Kayak Camping for Beginners: How to Get Started in the PNW (No Hardshell Required)
Kayaking, Pacific Northwest, Paddling, Camping, Guide Cynthia Wong Kayaking, Pacific Northwest, Paddling, Camping, Guide Cynthia Wong

Kayak Camping for Beginners: How to Get Started in the PNW (No Hardshell Required)

New to kayak camping? This guide is for you, especially if you're a beginner with no roof rack, no idea where to start, and maybe a dog in tow. I'll walk you through choosing your first boat (inflatable or otherwise), picking a beginner-friendly destination, packing your gear, getting your permits, and what to actually expect on the water. Tex came on all three of my trips, so yes — we cover bringing your dog too!

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5 Beginner-Friendly Bike Rides Near Seattle You Can Do Year-Round
Washington, Pacific Northwest, Cycling, Guide Cynthia Wong Washington, Pacific Northwest, Cycling, Guide Cynthia Wong

5 Beginner-Friendly Bike Rides Near Seattle You Can Do Year-Round

I got on the wrong ferry. My legs were screaming up Roosevelt. My bike cost $200 and my cardio is trash. But 500 miles later, cycling has become the thing holding me together.

Discover 5 beginner-friendly bike rides in Seattle perfect for winter and summer cycling. From the flat, paved Burke-Gilman Trail to scenic ferry adventures to Manchester State Park, these routes prove you don't need a car to explore the Pacific Northwest.

After my car broke down, I rediscovered cycling as more than transportation - it became my mental health practice, my adventure tool, and my way of reclaiming freedom. Learn about accessible trails like the Snoqualmie Valley Trail, Centennial Trail, and Seattle's newly renovated waterfront path, plus practical tips on route planning, ferry logistics, and what it really feels like to climb Seattle's brutal hills as a beginner.

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