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    Road Trip Vancouver Island British Columbia

    CANADA

    Canada. It’s my next door neighbor. All my life I have taken British Columbia for granted. It’s funny how close and yet so far it seems, having only visited Victoria and Whistler. I have spent the last decade traveling ALL OVER the world, but not really considering my closest neighbor and friend, beautiful British Columbia, Canada. So summer 2025 I committed to visiting and enjoying this remarkable place. Here is my story Road Trip Vancouver Island British Columbia.

    Mackenzie Beach Tofino BC

    Oh Canada

    My last visit to Canada was when we traveled across Canada pulling our pink trailer “Betty” in 2016. That was the very start of the Grand Adventure…seems like a lifetime ago. A lot has happened since then, but I have great memories of that trip and the kind people, amazing nature and interesting history along the way. That trip gave us the opportunity to visit six provinces bringing our total to eight of the thirteen. It’s a huge country, and I doubt we will ever see it’s most remote regions. But we have no excuse not to have seen more of British Columbia, less than two hours from our home in Washington State. Thus our Road Trip Vancouver Island British Columbia.

    Ontario Canada in our ’63 Aloha trailer named Betty
    Middle Beach Tofino Vancouver Island

    Part One

    We broke our ten day trip into two parts; part one Road Trip Vancouver Island British Columbia and part two the Sunshine Coast on the mainland. So I have broken my blog posts also into two parts as well. Today I present part one Road Trip Vancouver Island British Columbia. We spent five days, and easily could have spent two weeks on Vancouver Island alone. We will be back. Here is what we saw.

    Port Angeles Washington

    We took our time driving from our home in Port Orchard Washington to Port Angeles Washington, about a two hour drive. It’s one of my favorite drives close to our home, traversing over the Hood Canal Bridge and stopping on Marrowstone Island, Chimacum (CHEM-ə-kəm) and Sequim (skwim). Because our reservation on the Black Ball Ferry was very early in the morning, we spent the night in the simple but comfortable Olympic View Inn.

    Marrowstone Island
    Finn River Cidery
    Finn River Cidery
    Sequim is famous for lavender

    Black Ball Ferry

    Sunrise at the Ferry terminal Port Angeles

    Day Two we were up very early and in line for the ferry by 6:15am. This ferry requires an advance reservation which can be made at the Black Ball Ferry line website. Cost for car, driver and passenger was $101 plus a $12 reservation fee. It is a 90 min crossing, calm on this day but it can get rough. We some how lucked out and were the very first car off the boat, breezed through passport control and were on our way within minutes. No time in Victoria this trip, but if you haven’t visited Victoria it is a must on a first-timers Vancouver Island itinerary. At least one night and two is better.

    On the ferry to Canada

    Duncan

    Instead of time in Victoria we headed directly to the small historic town of Duncan. It’s an easy drive, less than hour from the ferry terminal in Victoria.

    History of Duncan

    Duncan, British Columbia, has a history deeply rooted in agriculture, logging, and mining, with the Cowichan Tribes inhabiting the area for millennia.

    Duncan Totem Walk
    More than 80 Totems on the Duncan Totem Walk

    Duncan Totems

    Today, Duncan is the commercial center of the Cowichan (kow·wee·chn) Region and attracts visitors to its trendy boutiques, art and antique galleries. It is also known as the “City of Totems” and that is what attracted us to the beautiful small town. Some 80 carved totem poles depicting the historic legends of the First Nations are easy to see with a self-guided walking tour through the historic core.

    Historic and beautiful little town

    Chemainus

    Less than half an hour drive north from Duncan, we found ourselves in another small historic British Columbia town known as Chemainus (She-MAY-nus). I met a woman several decades ago who was from Chemainus and she told me about the Chemainus Murals. I’ve been wanting to see them ever since.

    Chemainus Murals
    It’s a treasure hunt to find each one

    Chemainus History

    Chemainus, BC, began as an unincorporated logging and seaport town in 1858, with its name derived from the Stz’uminus First Nation. 

    This one is my fav

    Chemainus Murals

    The town transformed in the 1980s when it embraced a unique mural project to revitalize its economy after the closure of its main industry. Today, Chemainus is known as “The Little Town That Did” and “The Mural Town,” featuring over 50 outdoor murals and sculptures that depict the town’s history and culture. 

    Lunchtime

    We really enjoyed our self-guided mural walk, as well as a lovely lunch on a beautiful sunny BC day. After lunch we walked down to the lower town, home to the mill and shops. Chemainus is definitely worth a couple hours on your road trip.

    Some beautiful parks in Chemainus
    Lots of views

    Ladysmith

    Just another 15 minutes drive north of Chemainus, we took a moment to visit the historic town of Ladysmith.

    Welcome to Ladysmith
    Historic First Avenue

    Ladysmith History

    Ladysmith, British Columbia, began as Oyster Harbour, a settlement established by James Dunsmuir in 1898 to support his coal mining operations. The town was renamed Ladysmith in 1900 to commemorate the British lifting the siege of Ladysmith, South Africa, during the Second Boer War. The town was officially incorporated in 1904. 

    A brief stop in Ladysmith is worth it

    Ladysmith First Ave

    The heart of this tiny town is Historic First Avenue. Worth a stroll to shop, dine and admire the historic buildings, some under renovation. We also took time to visit and stroll along the beautiful Transfer Beach park and beach.

    Nanaimo

    The day was growing short but we wanted to make a brief stop in Nanaimo (nuh·nai·mow), although frankly we should have stayed longer and will next time.

    Nanaimo History

    Nanaimo’s history is deeply rooted in its Indigenous peoples, the Snuneymuxw (snoo-NAY-muxw), and the arrival of European settlers. Initially, it was known as Colvilletown, established by the Hudson’s Bay Company around a trading post. The name Nanaimo, derived from the Snuneymuxw word “Sne-ny-mo,” meaning “a big, strong tribe,” was adopted in 1860. The city’s development was significantly influenced by the discovery of coal in the area, leading to a boom in mining and industry.

    Red’s Bakery Nanaimo

    Nanaimo Bars

    We came for the Nanaimo Bars. Nanaimo bars, a no-bake dessert, are named after the city of Nanaimo. The bars are believed to have originated in the 1950s, with the earliest known recipe appearing in a 1952 cookbook. While the exact origin story is debated, the bars gained significant popularity in the 1980s, particularly after a contest to find the “ultimate” Nanaimo bar recipe.  After a Google search we ended up enjoying a very rich and delicious Nanaimo Bar at Red’s Bakery. Definitely worth a visit.

    Rich and chocolaty
    Delicious

    Qualicum Beach

    After a long day with an early wake up we were happy to arrive at our spot for the night in Qualicum (kwaa·luh·km) Beach. We were pretty tired, and did not have a lot of time to see any sites in Qualicum Beach. But we got settled into a little Bed and Breakfast Oceanside Manor and then headed out for a walk along the ocean promenade. The weather was excellent and the views as well and we stopped to enjoy delicious fish and chips in the sun. On our next visit to BC I would plan a full day here as well as considering continuing north to Campbell River. We will save that for next time.

    Oceanside Manor
    Qualicum Beach promenade
    Perfect weather for outdoor dining

    Westward Ho

    Our hosts at Oceanside Manor made sure we had a delicious and hearty breakfast before saying our farewells and heading West across the island. I enjoyed this drive immensely as we took our time to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the interior of Vancouver Island on our way to Tofino..

    Salmon Infused Eggs on Avocado Toast. Wow.

    Cathedral Grove

    One of my favorite things we did on this entire trip was this hike in Cathedral Grove, also known as MacMillan Park. Less than 30 minutes from Qualicum Beach. Beware! Parking is limited. We got lucky and found a spot that allowed us to enjoy the trails that are located on both sides of the road. Technically you are not supposed to cross the road, there are no crosswalks or safe crossings. We did manage it however, and found the nature on both sides astonishing. You might consider doing the trails on the north side one day, and on your return east you could hike the south side trails.

    Big Douglas Fir Trees
    Lots of Big Trees

    The Cathedral Grove trails are home to some of the oldest, largest and most beautiful Douglas Firs in the world. Certainly worth a visit. The trails are flat, easy and should be manageable for most abilities. Some of the walking is done on raised boardwalks, protecting the fragile ecosystem. Does this place look familiar to you? Famed director George Lucas shot scenes for Star Wars VI: Return of the Jedi here, using the larger-than-life trees as the backdrop for the Ewoks home planet of Endor. Don’t miss this stunning forest.

    Majestic

    Hole in the Wall

    Not easy to find, or to park. About 20 minutes west of Cathedral Grove you will come to Port Alberni, home of Hole in the Wall. We turned around at the Coombs Candy Store and parked back up Highway 4 about 100 yards, just along the busy highway. Didn’t feel very safe, but there were other cars parked there too. The hike is short and pretty easy along logging roads. I hear it can be mucky in the winter but in the summer dry and nice. If you are inclined, swimming at Hole in the Wall is popular, but we did not. The hole was once a shortcut for the city’s waterline and today is a picturesque waterfall on Vancouver Island.

    Lake Kennedy

    Continuing on Hwy 4 west we found ourselves hugging the shores of beautiful Kennedy lake, which is the largest lake on the island with a surface area of 6,475 hectares (16,000 acres), according to Wikipedia. It has an irregular shape with two distinct basins, the Main Arm and the Clayoquot (klah-WOK-wət) Arm, connected by a narrow channel. There are several spots to stop and enjoy views of the lake.

    Vancouver Island’s largest lake, Lake Kennedy

    Ucluelet

    Prior to checking into our hotel in Tofino, we made a brief stop in the town of Ucluelet (you-KLEE-let), about 30 minutes south of Tofino. Ucluelet is a popular tourism destination for kayaking, surfing and family fun on the beach. It has a rich history as one of the oldest settlements on Vancouver Island. The name derives from the Nuu-chah-nulth phrase “Yu-clutl-ahts,” meaning “people with a good landing place for canoes”. The Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ First Nation, who have lived in the area for thousands of years, call it “Ucluelet,” which translates to “people of the safe harbour”. 

    Wild Pacific Trail Hike in Ucluelet
    Picturesque Ucluelet

    We took some time to walk the very easy and scenic Lighthouse Loop section of the Wild Pacific Trail along a beautiful bluff overlooking the ocean. It was quite busy on a sunny Sunday but easy to see why it was so popular. A great walk with kids and there is also a small museum. Definitely worth a few hours or even an overnight in Ucluelet.

    Wild Pacific Trail, Ucluelet

    Tofino

    It was a long but lovely day in and out of the car and we were happy to arrive at our destination in Tofino (tuh·fee·now). We had booked a room at the stunning Middle Beach Lodge and were excited to find our room had a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean, with a small deck to sit and enjoy it. Middle Beach Lodge has a large variety of room choices, from small two person rooms like ours to large cabins and their new “tree house” rooms both which accommodate more people. I really loved this place and would like to come back with my adult children for a longer stay. Our room with view was only $190 Canadian per night ($140 USD) with breakfast included.

    Middle Beach Lodge
    Room with a View
    MacKenzie Beach

    On arrival we just relaxed, walked the property and went on a short hike to the long and beautiful Mackenzie Beach, before dinner. Middle Beach Lodge offers a nightly prix fixe dinner for guests. We had pre-booked it for our first night. It was outstanding, included a welcome glass of wine, crab cake appetizers, serve yourself salad and bread, followed by the main course of locally caught ling cod. Dessert too. Price was $60 Canadian (44 USD), and totally worth the price.

    Dinner with a view
    Crabcakes my favorite

    Tofino Day Two

    After an incredible breakfast included with our room at the Middle Beach Lodge we headed out to hike the forested bluff Tonquin trail into the town of Tofino. It’s an easy 2 mile trail with gorgeous views. Definitely worth it instead of driving. We spent several hours exploring the small town, visiting shops and historic sites and reveling in the gorgeous weather before retracing our steps on the bluff trail back to the lodge.

    On the Tonquin Trail
    Roy Henry Vickers Gallery, a must see in Tofino
    Tofino
    End of the road

    After a shower we drove back into town. Our first stop was Tofino Brewing Company, a popular spot for locals and visitors. We really enjoyed a cold brew and the vibe of the industrial taproom.

    A must visit when in Tofino
    Tofino Brewing Company

    We had pre-booked dinner at one of Tofino’s highest rated restaurants, The Wolf in the Fog. We booked an early spot at 5:15, and were amazed how fast it filled by 5:30. I highly recommend you get a reservation. An inventive and local menu was delicious and the prices were surprisingly good for a semi-fine dining experience.

    Wolf in the Fog
    Inventive Pirogi
    Ribs!

    Final Tofino Day

    It’s our last day in Tofino and the weather has taken a turn to gray. No worries, we are PNW people! Today we had pre-booked a water taxi (open air) out to Meares Island to do a rugged hike.

    Tofino Water Taxi (round trip $40 CAD / $29 USD) met us and a handful of other people on the First Street Dock for the ten minute ride across the bay to Meares. Here we found the Big Tree Trail….a popular but difficult walk through the woods.

    That’s our water taxi coming in
    Onboard the Tofino Water Taxi

    The BigTree Trail is not long, but it is very rough with roots and rocks, mud and includes rough hewn cedar plank raised boardwalk through much of the trail. It took us two hours to go three miles. BUT, if you are up to this hike, you will enjoy some of the most incredible old growth cedar trees I have seen anywhere in my life. Other plant life, birds too. And the boat ride both directions gives you a wonderful view back to Tofino and of the surrounding islands.

    Gotta watch your every step
    Gigantic Cedar Trees on the Big Trees Trail
    Headed back after an adventurous day

    Final Evening

    Back to our lodge via the Tonquin trail, where we showered and got ready for our final evening in Tofino. First stop happy hour at Middle Beach Lodge, enjoying a gin and tonic and the gorgeous views. Happy Hour is every evening at Middle Beach Lodge from 4-7. Next we headed back into town in the car to dinner at Shelter Restaurant. This restaurant is very popular with visitors and locals for its delicious local menu as well as water view. I really enjoyed the fresh mussels. Highly recommend.

    Dinner with a view at Shelter Restaurant
    Lots of boaters at Shelter Restaurant
    Delicious Muscles and Frites at Shelter

    Reverse Gears to Comox

    I could easily have spent a few more days in Tofino, and at the wonderful Middle Beach Lodge. But alas our time was over. We began the trek back east across the island where we would catch the ferry to the mainland at Comox. Our ferry reservation was at 3:00pm, so we enjoyed the drive, which took about 3.5 hours.

    Heading to mainland BC

    More to See

    There is much more on the upper island to see, but it was time to move on to our second part of our trip, the Sunshine Coast. I guess we will need another Vancouver road trip soon. Meanwhile, come back next week for more about our time on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast.

    Beautiful Vancouver Island

    Thanks for reading my post Road Trip Vancouver Island British Columbia. I hope you can use this post as a tool for your own Vancouver Island road trip. Watch for Part Two of our British Columbia Road Trip on the Sunshine Coast. Be sure and see last week’s post Tracking Trolls in the Pacific Northwest. We love it when you share, pin, comment and engage with our blog posts. Thank you.

    At Home  --  North America Travel

    Tracking Trolls in the Pacific Northwest

    The Way of the Bird King

    Location: Pacific Northwest

    Note this post has been updated for summer 2025. It was originally posted August 2, 2024.

    I’ve been a big fan of Thomas Dambo ever since I visited the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and was introduced to his magic there. The blog post I wrote about the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is one of the most popular I’ve ever written. Check it out here. I also visited the Atlanta Botanical Gardens while in Georgia and enjoyed more of his recycled art work there. I was really excited when five of these amazing nature themed sculptures came to the Seattle/Puget Sound region (a 6th is in Portland Oregon). So I went tracking trolls in the Pacific Northwest.

    Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
    Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
    Atlanta Botanical Gardens
    Taking a nap at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens
    I love this one at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens

    Who is Thomas Dambo

    I am intrigued by this man and his mission. In his own words…

    I’m Thomas Dambo, Danish recycling artist. Our world is drowning in trash while we are running out of natural resources. 
    In 2011 I quit my job to become an artist and follow my mission to ‘Waste no more’. 

    Today, I spend my life showing the world that beautiful things can be made out of trash. I give new life to discarded materials by turning them into large-scale artworks. My journey has led me to create artworks in 20 countries across five continents, including my giant Trollsplastic worksbirdhouses, and Happy Wall exhibitions. All these projects are realized using hundreds of tons of recycled materials, working in and with local communities, who are co-creators of the art that I make because the mission I follow needs the involvement of everybody. I also host talks as a speaker, such as TEDx talk, and sometimes I host workshops to teach people how to reuse and upcycle.

    If you want to join my mission, follow me on YouTube,  Instagram or Facebook.

    Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

    The Way of the Bird King – NW Trolls

    Before visiting the local trolls in the Puget Sound region you really need to visit the amazing website NW Trolls. You can learn a lot of interesting information and find a map of the trolls too. I was intrigued to learn why the Scan Design Foundation chose to present this outdoor art exhibit to the region. Here is more…

    Oscar the Bird King, Vashon Island

    This ambitious public art project is presented by Scan Design Foundation, whose mission is to support Danish-American relations with a focus on environmental sustainability.NWTrolls: Way of the Bird King features six giant hand-built troll sculptures by Danish environmental artist, Thomas Dambo. The publicly-accessible sculptures are located around the Pacific Northwest where each whimsical troll sculpture is part of an underlying environmental story. The project celebrates the human experience of art by amplifying the connections of cultural heritage between Coast Salish tribal communities and Scandinavian traditions. Thanks to our funding partners and host site partners, there is no admission fee to visit any of the trolls.

    Everyone loves Pea the Peacekeeper on Bainbridge Island

    Tracking Trolls in the Pacific Northwest

    I started my treasure hunt a year ago. The six trolls (five in the Seattle area and one in Portland) were built on each site during the spring and early summer of 2023. We visited our first troll on Bainbridge Island, which is about 40 minutes from my home where we spend our summers.

    Pea the Peacekeeper

    Sakai Park, Bainbridge Island

    Learn more and find Pia here.

    Hanging out with Pea the Peacekeeper
    I loved Pea’s hair made from found sticks in the nearby forest

    Last September on the day we were headed to the airport to begin 8 months of travel, we took some time in West Seattle to find our second troll. One of the smaller trolls in the collection, Bruun is hiding in plan sight near the Lincoln Park waterfront.

    Bruun Idun

    Lincoln Park, West Seattle

    Find Bruun here

    Bruun Idun
    Such a little doll

    Summer 2024

    Back in the USA for the summer I made a commitment to find the three remaining trolls close to my home. I won’t be able to get to the Portland one this year. Since our adult sons live in the Ballard area, it was easy to find this little man, standing sentry outside the amazing Ballard Nordic Heritage Museum.

    Frankie Feetsplinters

    Nordic Heritage Museum, Ballard

    Find Frankie here

    Frankie Feetsplinters
    He has such mischievous eyes!

    Make day trip to Vashon Island to find the next troll, which is exactly what we did on a beautiful July day. Three ferries make their way to the close yet remote island; Fauntleroy in West Seattle, Point Defiance in Tacoma and Southworth in Port Orchard on the Kitsap Peninsula. Vashon may seem far away, but it really isn’t and meeting magnificent Oscar the Bird King is worth it. I think this one is my favorites.

    Oscar the Bird King

    Point Robinson Park, Vashon Island

    Find Oscar here

    Oscar the Bird King is my favorite
    He’s watching me…

    I made my way to the beautiful community of Issaquah to find my last troll of my Tracking Trolls in the Pacific Northwest Journey. I lived and worked in Issaquah 35 years ago…wow just saying that blows my mind. But still today this community and it’s people hold a special place in my heart. And now so does Jakob.

    Jakob Two Trees

    Rainier Trail, Issaquah Community Center, Issaquah

    Find Jakob here

    Jakob Two Trees, hidden but easy to get to
    Nice necklace Jakob!

    Olle Bolle

    Portland Oregon located at Nordic Northwest

    Find Olle Bolle here.

    Meet Olle Bolle
    Mischevious Olle peeking through the roof

    What a wonderful surprise to find Nordic Northwest, a place I had never heard of before. We went in search of Olle Bolle, the last of the Pacific Northwest Thomas Dambo trolls I wanted to see. And “ya sure ya betcha” we found him – at Nordic Northwest. What a wonderful spot for food and education and heritage of the Nordic history of the region. Olle Bolle is located about two and half hours from Seattle, in the iconic Pacific Northwest town of Portland Oregon. Learn more about Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest Portland Oregon here.

    Troll Life

    The trolls stay in their respective homes for about three years…some longer depending on if they are being cared for. Since each troll is constructed from natural and recycled material, the local weather will determine their life length. A couple of trolls in this list have already required some maintenance, due to abuse and inclement weather. You should see them soon, while they still are in their mostly original state.

    Seattle’s Original Troll

    Still holding court, now for more than 30 years, is Seattle’s favorite son – the Fremont Troll. A favorite of locals and some visitors too if they know where to find him. I couldn’t write a troll post without mentioning this one-eyed monster we all know and love. Have you visited the original troll under the Fremont Bridge?

    The Fremont Troll more than 30 years guarding the Fremont Bridge

    The Fremont Troll

    Find the Fremont Troll N. 36th Street at Troll Avenue N., under the north end of the George Washington Memorial Bridge (also known as the Aurora Bridge).

    Still looking good!

    What’s Next?

    Dambo’s popularity continues to grow around the United States. Many communities are now home to his whimsical trolls. I’m personally hoping for more Dambo Trolls in the Pacific Northwest over the next few years. They just make me happy!

    Frankie Feetsplinters
    Jakob Two Trees

    Thank you for reading my post Tracking Trolls in the Pacific Northwest. I hope you can find some trolls too. See last week’s post Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest Tacoma Washington here.

    We love it when you pin, comment, share and love our blog posts. Thank you!

    At Home  --  North America Travel

    Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Tacoma Washington

    Tacoma. Much maligned and looked down on over the decades (mostly by Seattleites) today is one of the Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest. And many Pierce County residents would like to keep it that way. But Tacoma is definitely worth a visit for a bustling food scene, multiple amazing museums, performing arts, history and one of the best parks in all of Washington State. Here are my recommendations Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Tacoma Washington.

    Tall Ships in Tacoma

    History

    Tacoma’s history is deeply intertwined with its selection as the Northern Pacific Railroad’s western terminus in 1873, which spurred significant growth and led to its incorporation in 1875. The city, originally known as Commencement City, became a crucial transportation hub where “rails met sails” on Commencement Bay. This strategic location allowed Tacoma to develop into a major port city and a center for industry. 

    The area was inhabited for thousands of years by Native Americans, most recently the Puyallup tribe. Today the Puyallup Tribe of Indians is a federally-recognized tribe from western Washington State.

    Tacoma Union Stations (Canva)

    Today’s Tacoma

    Nestled on Commencement Bay with stunning views of Mount Rainier, Tacoma has transformed itself into a modern hub with a thriving economy and cultural scene. Key industries include healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and a strong maritime presence thanks to the Port of Tacoma. The port is one of the largest container ports in the US and a significant economic driver in Pierce County, supporting over 42,000 jobs and contributing $3 billion in labor income.

    Tacoma Dome at dusk (Canva)

    Beyond economics, Tacoma embraces a lively food, arts and culture scene. The combination of a dynamic economy, rich cultural scene, and access to natural beauty makes modern Tacoma a desirable place to live and visit. So let me share with you some of my favorite things about Tacoma. There is more too, so be sure to check out Visit Tacoma Pierce County.

    The infamous Tacoma Narrows Bridges

    Theater Gem

    The Grand Cinema

    The Grand Cinema is a non-profit art house theater in downtown Tacoma, dedicated to enriching the community through the art of film. Since its inception as a non-profit in 1997, it has grown to include four screens and offers a diverse selection of independent, foreign, and documentary films. “The Grand” as it’s affectionately known, is also home to the Tacoma Film Festival. Hands down one of my favorite things in Tacoma.

    The Grand Cinema
    Tacoma loves this independent theater

    Outdoors Gem

    Locals love to ask “is The Mountain out?” and no one needs to ask which mountain they are referring to. In fact ‘THE MOUNTAIN IS OUT’ is a local branding phrase, and a perfect one for Tacoma, where you can have the most incredible Mount Rainier views nearly anywhere you go.

    “The Mountain” Tacoma claims

    Point Defiance

    Hands down one of my favorite hidden gems of Tacoma is Point Defiance Park. A sprawling 760-acre urban oasis offering diverse attractions and natural beauty, it features the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, historic Fort Nisqually, an incredible Rose Garden, beaches, and extensive trails within old-growth forests. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of Puget Sound, Vashon Island, and the Tacoma Narrows, making it a popular destination for recreation and exploration

    We love to hike the trails at Point Defiance
    Something for every kid at heart
    My mom at the Point Defiance Rose Garden
    History and beauty in Tacoma

    Re-developed Ruston Way

    Ruston Way has been an integral part of the fabric of Tacoma for nearly as long as the city has been in existence. In the 1800s, the Ruston Way area was developed as a mining town during America’s industrial revolution.

    In 1968, the city purchased more waterfront property to support the idea for Ruston Way as a “quality waterfront attraction.” It was this forward thinking that allowed Ruston Way to be a key facet of the city’s waterfront amenities, even to this day.

    Throughout the 20th century, city representatives have made various attempts to broaden the appeal and usefulness of Ruston Way. However, only in the last decade has Ruston Way finally begun to evolve into its own, distinct character.

    Tacoma forebears would not even recognize the Ruston Way of today. Cleaned of pollution and one of the city’s favorite gathering places for strolling, running, viewing marine wildlife and of course dining at one of dozens of restaurants.

    The Mountain view on Ruston Way

    Shopping Gems

    Antique Row

    Tacoma’s Antique Row, located on Broadway between 7th and 9th Streets, is a vibrant district filled with unique shops offering a wide array of vintage and antique goods. This area is a treasure trove for those seeking one-of-a-kind items, from furniture and clothing to jewelry and memorabilia. One of my favorite places to just browse, but occasionally I will bring home a treasure.

    Funky and Fun Antique Row

    Tacoma Furniture Consignment

    I only recently discovered this hidden gem…and now I will be back. Tucked into an upstairs shop on Broadway, this store offers a stunning collection of used, new and vintage pieces in top condition and fairly priced. So glad I found it.

    Both new and vintage at Tacoma Furniture Consignment

    History and Art Gems

    Washington State History Museum

    The Washington State History Museum, located in downtown Tacoma, offers a comprehensive look into the state’s past through interactive exhibits, dynamic storytelling, and a vast collection of artifacts. Changing exhibits and permanent collection, the museum is housed in a part of the historic Union Station.

    Washington State History Museum
    Changing exhibits at Washington State History Museum in Tacoma

    McMenamin’s Elks Temple originally built in 1916 as a fraternal lodge, has been meticulously restored to its former glory, preserving its architectural details while adding modern amenities. It now features 45 unique hotel rooms, multiple bars and restaurants, a brewery, a theater, and event spaces. A must visit.

    Museum of Glass is a premier contemporary art museum dedicated to glass and glass making (Dale Chihuly is from Tacoma). It features a large studio where live glassblowing demonstrations take place and hosts a variety of exhibitions and art installations.

    Tacoma Art Museum focuses on art and artists from the Pacific Northwest and the broader western region of the United States. Founded in 1935, TAM has a rich history rooted in the community and has grown to become a nationally recognized regional museum. 

    Tacoma Art Museum (Canva)

    Restaurant Gems

    Saved the best for last here, because the restaurant scene in Tacoma is insane. Here I list many of our preferred places to dine – some new and some long-favorites. This is by no means all the dining options in tasty Tacoma. Oh no. But this is some you should not miss.

    Woven Sushi & Chophouse unbelievable menu of delicious local food with a spectacular view. I love this restaurant and can eat there again and again.

    Oysters at Woven
    My birthday at Woven

    Wooden City get a reservation for this popular and tiny spot in downtown Tacoma for their unique menu and great service.

    Bone Marrow at Wooden City
    Unique and beautiful food at Wooden City

    Burger Soul (sometimes listed as Seoul) this take out burger joint is the real deal. Giant portions, delicious burgers and more.

    Burger is amazing at Burger Soul

    Dirty Oscars Annex some of the best food in Tacoma at this 21 and over dive bar on 6th avenue. I love it for breakfast but there is much to love all day long.

    Giant portions at Dirty Oscars

    Over the Moon a true hidden gem and one of my all time favorites in Tacoma. Special occasion or any day, get a reservation at this tiny and delicious Tacoma jewel.

    Celebrating our anniversary at Over the Moon
    So much to love about Over the Moon

    There is so much more! Check out what Seattle Eater has to say about Best Tacoma Restaurants here.

    Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Tacoma Washington

    GPSMyCity has several Tacoma walking tours, check it out here. Tacoma is a great destination for a day trip or a longer visit. Add it to your hidden gems bucket list before the secret is out!

    The ferry runs between Point Defiance and Vashon Island

    Thanks for reading my post Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest Tacoma Washington. More hidden gems coming soon! We love it when you pin, share, comment and spend time on our website. Thank you!

    Add your hidden gems in Tacoma in the comments!

    At Home  --  Inspire  --  North America Travel

    Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Port Gamble Washington

    Port Gamble, Washington, at the northern tip of the Kitsap Peninsula, is a historic mill town.  Founded in 1853 by Pope and Talbot’s Puget Mill Company.  Originally known as Teekalet, the name was changed to Port Gamble after the bay it is situated on.  Let me tell you about one of my favorite Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Port Gamble Washington.

    Stroll around this preserved mill town

    History

    Founders Josiah Keller, William Talbot, and Andrew Pope developed the company town reflecting the New England style of East Machias, Maine.  Port Gamble served as a lumber community, shipping lumber worldwide. After 142 years, the mill closed in 1995. The town has been preserved as a National Historic Landmark District, showcasing its unique 19th-century architecture. 

    So many historic buildings to admire
    Entrance to the Historic Museum
    Registered Historic Landmark

    Where is Port Gamble

    It’s a perfect stop for travelers headed to the Olympic Peninsula via Bainbridge Island or the Kitsap Peninsula. An unincorporated community, it is part of the Port Gamble Historic District, a National Historic Landmark. Port Gamble sits on the west side of of Port Gamble Bay and near the shores of Hood Canal. The Port Gamble S’Kallam Reservation is on the east side. It is definitely a Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Port Gamble Washington.

    Directions here.

    Hidden Gem
    Much work has gone into the preservation of this tiny town

    Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Port Gamble

    I had the pleasure of visiting Port Gamble on two occasions this spring. Once again I was reminded of what a beauty it is.

    Dahlia Cove Tea Room

    A wonderful spot for romantic afternoon or ladies day out.

    High Tea at Dahlia Cove
    Dahlia Cove in a historic building

    Butcher Baker Provisions

    A perfect place to order a take away lunch and wander down to the picnic tables with a view. Easy to order ahead on the website. There are a few tables inside too and a great espresso stand.

    Butcher Baker Provisions is housed in a historic service station
    Shared this giant fried chicken sandwich with my mom. It was amazing

    Saint Paul’s Church

    Now used for wedding and events, this beautiful historic church is worth a stop. A lovely photo opportunity on your Port Gamble walking tour.

    Popular for weddings, but worth a walk around the outside

    Port Gamble General Store

    You must spend some time in this unique shop with a wonderful selection of unique items. For gifts or for yourself, it’s hard to leave the Port Gamble General Store without a treasure. A small cafe in the back serves sandwiches and ice cream. A new restaurant is slated for late 2025 as well.

    Welcome to the Port Gamble General Store
    You are bound to find a treasure here

    Quilted Strait

    A lovely quilt shop, fun to visit even if you aren’t a quilter. Charming gifts and tools and lots of colorful fabric.

    Housed in the former stables of the Port Gamble Hotel.
    Colorful and worth a visit

    Port Gamble Theatre

    Housed in a historic theater and home to live theater, concerts and vintage cinema. Check the schedule on the website and get tickets if you can.

    Port Gamble Theater

    Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park

    With extra time you should visit this lovely forested 3500 acre park. Trails for walking, biking, and horses, and access to water for kayaks. Just south of the town of Port Gamble.

    Port Gamble Heritage Forest Park

    Make a Visit

    Port Gamble is close to many other fabulous Kitsap Peninsula destinations like Poulsbo and Bainbridge. It is also an easy day trip from Bremerton, Tacoma, or Seattle. Make a visit to this true hidden gem, and step back in time for a perfect day. It is a favorite Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Port Gamble Washington.

    Historic Masonic Hall
    History everywhere you turn

    Thanks for reading my post Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Port Gamble Washington. See last week’s post Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Portland Oregon.

    Watch for a SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT POST on Monday July 7th! And as always, thanks for reading, sharing, saving, pinning and commenting!

    Inspire  --  North America Travel

    Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Portland Oregon

    Location: Portland Oregon USA

    You may read this title and think – Portland is not a hidden gem. I absolutely agree! Quirky and delicious Portland is far from a hidden gem. It is a well known Oregon destination and Oregon’s largest city (620,000). But tucked away in its fabulous little neighborhoods are many wonderful places that are hidden gems. And a few of those I am going to share with you in today’s post, Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Portland Oregon. And don’t miss a special offer in this post for a special Portland tour…

    Welcome to Oregon

    Portlandia

    The land of Portland is home to many iconic places including Powell’s City Books, Voodoo Donuts, The Pearl, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Portland Japanese Garden, McMenamins and the Portland Trail Blazers – to name a few. All of these awesome and well known. But on our recent visit to Portland we set out to visit new to us places. We were looking for places that locals likely know, but me as a visitor had yet to explore. We found a colorful and fun collection of Portland treasures. So here they are, my hidden gems of the Pacific Northwest – Portland Oregon. I welcome you to add more in the comments!

    The famous Portland Oregon sign

    Go Outside

    My visits to Portland have always been brief – a day or two at the most. But I had a little more time on this long weekend, so we made a point to enjoy some outdoor hiking and flower sniffing;

    Forest Park

    This immense urban forest park covers more than 5100 acres with over 80 miles of trails. We were astonished by the vast park just west of the city of Portland. We did a five mile hike through thick forests and shared the trail with a few other hikers, walkers and mountain bikers. It was beautiful, peaceful and a true hidden gem.

    Forest Park
    Everything was so green
    Listening to birdsong
    Slug. Very PNW.

    Hoyt Arboretum

    Not to be missed, the hillside Hoyt Arboretum is a testament to Portland’s forefathers who valued forests and education and had the foresight to preserve this beautiful space. Open year around and FREE OF CHARGE this amazing park is home to 2300 species from around the world. I highly recommend it..

    Surprises around every corner
    And beautiful blooms too
    The Redwood Forest at Hoyt Arboretum

    International Rose Test Garden

    I don’t know how I have never been here. We were lucky to visit during the peak of rose season, and we absolutely marveled in this free park, home to 10,000 individual rose bushes. Founded in 1889, the Portland Rose Society is a nonprofit organization offering educational programs on rose culture and encouraging the use of roses in the landscape. The primary purpose of the garden is to serve as a testing ground for new rose varieties. I will certainly visit here again in the future.

    Astonishing collection of roses
    Like a candy cane
    I could come here everyday

    Cheap Sleep

    Hotel Zags

    A definite hidden gem. I will stay here again. We chose this hotel because it was close to Keller Auditorium where we were seeing Elvis Costello in concert. It’s a bit south as far as downtown is laid out, but we walked everywhere (five minutes to the river and 15 minutes to the Pearl). For only about $160 a night we had a comfortable room, secure parking (extra), beautiful patio, breakfast, excellent happy hour and a free s’mores hour. How fun is that?

    Comfy room at Hotel Zags
    Funky and fun art at Hotel Zags – a definite hidden gem of the Pacific Northwest
    Happy Hour at Hotel Zags
    S’mores Hour every night at Hotel Zags

    Wander Wonder

    On Saturday we decided to just wander, both on foot and in the car and here are a few hidden gems we discovered along the way;

    Division Street

    Southeast Division street is one of Portland’s coolest neighborhoods with eclectic mix of funky, fun and food too. We were not looking for anything specific, but I had never wandered this area, so that is exactly what we did. Great coffee shops, restaurants, vintage, book store and more.

    Loved this gourmet market
    Ohlala! Yes please!
    Holistic book store Third Eye Books

    Portland Saturday Market

    Not a hidden gem for locals, this riverside market is celebrating 50 years, and is one of the original outdoor markets. Today every town seems to have a farmers or craft market. But this one is tried and true and not to be missed when visiting Portland on a weekend.

    Portland Saturday Market on the Waterfront
    Portland Saturday Market
    Old Town Portland

    Portland Outdoor Store

    Serving Portland since 1919, they don’t make ’em like this anymore. Selling classic western, cowboy boots, Pendleton blankets and more. It’s like stepping back in time.

    Portland Outdoor Store since 1919

    Haunted Portland

    Portland Ghost Tours

    Yep. I said Ghost Tour. We have done one other Ghost Tour in our travels and loved it. A Ghost Tour is much like a walking history tour, but with some terrifically tragic history and often debauchery thrown in. We booked with USA Ghost Adventures (similar tours around the country) and our Portland Ghost Tour guide Victoria Rose was spot on for the theme. Dressed the part and with a wonderful tour presentation, which she told me she had worked to develop and present over a decade. Portland has some sad events, much like most of the rough and tumble west coast cities that developed in the 1800’s. We learned about the Shanghai Tunnels, Portland’s Chinatown (once one of the largest in the country and today just a shell of itself), the tuberculosis plague, prohibition and prostitution. The tour ended at what is considered one of the city’s most haunted space – a parking lot. Here the site of a mass grave for dozens if not hundreds of the Chinook Nation. After three structures burnt to the ground on this property, no one will build there and it is a parking lot.

    Learning Portland History
    Old Town

    I am a ghost skeptic, but I enjoyed the tour a lot, learned great history and stories and found our guide very entertaining. I highly recommend it for something educational, fun and fantastical. And if you book this tour (or maybe you want to try the Lizzie Borden tour), my readers get a 10% discount. So why not try it? Use Code  FAB50S when booking at US Ghost Tours – if you dare…

    Lots of tunnels run under our feet in Old Town
    Victoria Rose had a fun and engaging tour
    A little editing magic to this photo for a spooky effect

    Fill Your Belly

    Of course no matter where we are, food plays a big part in our travels. Portland is a wonderful foodie city, with something for everyone. We went in search of new-to-us places – from one of Portland’s top rated restaurants to Portland’s famous Food Truck Pods. Here is what we found;

    Hawthorne Asylym Food Truck Pod

    Portland is home to 76 Food Truck “pods” as they are called here, with more than 500 food trucks/carts active. Isn’t that amazing? Though not the original city to host food trucks, Portland was one of the earliest municipalities to embrace this food culture. Today it is a integral part of this foodie town. We had never explored the “pods” located on the east side of the river, so on this trip we drove to the Hawthorne Asylum Food Pod located in Southeast Portland. We found street parking and enjoyed this colorful and busy spot, with delicious local beer too. I would go back here for sure.

    Not just food – beer too
    Very busy on a Saturday
    Hawthorne Asylum

    Grand Fir Brewing

    As many of our readers know, we like beer. Well my husband loves beer. And Portland, like much of the Pacific Northwest, is a beer lover’s haven. Arne chose to visit Grand Fir Brewing where we enjoyed several of their beers and a really delicious lunch too. Grand Fir has a female brewmaster and owner, so I’m all over supporting women owned, local owned and Pacific Northwest businesses. Food was great too.

    Rustic and comfortable place to enjoy a cold one
    Fried Chicken Burger was great with an IPA

    Stumptown Roasters

    Born in Portland in 1999, Stumptown Coffee (Portland was once nicknamed Stumptown after they cut down all the trees) can now be found in many other cities too. But Portland loves their Stumptown, so we had to try it. We loved the funky vibe of the Stumptown location in Old Town, and it was a great place to have a cuppa, and watch Portland wake up.

    The Old Town location of Stumptown
    Yummy

    Q Restaurant Portland

    One of the best meals we have had in a long time, we chose Q because it had great ratings and it was walking distance from our hotel. Service was great and they asked right up front if we had a time crunch. Since we were headed to a concert at Keller Auditorium, they assured us we would get out with plenty of time.

    Warm olives and hummus
    Amazing Lamb

    The menu was amazing, unique and northwest. We started with warm olives and a delicious deep fried spring roll. So good. I chose the lamb, although I was waffling and almost had the catch of the day. Lamb was perfect. Arne had Osso Bucco, one of his favorites and certainly not something I make for him at home! So we were both very happy with the food, service and the ambiance. Reservations a must at this trendy Portland hot spot. Don’t miss it!

    Cheers to Q Restaurant Portland

    Mother Bistro

    Portland’s go-to for comfort food since 1992, we had to visit for the first time, after reading the reviews. It was a Sunday and also Father’s Day so I was really glad we had made reservations. It was crowded, but the food was great and the coffee even better. I had the Northwest Salmon Hash and Eggs and Arne chose the Corned Beef Hash and Eggs. I was tempted by the Eggs Benedict, but I order that so often I thought I would be a rebel and try something new. Glad I did!

    Mother’s Bistro Coffee Yum
    Father’s Day at Mother’s

    Outside of Town

    Olle Bolle and Nordic Northwest

    What a wonderful surprise to find Nordic Northwest, a place I had never heard of before. We went in search of Olle Bolle, the last of the Pacific Northwest Thomas Dambo trolls I wanted to see. And “ya sure ya betcha” we found him – at Nordic Northwest. What a wonderful spot for food and education and heritage of the Nordic history of the region.

    Olle Bolle at Nordic Northwest
    Peek a boo!

    About 20 min outside of Portland, check out the Nordic Northwest calendar of events, make a reservation for good Scandinavian meal, or bring a picnic and enjoy visiting Olle Bolle. The original Scandia House on the property is open for tours a few times a year. Check the schedule to learn more.

    I loved it.

    My new friend Olle Bolle

    Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Portland Oregon

    We loved our visit to Portland and enjoyed an adventure to discover new-to-us gems. If Portland is new to you, include our recommendations here in your itinerary. If you are visiting again, you might enjoy some hidden gems, or you certainly can find your own hidden gems in this West Coast city. Thanks for reading my Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Portland Oregon post.

    Keep Portland Weird

    See last week’s post Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – The Mushroom House Key Peninsula here. And come back next week for more of our Hidden Gems series.

    We love it when you comment, share and pin our blog posts. We welcome your comments with your own hidden gems.

    Inspire  --  North America Travel

    Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – The Mushroom House

    Lakebay, Key Peninsula, Washington, USA

    We were lucky to encounter the most charming little hidden gem, on Washington’s Key Peninsula. We stayed in the KPMushroom House, nestled in the woods next to Penrose Point State Park. Only 30 minutes from Gig Harbor, 45 minutes from Tacoma, an hour and 15 minutes from Seattle and 3 hours from Portland, it’s a perfect get-away any time of the year. Let me tell you about this Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – The Mushroom House Key Peninsula.

    Couldn’t be cuter

    What is a Mushroom House?

    Not only is this magical cabin in the woods shaped like a mushroom, it is loaded with charming mushroom touches both obvious and hidden. Built by a young couple, Rod and Shannon, the project, like most, presented more challenges and a higher cost than originally expected. More than three years after breaking ground, Shannon and Rod celebrated the completion of their artistic creation – a true Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – The Mushroom House Key Peninsula.

    Morning coffee under the forest canopy
    Interior is a work of art
    Hidden nooks and crannies around every corner
    “Found” treasures like this giant bellows add so much drama and fun

    Tragedy

    But this fairy tale came to a stop, when Rod was killed in 2023 while flying solo in his Cessna over the Olympic Peninsula. This tragedy was, of course, devastating to Shannon and Rod’s family and friends – many who had helped bring the Mushroom House to life. Shannon was determined to keep the house in Rod’s memory, and she has worked tirelessly to create a happy ending.

    Gorgeous staircase including a tree on top
    Multiple well throughout outdoor spaces

    Believing in Magic

    If you are looking to find a little magic in the woods, The Key Peninsula Mushroom house is available to rent on Airbnb. We visited midweek in June, before the busy summer rush. And we were enchanted by so many special little touches;

    Eclectic and Reclaimed

    The 930 square foot house sleeps four with a main loft bedroom and a smaller Murphy Bed in the living room. The reclaimed and natural additions to the construction include beautiful wood from the property, wood and concrete countertops and cabinets, and vintage or antique items turned into useful and beautiful additions. And everywhere you look – mushrooms.

    Eclectic
    Reclaimed
    Mushroom are everywhere

    Never Never Land

    If you grew up in the Pacific Northwest in the 60’s and 70’s you probably visited Never Never Land at Point Defiance in Tacoma. I definitely did. Back when kids were not stimulated all day by screens and devices, Never Never Land was a magical place for kids. I took my young children there too, in the 1990’s before it closed due to lack of interest and changing times. I have a framed postcard in my kitchen of Humpty Dumpty at Never Never Land.

    Little Miss Muffet sat on her tuffet
    Little Jack Horner sat in his corner

    Rod, like many from Tacoma and beyond, felt nostalgia for Never Never Land, and when some of the original figures went up for auction, he purchased them. Today, as you wander the little trail near the Mushroom House, you encounter Little Miss Muffet, Little Jack Horner and Three Men in a Tub. I remember them all with a fondness that is difficult to explain if you are not from the Pacific Northwest. But The Mushroom House has brought them back to life as part of this Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – The Mushroom House Key Peninsula.

    Rub a Dub Dub, Three Men in a Tub
    This is my Never Never Land Postcard which hangs in my kitchen with other vintage postcards

    Beneath the Twinkling Stars

    Multiple outdoor spaces provide both day and evening nooks to relax and enjoy some forest bathing beneath the stars. A hot tub is available as well as two separate fire areas, one a fire pit the other a fireplace. Shannon provides fixins for s’mores too. Just behind the Mushroom House the 2 acre property opens up into a meadow, a great place to throw a Frisbee, do yoga or star gaze.

    Firepit and wood is provided
    Covered seating area perfect for all seasons
    Hot tub too
    Making s’mores after dinner

    You May Never Want to Leave

    The Mushroom House is within walking distance of Penrose Point State Park, a perfect place to beach comb or hike. Penrose is one of my favorite State Parks and it too is a hidden gem. It’s also a short drive to Key Center where you will find a grocery store and other services. 2 Margaritas Restaurant is only about a mile from the house. Staying longer you might consider a day in Belfair or Gig Harbor or a drive around the Hood Canal.

    Awesome garden
    Perfect touches on theme
    The beach at Penrose Point State Park
    The dock at Penrose Point State Park

    Or you may want to just put your feet up, read a book, and breathe. It really is one of the most peaceful places I have ever had the pleasure of staying. A magical fairy tale that might just be the happy ending you are looking for. Book your stay here.

    Cheers to the KP Mushroom House
    Dinner outdoors

    Thank you for reading my post Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – The Mushroom House. Follow the KPMushroom on Facebook or KPMushroom on Instagram and see it here on Airbnb.

    A mushroom treasure hunt is highly recommended…how many can you find?

    See last week’s post Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Steilacoom. And be sure to come back again next week for more hidden gems of my home, Washington State.

    We welcome you to share, pin and comment about this post and The KP Mushroom House. Thank you.

    At Home  --  North America Travel

    Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Steilacoom

    And The Bair at The Bair Drug & Hardware, Steilacoom

    Summertime! In the summer we enjoy our time at our tiny house located on the Kitsap Penninsula in Washington State. It’s a respite from world travel, and a place we re-energize and prepare for winter travel. My husband and I both grew up in the great Pacific Northwest and when we are here we make a point to get out and be tourists in our own backyard. A few years ago this prompted my local series of blog posts. So today we begin again with Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Steilacoom.

    Steilacoom Town Hall

    Where is Steilacoom?

    Steilacoom is a small city in Pierce County surrounded by Lakewood, Tacoma, and DuPont, as well as Joint Base Lewis-McChord on it’s North, East and South borders and the Tacoma Narrows waterway on the west. This historic little village is only about 2 square miles and has a population of around 7000. It is about two miles from Chambers Bay Golf Course. From where I live in Port Orchard Washington we travelled about 40 minutes over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge to make our way to Steilacoom.

    Small and Mighty Steilacoom
    Crossing the Tacoma Narrows Bridge

    History of Steilacoom

    The Town of Steilacoom website explains;

    Steilacoom was founded twice in 1851. Two land claims were filed in this best place on the South Sound, as Captain Lafayette Balch established Port Steilacoom with a 315-acre donation claim on January 10, 1851, and the lawyer John Chapman filed his own land clam for the adjacent 312 acres in October of the same year and named it Steilacoom City.

    The two were merged by act of the Territorial Legislature on April 22 of 1854, but are still divided by Union Avenue, where the angle of the streets changes.

    The Steilacoom Tribe was an independent group inhabiting a geographic area now known as the Tacoma Basin. There were approximately 600 Steilacoom Indians living in five bands within the basin. They spoke a separate subdialect of the Puget Sound Salish language. Unlike their closely related neighbors, the Puyallup and the Nisqually Tribes, the Steilacoom did not have a glacier-fed river within their territory for freshwater resources. The principal feature of the Steilacoom territory was a group of spirit-inhabited lakes.

    Historic Byrd Mill Road
    Beautiful Historic Homes

    Steilacoom is home to many “firsts” in the region, and you can discover a wonderful self-guided walking tour to learn more about the history with the help of the city’s Steilacoom Walking Tour.

    Pierce County Ferry to Anderson Island
    Historic Railroad Depot

    Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Steilacoom

    This was not our first visit to Steilacoom; we used to ride our bikes from Gig Harbor to Steilacoom on sunny days. Today we traveled in my ’67 Mustang, as a weekend day trip we try to do as often as possible.

    Walking Tour
    Walking Tour

    Our main destination on this day was The Bair at The Bair Drug & Hardware, a fabulous little breakfast and lunch spot in an incredibly well- preserved historic building built in 1895. Most of Steilacoom is made up of beautifully well-kept residences (many historic), but there are also a handful of businesses and restaurants. The Bair can get busy on a sunny summer day, but the wait is usually not too long. On the Saturday we visited, we walked right in.

    Bair Drug & Hardware
    Breakfast at The Bair
    The Bair is like a museum inside. Great coffee too.

    You might also enjoy the Steilacoom Taproom and the always popular Topside, with great views of the Narrows.

    Topside Restaurant
    Steilacoom Taproom

    Recommend

    Steilacoom is small, and there is usually lots of parking. Stroll and enjoy. Walk down to the ferry dock where the Pierce County ferry to Anderson Island operates. Here you will also see the old train depot and likely see a train fly by…as they do about 70 times a day. If you are in Steilacoom on the weekend, visit the Historical Museum (open Saturday and Sunday afternoons).

    Steilacoom Historical Museum
    Orr Wagon Shop Steilacoom Historical Museum

    Steilacoom is home to several parks you can enjoy, and if you have time a visit and stroll on the paths at Chambers Creek Regional Park next to Chambers Bay Golf Club is fun. Just a short drive away.

    With my ’67 Mustang at Sunnyside Beach Park Steilacoom

    Thanks for reading my post Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Steilacoom. Make a visit to this hidden gem, and definitely don’t miss The Bair at The Bair Drug & Hardware. Stay tuned for more hidden gems coming up. Read my last post Traveling in France by Rail here.

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