

Guides

Old habits die hard, to coin a familiar phrase. What that means is, as much as I talk about taking things slowly when you are traveling, I didn’t seem to want to listen to that inner voice this time. As with my first Olympic National Forest trip, I tried to jam pack as much as I could in the span of two days. This was my second time solo hiking Olympic National Park; situated on a glorious and beautiful peninsula – kissed by the rainforest and holding so many mysteries. And again, I decided on a small one-night journey. Will I ever learn? Read about my first ONP misadventure here. A Blessing in Disguise? At least something was on my side – the coronavirus pandemic. Sounds strange, doesn’t it? But it allowed me enough time to see more things, as many of the trails were still closed to visitors. I…

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Oregon’s Glorious Road of Waterfalls

Guides

Along an unassuming highway extending east from the lumber town of Roseburg is an oasis of outdoor adventure, glorious hiking opportunities, and yes…waterfalls galore. It is one of the best southern Oregon road trips you can take and has the highest concentration of pacific northwest waterfalls along one road. This is the ancient Umpqua Forest. Not far northwest of Crater Lake, Highway 138 (also known as the Rogue-Umpqua National Scenic Byway) makes gentle twists and turns through the old-growth like a languorous guide taking her visitors on a magical journey. The Most Scenic Road Trip The epic road trip takes 2-3 days to fully explore, but you can do it in a day if you choose to stop at just 2-3 waterfalls. You can start either from the west side in Roseburg, or east if you’re coming from the Crater Lake area. I am going to be listing the waterfalls…

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How Going on a Road Trip can Save Your Soul

Guides

Chances are if you are reading this blog, you have the wanderlust bug. Go on, admit it. I have it too, so let me tell you how my need to get out and explore has made me a happier person. Going on a road trip is one of my favorite things. When things get too stressful, oftentimes just getting into a car, truck or yes, even a recreational vehicle (an RV) can be the cure for what ails me. Never been RV-ing? Well, what are you waiting for? It is said that getting out of your comfort zone is a healthy thing. I tend to agree. And guess what? You can do it safely without endangering other people! Well, you DO have to drive carefully. But y’know that whole ‘social distancing’ thing? Yeah, you can do that here. Significant other driving you crazy? Take them with you on a romantic…

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3 Awesome Portland Self-Guided Walking Tours

Guides

**This post was updated January 16, 2024** Walking in Portland makes for a fine way to spend an afternoon. Many of its main attractions are within walking distance, not to mention a plethora of restaurants, food carts, and coffee houses along the way. It is a fantastic dive deep into this city – to find its history, its surprises, and its quirkiness. **Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. When you click through a book a tour, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Rather have a guided walking tour of Portland? I highly recommend booking this professionally-guided walking tour of downtown Portland. It’s a delightful 1.5-mile stroll through Portland’s rich history and vibrant culture! You’ll get to explore iconic historical sites, lively public squares, and some truly creative city planning concepts, all while having a chuckle at some funny trivia. But if you are more of…

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The Pacific Northwest Guide to Glamping

Guides

There is a great shift happening in the travel sphere. The move is on for travel slower, to savor more of the outdoors, and to do it in a responsible way – but still have FUN. Getting out in nature can also be incredibly soothing and exhilarating for the soul. Spending nights out underneath the stars is one of the things I love to do. But who says you have to rough it while you’re doing it? Go Glamping in the Northwest! Surely by now you have heard this buzzword ‘glamping.’ It is just what it implies – camping with glamor. Or glamorous camping. Whatever the heck you call it, it satisfies that sweet spot of the desire to get out and have a mad affair with nature, while also doing it in STYLE. I am personally a big fan of glamping. Probably my favorite experience with this emerging form…

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Where do We Go from Here?

Beyond the PNW

Have you heard the news? Of course, you have. The world of travel has changed, literally overnight. International borders have closed on a global scale, and our exploratory nature has been dashed without nary a warning. I’m not going to even get into the decimating effects this has had on every facet of the travel industry. Thankfully, people still like to at least READ about travel. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced during the COVID-19 pandemic? I am what they call a ‘digital nomad.’ Meaning, I have an “official” home address, but I don’t really consider that my home. I am much more comfortable bouncing from place to place. Being a travel blogger is good for that! Whether I’m on assignment somewhere, reviewing a hotel, or house/pet sitting in a new area where I can both take care of a fur baby and explore my new surroundings. I thrive on…

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Downtown Portland

Exploring Downtown Portland: 1st Ave and Main Street

Food & Drink

**Note: Even though the state-at-home order has been imposed pretty much everywhere, that doesn’t stop us from planning a fantastic trip around Portland when we are able to move around again. Until then, enjoy this armchair journey through downtown.** Here is a guest blog from Marc Johnston, a long-time Portland resident and personal injury attorney, whose law firm office is located on Main Street and 1st Avenue. His neighborhood offers enough to keep even the most experienced of travelers exploring for days. All opinions expressed here are his own. -Sue Compact, walkable, and loaded with green space, there are few places better to explore Portland than the Downtown area. The Rose City is known for its diverse dining, eclectic shops, and one-of-kind cultural sites. When you are wondering what to do in downtown Portland, look no further! Scenic Attractions in Portland Starting at SW Main St. and SW 1st…

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7 of the Best Travel Books to Read While You’re Holed Up

Beyond the PNW

I think more of us will be slowing down and reading this summer…and who doesn’t love a good book? Especially when you are stuck at home and cannot travel. At least it is comforting to know that when you are able to travel again, the world will still be waiting for you! No matter the reason, a break from your job, a broken leg, or even a bleeping pandemic, when we travelers are forced to hunker down, we tend not to take it well. Fortunately, there is an endless supply of legendary travel writers who will take you on a journey, without you having to leave the comforts of home. Come with me as I walk you through 7 of the best adventure travel books ever. These are books about travel and self-discovery while traveling. I have read each and every one of these and all I can say is,…

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When Life Throws You a Crap Ton of Lemons: How to Deal

Personal Musings

I’m gonna have to throw my standard, evergreen content out the window for this post, folks. Because we are smack dab in the middle of Coronavirus; this grand stinking pandemic of the unprecedented variety. Sure, I could ignore the warnings and keep on traveling to bring you great Pacific Northwest stories. But what purpose would that serve? What message would that send to my readers? First and foremost, I have a responsibility to be a good citizen. How that plays out in the realm of my travel blog is very important to me. And then there’s my personal life. Yeah, not going to get into that here! Let’s just say…it’s complicated. You may be surprised to learn that I’m actually a very introverted person. And so this whole “social distancing” business is, in a strange way, slightly soothing to me. I have no problem with it. Well, at least not…

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7 Reasons You Need to Visit Baker City, Oregon

Guides

Looking for things to do in Baker City, Oregon? Come along with me… When most people make the journey west into Oregon, they will most likely be road-trippin’ along Interstate 84. Much of this stretch of highway follows the historic Oregon Trail. And when they first hit Oregon soil, they will pass through the little town of Baker City. Those two words, “pass through” are key. Because they don’t think to stop here for a while. And that’s a shame. What most people don’t know is that Baker City is a gem of a destination. To pass it by is to miss some pretty cool things. Here are just a few of the epic things to do in Baker City, Oregon. To get a well-rounded trip, go in summer when everything is open and the weather will not be an issue. Since the town sits over 3,000 feet in elevation,…

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The Best Spots On the Columbia River

Guides

When most people think about what to see along the Columbia River, the Gorge area immediately springs to mind. Probably because it is the most scenic! But there is so much more to this magnificent stretch of river, which guided our original explorers, Lewis & Clark to this great land. Interstate Highway 84, which runs on the Oregon side will guide you to Multnomah Falls, Hood River, and some of the best hiking in the Pacific Northwest. It has some of the best viewpoints in the Columbia River Gorge and make excellent road trips from Portland. But did you know?? There is plenty to do along or near the Columbia River on the Washington State side! Yep, what most people don’t realize is there are these little pockets of greatness to discover on the Washington side. Don’t miss these opportunities to truly enjoy all the Columbia River and the surrounding…

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Opulence in the Wild West: The Geiser Grand Hotel

Must Go

My first trip to Baker City was smack dab in the middle of winter, but this historic gold mining town managed to charm the pants off of me anyway. Located right along Interstate Highway 84, it follows the Oregon Trail and is steeped in history. But nothing compares to the incredible history and Wild West beauty of The Geiser Grand Hotel. In its heyday, which lasted through the 1920s, Baker City was known as the Queen City of the Mines; they were at the geographic center of the region’s rich gold, copper and silver fields, and became the center of trade and commerce as well. Townspeople enjoyed an affluent lifestyle; women ordered fine gowns from “back east” and men were attired in frock coats topped off with derbies or top hats. Baker City boasted not one but two Opera Houses, where world-famous artists performed, including the Russian Symphony. Geiser Grand…

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Why Portland Should Be Your Next City Break and a Brand Spanking New Podcast!

Informational

**This post was updated on June 30, 2022** City Breaks and Micro-cations are on the rise. What do these buzzwords mean, you may ask? City breaks are for those who are looking to relax and get away from the routine of their lives for a short while and do it in a place that still has some culture and plenty of things to do. Micro-cations are just what it implies – a delightful mini vacation. This can be anywhere from 2 to 5 days, depending on your schedule and destination. Portland is the perfect city for BOTH a City Break and a Micro-cation, for so many reasons. Here are just a few: It’s walkable, bikeable, busable… (yeah, busable is a word I just made up) Seriously, do you need a car in Portland? NO! There are so many other transportation options to get you around with ease. At $2.50 per…

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What Great Hospitality Looks Like: The SCP Redmond

Must Go

Tucked into the bustling Main Street of downtown Redmond is a new Redmond hotel that is revolutionizing the hotel industry. The SCP Hotel Redmond. Soul. Community. Planet. That’s what the SCP stands for, and these three simple words are redefining what it means to have the perfect holistic hotel experience. Their entire philosophy is based on taking care of the planet, the community, and YOU. SOUL Get rejuvenated with healthy options, quiet rooms and workout facilities, As soon as I walked in the door, the open concept area with a large brick fireplace and classic wood-beamed ceilings invited me in. Comfy sofas in front of the fire invite small gatherings and a chance to just relax. First of all, I was treated insanely well. The minute I stepped up to the check-in desk before I even gave my name, I was treated to a complimentary Pilsner or caffeinated beverage, from a…

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A Foodie Tour of Portland

Food & Drink

The truth is, I love food – it’s the reason I’m a few pounds over (ahem). But I just happen to live in one of the world’s premier foodie destinations, so I have zero regrets. There is always, ALWAYS another restaurant opening up in this town. It’s a big decision…deciding where to eat in Portland. I grapple with this decision every day. Best Food in Portland When I first sat down to write this post, it was difficult to know where to start. When it comes to a great meal, Portland is truly multi-national, multi-cultural and all-encompassing. The food carts here alone reflect this. You will literally find cuisine from most any country in the world in this town. And so, I am forced to be terribly selective on the food choices I make. I have my clear favorites, to be sure. And like every other creature of habit, I…

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Photo courtesy of OPB

Fun Facts about Oregon

Informational

Everyone loves these kinds of things, right? Interesting or funny facts about a certain area of the world – an area where they live, or where they are traveling to? It lends a personal flair to the whole thing, and let’s face it – it’s a great icebreaker at parties. Or maybe not – I really have no idea what people talk about at parties anymore. I’m too busy trying to write y’all some tasty blog posts. Nevertheless, I’ve compiled some pretty fun facts about Oregon. I hope you enjoy. And for goodness sake, if you have a funny or interesting fact that I’ve left out, I expect you to share! Let’s Get Started… Beer, Beer and more Beer, Baby! I know that Oregon has its fair share of micro-breweries, but I was surprised to learn that Portland has more breweries within its city limits than any other in the…

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Pacific Northwest Travel Tips Roundup!

British Columbia, Canada

I couldn’t end the year without waxing philosophical about why I got into this business of blogging in the first place! Yes, it’s because I love to write and even more so, love to travel and have new experiences. But it is also because I love the Pacific Northwest as a whole and because there are SO MANY of you out there who love it as well. So many of you ask me for the best Pacific Northwest travel tips, or how to plan a trip to the Pacific Northwest. My blog is a continuous work in progress to bring you just that! And so it seemed only fitting that I devote a blog post to those who are helping me on my quest to show the world how wonderful the Pacific Northwest is. So, I have put together a round-up of some great bloggers and other articles that give…

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A jellyfish washed ashore.

Your Complete Guide to Tillamook, Oregon

Food & Drink

Have you heard of Tillamook ice cream? How about Tillamook cheese? The newly-renovated Tillamook Cheese Factory is a great way to learn the ins and out of cheese-making, with milk straight from the dairy cows you find just outside of town. Tour the facilities and you will go on a behind-the-scenes journey into the production and packaging process of the best cheese in all of Oregon. A viewing gallery overlooks the production floor as placards explain each step of the cheese-making process. On this level you can also sample a variety of cheeses. The lower level is the really good stuff. A large eating area is flanked by a cafe and ice cream shop. And what visitor’s center would be complete without a gift shop? Not only can you buy ice cream and cheese to take home, but there is a small grocery store, and all manner of Tillamook and Oregon-inspired…

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Diablo Lake Courtesy of Visit Bellingham

The 6 Most Scenic Places in the Pacific Northwest

British Columbia, Canada

Photo courtesy of Visit Bellingham **This article was updated July 1, 2022** Looking for things to do in the Pacific Northwest? How about a scenic Pacific Northwest road trip? I struggled with this one. I really did. Simply because ALL of the Pacific Northwest is scenic and there are plenty of places to go in the northwest. I had to put some downright gorgeous places had to inevitably be put to the chopping block. Damn. However, I must swallow some sort of guilt about not writing a ‘100 Most Scenic Places in the Pacific Northwest’ and move on. Because really, ain’t no one got that kind of time! For this list, I mostly chose incredible expansive vistas, because at least for me, these are what takes my breath away the most (other than a beautifully-presented plate of delicious food). But I digress… So, without further ado, here are the best…

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Back Alley Star Wars

Finding the Truly Weird (and Very Cool) in North Portland

Informational

Of all of the sections in Portland, I would argue that North Portland is the hippest, the weirdest…and the all-around coolest part of the city. And there’s definitely some weird shit going on here. Where else can you walk down a traditional residential street, only to turn into an alleyway and find this? (Click the link below.) Back Alley Star Wars The owner is quite obviously a Star Wars fan (as am I!) There is even a little cutout in the fence below, with a plastic covering, where the family dog can peek out at you (thankfully the pooch is not a barker). And further down the next street is this… Throughout the neighborhood, you will find tiny surprises like this. It seems each and every house has a distinct personality, where the residents are hell-bent on expressing their individuality in so many varied ways. It’s a beautiful thing, and…

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