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Hike a moderate 3 miles to a fire lookout with epic views of Mount Rainier and surrounding volcanoes including Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Hood

Here's your plan for a fire lookout hike with epic Mount Rainier views and fresh pie

Fire Lookout Hike with Mt. Rainier Views

Experience a moderate 3-mile hike to High Rock Fire Lookout, offering stunning 360-degree views of Mount Rainier and other volcanoes, perfect for a sunset adventure.

Mountain Hike

✅ Before you go
• Drive to High Rock Lookout (WTA Information: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/high-rock) via FR-52 (Skate Creek Road) and FR-84/8440. Here are the proper directions from Ashford to the trailhead: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Ashford,+Washington/46.7340294,-121.9136504/High+Rock+Trailhead,+National+Forest+Development+Road+8440,+Randle,+WA/@46.7165664,-122.004352,12z/data=!4m15!4m14!1m5!1m1!1s0x5491290c1d5c5061:0x4eea684edb52ba91!2m2!1d-122.0309408!2d46.7584413!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x5496d461b577143b:0x157b463bb2b153eb!2m2!1d-121.8912265!2d46.6665083!3e0?entry=ttu
• PSA: DO NOT BLINDLY TRUST GOOGLE MAPS. Do not type in “High Rock Trailhead” into Google or you will be taken via NF-85 (Towhead Gap) which has massive potholes that will ruin your car and end your trip lol. Instead, you have to type in “High Rock Lookout” or follow my Google map link above  
• No parking pass is required
• Bring water and snacks
• Hike responsibly and Leave No Trace Leave No Trace Seven Principles (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
• Do not feed the wildlife at the top! 

💪 Pro tips
• This hike is particularly nice for sunset because it only takes 20-30 minutes to walk down (there are many roots, so bring headlamps if you do this) 
• You’ll see two trails on opposite sides of the road. This trailhead starts on the NW side of the parking lot. If you used the directions I gave you, it’ll be on your right when driving up the mountain 
• Again, do not blindly trust Google maps or it will take you up a road full of nasty potholes! Here are the proper directions from Ashford to the trailhead: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Ashford,+Washington/46.7340294,-121.9136504/High+Rock+Trailhead,+National+Forest+Development+Road+8440,+Randle,+WA/@46.7165664,-122.004352,12z/data=!4m15!4m14!1m5!1m1!1s0x5491290c1d5c5061:0x4eea684edb52ba91!2m2!1d-122.0309408!2d46.7584413!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x5496d461b577143b:0x157b463bb2b153eb!2m2!1d-121.8912265!2d46.6665083!3e0?entry=ttu

Hike to High Rock Fire Lookout

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Wildberry Restaurant in Ashford, marveling at the owner's mountaineering gear and achievements, including a world record ascent of Mount Everest.

Eat Lunch

✅ Before you go
• The restaurant happens to be very close to the Paradise entrance of Mount Rainier National Park. If you plan on driving up there, be sure to bring your America the Beautiful National Parks Pass (or you can buy one at the entrance gate) 

💪 Pro tip
• The owner of Wildberry, Lhakpa Gelu Sherpa, is an incredible mountaineer. He was a guide on Mount Everest and holds its world record for fastest ascent. My favorite part of the restaurant is the display of his climbing gear and accomplishments - he has summited Mount Rainier 45 times!! 


Eat lunch at Wildberry

Summer just isn't complete without a trip to Mount Rainier.

And there's nothing better than these majestic views followed by fresh berry pie.

High rock lookout is a three mile moderate hike that's super accessible.

It's steep but short and a great option for sunrise or sunset

because it gives you 360 degree unobstructed views of four volcanoes.

We're talking Mount Adams, Mount Hood, Mount Saint Helens and of course,

I think this is one of the best views of Mount Rainier outside of the actual park.

but don't fill up because once you've soaked in Rainier and hike down,

you'll grab a Himalayan lunch and fresh pie at Wildberry.

Make sure you read their information about the

owner who's climbed Everest like 15 times.

Share this video with a buddy and as always happy hiking y'all!

The Amazon Spheres are an iconic landmark in downtown Seattle! Typically, they’re only reserved for Amazon employees, but on some weekends, you can make a reservation to go inside! 🌱

Here's your plan for exploring diverse plants inside the Amazon Spheres with scenic views and relaxing spots

Explore the gardens in the Amazon Spheres🌿

Explore lush gardens with 40,000+ plants inside the Amazon Spheres! Make a reservation to visit this urban botanical wonder in downtown Seattle.

Garden Exploration

✅ Before you go
• You 100% need a reservation to visit the Amazon Spheres! Make one here: https://www.seattlespheres.com/the-spheres-weekend-public-visits 🌳
• You can make a reservation to go inside on the first and third Saturdays of each month! The spheres are open from 10 AM to 6 PM. ⏰
• Reservations open 15 days before! I recommend making a note in your calendar to make your reservation right when it’s opens! It was difficult to get one! 📆
• You’re asked to keep your visit to about an hour, so others can explore too! 🐠
• Look, but don’t touch!!! It helps keep the plants safe and healthy! 🌵
• Bring an ID! You’ll need it to check in at the front desk before you head in! 🪪

💪 Pro tips
• Don’t miss the cute photo op at the top of the Spheres with the iconic sign! 📸
• If you’re interested, check out the South Lake Union Market in the summer: https://slumarket.com 🛍️

Explore the gardens!

It's maybe the coolest mix of urban life and nature in Seattle.

The Amazon spheres are an iconic landmark downtown,

Typically these are only available for Amazon employees,

but on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month,

anyone can make a reservation to go inside.

The spheres are home to more than 40,000 plants from dozens of different countries.

We saw some pretty cute creatures inside too.

This little guy with the neon orange spots was my favorite.

different levels and taking in all of diversity.

There's a little sunroom where you can relax in the top too,

And if you time it out perfectly in the summer months,

you can walk straight out of the spheres to the South Lake Union Public Market.

Golden Curry in Kent feels like one of those no-fuss places where the food speaks for itself. The buffet has all the comforting staples — dal, butter chicken, biryani, fresh naan — and the flavors are solid and homestyle. It’s the kind of spot you come to when you’re missing familiar food or just want a filling, unpretentious meal. Nothing fancy, just warm, satisfying Indian food that hits the spot.


Here's your plan for indulging in unlimited authentic Indian dishes and desserts at Golden Curry buffet

Eat all you can at this Indian Buffet

Feast on unlimited, homestyle Indian staples at Golden Curry's buffet in Kent — from butter chicken to biryani. Perfect for when you can’t pick just one dish!

Indian Buffet Dining

✅ Before you go
• Go on an empty stomach — the buffet is generous and you’ll want to try a bit of everything. Lunch hours are usually calmer than dinner, especially on weekends.

💪 Pro tips
• Start with the chaat or pakoras and pace yourself — the butter chicken and biryani deserve room on your plate. And don’t skip the dessert station (gulab jamuns are usually worth it).

🍛 Indian Buffet Fix at Golden Curry, Kent

Wouldn't you love to eat as much as you can

at this Indian buffet called Golden Curry in Kent,

from sizzling starters to rich flavorful main courses,

I couldn't stop going back for the Malaykota.

Every entree tasted authentic and delish,

I'm definitely going back when I can't decide what Indian food I'm craving,

and all of it just for $30 a dinner and $25 if you swing by for lunch,

and you get unlimited Mangola Se soda and chai refill.

Let loose, get messy, and set your inner child free at Wicked Rae’s — Seattle’s most joyful, no-rules paint experience. It’s playful, therapeutic, and wildly fun. Book your session at www.wickedraes.org



Here's your plan for letting loose with paint, dancing, expressing freely, and having fun messily at Wicked Rae’s

Get Messy: you don’t even know you need this!

Unleash your creative chaos at Wicked Rae's in Seattle—throw paint, dance, and get messy in a no-rules, joy-filled painting session.

No-rules paint session

✅ Before you go
• Book your session online ahead of time — spots fill up fast, and you don’t want to miss out!

• Wear clothes you’re okay getting messy in — this is all about fun and freedom.

• Arrive a few minutes early to get your protective gear and instructions.

• Bring your playful spirit and be ready to let go of all rules.

• Check their website for any special events or themes before you head over. Hi

💪 Pro tips
• Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting paint on.

• Let go of perfection — this is about expression, not a masterpiece.

• Use your whole body — dance, jump, and throw paint if you want.

• Trust your instincts and enjoy the music; it’s your creative soundtrack.

• Don’t rush — soak in every moment of freedom.

• Bring a friend for double the fun or go solo for a personal recharge.

Let yourself be chaotic 

Here's your nudge to let loose and get messy on purpose at Wicked Rae’s

You book yourself a session and reach their studio in West Seattle.

They give you the tools and basic directions.

but way more fun and you'll want to come back to experience this release again.

The best part is you don't even have to clean up

the mess and you get to take your at home.

Launch, or rent, your boards from East Lake and paddle on over to Gasworks Brewing. 

Here's your plan for paddle boarding from East Lake to a brewery, then returning your board

Brews and boards on Lake Union 🍻🏄‍♀️

Launch your paddle board from Eastlake's public shoreline, enjoy easy rentals and waterfront access for a fun adventure paddling on Lake Union.

Paddleboard Launch

✅ Before you go
• This is a public beach area in a residential area. 
• There is plenty of street parking but be mindful of the neighborhood.

💪 Pro tips
• The beach is an access point for other paddle boards. 
• There are tables and chairs to lounge in too.

Launch from East Lake

Paddle up to Gasworks Brewing on Lake Union, tie up at their dock, and enjoy a cold brew and snacks with waterfront views and laid-back vibes.

Brewery visit

✅ Before you go
• There is a dock you can tie on or a small beach area to walk up if the docks are full.

💪 Pro tips
• The line can get pretty long to order, so make a friend while you wait in line.
• Bring plenty of sunscreen.

Brewery paddle up

Return your rented paddle board at E Louisa St shoreline in Eastlake. Relax in beach chairs or explore nearby public waterfront spots after your paddle adventure.

Paddleboard return

✅ Before you go
• make sure your phone is charged so you’re able to return your board.

💪 Pro tips
• lounge in one of the chairs or explore the smaller public beaches nearby!

Return your paddle

The weather is finally starting to get warmer in Seattle,

so come with me to paddle board to a brewery in South Lake Union.

but I ended up renting one from this self-service locker in East Lake.

There's a QR code on the locker service that explains everything.

It's super simple once you take out the paddle board,

you close it back up and then you're able to launch from the beach area.

I would say it's about a 15 minute paddle over.

the scariest part was just crossing the lake because of all the other boats,

but Luckily there weren't that many this day,

You're able to paddle right up to the brewery and leave your paddle on the dock.

and they're always playing bumping music.

I've had the nachos before that are pretty good.

I also randomly ran into one of my friends,

We stayed for maybe 1 hour and then I had to start

heading back because I was renting by it the half hour,

headed back to our boards and got right back to the water.

I was nervous about the return process for the paddle board,

I used the link they sent me and was able to unlock the locker,

put the paddle back in along with the oar and the life jacket,

It was such a lovely way to spend an afternoon and I honestly can't wait to do it again.