Off the Highway

From iconic national parks and beaches to little nooks and corners that are often overlooked, Off the Highway is about places where man have made a conscious effort to preserve what is God-endowed. These are places that provide the needed respite from the busyness of life, the quiet moments to refresh, restore and recharge. They are worth preserving, conserving and protecting, even as we live in a fast-paced high-tech world.

Gold Greek Pond, Washington StateJuly 22, 2023
Nestled amidst the pristine wilderness, and about an hour drive from Seattle, Gold Creek Pond is an ADA-accessible paved one-mile loop for all ages, and a beautiful place to enjoy the outdoors in the Snoqualmie Pass area. The first section of the loop goes through willow and wildflowers along a creek before heading to aContinue reading “Gold Greek Pond, Washington State”
Rattlesnake LakeOctober 22, 2021
Located 35 miles east of Seattle and just south of North Bend, this breathtaking 111-acre lake is part of a recreation area that includes the nearby Rattlesnake Ledge Trail, and picnic facilities. It also provides access to the Snoqualmie Valley Trail and the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail. The recreation area is especially popularContinue reading “Rattlesnake Lake”
Idylwood Beach ParkOctober 20, 2021
We stumbled upon this park while looking for a trail a few days ago and were very glad we decided to explore this 18-acre park that opens up to a wide vista of Lake Sammamish. It is autumn and no one is swimming, so we just walk along the 250-feet shoreline and take in theContinue reading “Idylwood Beach Park”
Hiram M Chittenden LocksJuly 5, 2021
The Hiram M Chittenden Locks is one the favorite spots of tourists and Seattle residents alike to watch boats entering the locks and also wildlife in the area. Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the lock complex was the largest navigation facility in North America when it was dedicated on 4th July, 1917.Continue reading “Hiram M Chittenden Locks”
Cherry Blossoms at the University of WashingtonApril 27, 2021
The arrival of spring usually means one thing at the University of Washington – the eagerly awaited cherry blossom season. Students and visitors all over the Seattle suburbs flock to the university, and especially to the quadrangle, fondly known as the Quad, to view the blossoms. It is here that many spent their spring daysContinue reading “Cherry Blossoms at the University of Washington”
Tulip Festival Skagit ValleyApril 14, 2021
Every year, about 400,00 visitors come to Skagit Valley in April to soak in the stunning display of fields of blooming tulips. Located 60 miles north of Seattle, this area boasts hundreds of acres of blooming flowers scattered across farms throughout the valley. Hence the Tulip Festival is designed as a driving tour around farmsContinue reading “Tulip Festival Skagit Valley”
Washington Oaks State ParkFebruary 8, 2021
Sometime this year, we were at sunny Florida, visiting one of our favorite beaches – the beach at the Washington Oaks State Park at Palm Coast. While many visit the adjacent garden with its beautiful roses, it is the coquina beach and rocks resembling a mini Grand Canyon that makes a walk here exhilarating. AlongContinue reading “Washington Oaks State Park”
Juanita Bay ParkJanuary 12, 2021
With at least 2 miles of trail, this 110-acre urban wildlife habitat in Kirkland is popular with nature lovers and bird watchers. From any section of the park’s extensive boardwalk system, trails, or any three of the park’s observation platforms, you’ll likely see waterfowls, great blue herons, osprey, and amphibians such as salamanders and turtlesContinue reading “Juanita Bay Park”
Tumwater Dam Hydroelectric ProjectJanuary 5, 2021
We were on our way back from Leavenworth along US Highway 2 when we stumbled upon the Tumwater Dam Hydroelectric Project. Actually we heard the ferocious roar of the waters before we saw it crashing down from over 20 feet high. The source of the watercourse – The Wenatchee State Park. Constructed from 1907- 09Continue reading “Tumwater Dam Hydroelectric Project”
Redmond Watershed PreserveSeptember 7, 2020
In 1926, the city of Redmond bought some land from Weyerhaeuser (an American timberland company), planning to use Seidel Creek for water supply. Additional acreage was bought to bring the watershed to 800 acres, though issues with the quality of the water led to the usage of other water sources. Today, the Redmond Watershed PreserveContinue reading “Redmond Watershed Preserve”
Mount Rainier National Park, Paradise VicinityAugust 4, 2020
This 369-miles squared park is home to the iconic Mount Rainier, the tallest mountain in Washington state, which is also an active volcano. Receiving an average of 643 inches of snow every year, it is the most glaciated peak in the US. Ascending up to 14,410 feet (4,400 meters) above sea level, you can seeContinue reading “Mount Rainier National Park, Paradise Vicinity”
Off the Highway – Olympic National ParkJuly 23, 2020
One of the first places we visited in Washington State is the Olympic National Park., the largest national park in the state. At 1,442 square miles, it is slightly more than five times the size of Singapore. Hence it is impossible to see and experience the park in a couple of days. Since we hadContinue reading “Off the Highway – Olympic National Park”