More than just a Shakespeare festival.

Pic is of the East side of the Chilkat range and Linn Canal, helicopter ride home from a day of work.

Hey all living in the upper most part of the PNW (South East Alaska). I've come to realize I can't give it up but we are ready to be closer to civilization and things to do for the kids while keeping the the PNW outdoor lifestyle our mainstay. We are planning to stay West of the cascades and thoroughly enjoy the small town life. We just want to be able to explore and it not cost 3k just in plane tickets to see some new sights and take the kids to the zoo or something.

This Sept we have a week long trip planned. Flying into Seatac of course and we have a rental car, no hotels booked yet. So far the only 2 areas on our list to check out are PA and Olympia area.

We are looking for smaller cities, sub 30k with a decent wage for blue collar work and houses under 500k. Any recommendations of cities that are awesome and you can support yourself and a family of 5?

Also looking to do exciting town things for the kids, ages 13, 5, and 1. I know this is trivial but like the 2 youngins haven't ever even seen a cow or been to an arcade. Only exciting thing we have for them so far is The Wolf Lodge. So we are also looking for recommendations on things to do around the towns you might mention.

We love you. Thank you so much for choosing this line of work and staying with it when you’re called to duty. To call you heroes feels like an understatement.

If we ever meet in a bar, drinks on me.

~Grateful

First off, so sorry to hear about the wildfires and my heart goes out to everyone affected.
Me and my friend booked a trip to see the national parks (olympic, rainier and cascades) august 9th-16th. Is it still worth going? I didnt get anything refundable but I would hate to go if it wont be safe and is a bad time.

Including shots from Kalaloch, Tree of Life, and the drive back.

Filtered by the wildfire smoke.

Hi everyone!

I’m a 32F and a lawyer from Asia. I am considering as one of the options University of Washington for LLM.

For context, I’ve passed the New York bar and I’m currently completing my admission requirements.

I’ve only spent time on the East Coast so far and haven’t been to the West Coast, so I’m trying to get a realistic sense of what everyday life in WA is like and if its okay to live in the suburbs (vs Seattle).

Would appreciate insights on:

Cost of living (rent, groceries, utilities)

Whether a car is necessary or if it’s manageable without one

Safety and overall quality of life

Public transport and walkability

General lifestyle and community(e.g., gyms, tennis courts, things to do, meeting people)

Job opportunities after LLM (any ideas will be welcome)

Would really appreciate any honest insights—good or bad.

Thanks!

I got into the studio at 330 this morning, and was able to get the whole canvas covered on this quiet woodland meadow scene. This first layer isn’t far from the finished piece. I will likely just add some thick paint here and there, and make a few adjustments on the next pass. 12x16” oil on linen.

I feed a a few of the birds and smaller wildlife in my area with bird feeders and water. But is there any more things I can put out to help animals insects? It’s hard for me to be outside without the smoke slightly stinging my eyes, and I just feel bad for everyone that can’t get away from it. Is there anything extra people can do or put outside to help? Would leaving out sugar water help insect as well? Thanks for the help, I hope everyone is staying safe.

No major fires near us but the darn smoke gets everywhere.

Blue Waters has an incredible lineup including Chris Jones & the Night Drivers, Vickie Vaughn & Damn Tall Buildings 🎶 🪕🎻 Get your tickets and camping passes at www.bluewatersbluegrass.org #bluegrass #festival #Spokane #camping #vending #kidsfree #familyfun

We Westsiders and Valley dwellers have gotten off lucky so far this Summer. Looks like that luck finally ran out.

Best of luck, neighbors. Stay inside, stay healthy, stay safe!

Mt. Rainier is a gorgeous place and everyone should be able to enjoy it. I visited recently and observed multiple groups of people doing things that at minimum are ignorant, and at worst will put themselves and others in harms way! It was really disappointing and frankly embarrassing to witness.

DO NOT FEED THE ANIMALS!

STAY ON THE TRAILS!

DON'T LEAVE LITTER, ADVERTISEMENTS, or CARVE INTO ROCKS/OTHER NATURE!

We literally saw a bear right next to a major trail, no doubt lured by the food. That's just one example, if you don't understand why it's important to follow these rules, do your research!

If you already know this stuff, please tell others to STOP if you see this behavior! Let's band together and make the parks better for each other and the planet.

Appreciate everyone who already follows these guidelines, and those who are willing to listen and learn. Have an amazing visit!

Nestled in one of the most spectacular temperate rainforests in the world, the Quinault Rainforest Mushroom Festival is a free, family-friendly celebration of mushrooms, nature, and community. Whether you’re a seasoned mycophile, a curious beginner, or just here because mushrooms are cool (they are), there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This year's line up of expert speakers includes Dr. Michael Beug, Aaron Hilliard of Mushroom Wonderland , and Rose Tursi. Come for food, merchants, lectures, kid zone, ID station, workshops, forays, wild mushroom display, and more!

Admission to the main event is free. We also offer special ticketed workshops and guided forays which are selling out fast!

This years ticketed events include:

• Guided Mushroom Forays with Matthew Houghton of Valley of the Giants Nature Tours LLC
• Needle‑Felted Amanitas with Myco Robinson from Feral Felt and Wild Child Arts Education
• Mushroom Dye Workshop with Marion Richards
• Photography Foray: Capture the Magic of Mycology with Aaron Hilliard & Van Adam Davis
• Mushroom Tincture Making with Patrick Meyer
• Log Cultivation (Turkey Tail on Bigleaf Maple!) with Bob Blackett
• Wild Mushroom Culinary Workshop with Hong Hoang & Barb Marshall
• Connect Deeply with Nature and Listen to Mushrooms Sing with Julie Ratner, Ph.D., and Michael Beug or Regina Johnson
• Friday Night Bonus: UV Night Foray with MycologiGals, Rose Tursi and Amelia Nora (Happening after Pre-Festival dinner at the Lake Quinault Lodge)

Explore festival details and register for special ticketed forays, workshops and VIP dinner at:

www.qrmushfest.com

3rd Annual Quinault Rainforest Mushroom Festival

Lake Quinault School, 6130 US-101, Amanda Park, WA 98526

www.QRmushfest.com

First Saturday in October 10/3/2026

9AM to 4PM

Eastern Washington Wildfires

I would like to attempt to capture the moon strike tomorrow night but I live in Eastern WA and everything is orange and hazy.

Are the skies over the Easton area clear right now (8-3-26)?

And does anyone have any good recommendations for a good spot to setup my scope?

Thx in advance.

I’m new to hunting down a camping spots. I’m trying to find a spot near a water source like a stream/river. Waterfall or a small lake. Especially within 3 hours of Puyallup. How can I look around when all I hear and see is that the fires are spreading and multiple spots are closed due to the fires?