RV Out West

We explore the vital role of the Washington Trails Association (WTA) in protecting and preserving public lands across Washington State. Our guest, Michael, the Policy and Planning Manager at WTA, shares insights into the challenges and opportunities involved in managing trails and natural spaces that millions of people rely on for recreation, connection, and renewal. Public lands are more than jus...

There’s something timeless and transformative about America’s public lands. From rugged high desert plateaus to windswept ocean cliffs, these wild, open spaces offer more than just breathtaking views, they tell the story of who we are. In this episode, we explore the deep connection between people and place, diving into the history, meaning, and future of the public lands that belong to us all. Pu...

Explore the final leg of one of America’s most iconic journeys, the Oregon Trail, through the lens of RV travel in the Pacific Northwest. This episode focuses on the last stretch of the trail, where pioneers faced some of their greatest challenges before reaching the promise of the Willamette Valley. Traveling by RV offers a powerful way to connect with the landscape and history, tracing wagon rut...

The Methow Valley in north-central Washington stretches along the eastern slopes of the North Cascades, offering wide-open views, mountain peaks, and a grounded pace of life. From the towns of Twisp, Winthrop, and Mazama to the winding Methow River, this valley blends natural beauty with a strong sense of place. Summer brings wildflowers and endless hiking trails into alpine country, while winter...

Steam rises through the trees, the scent of pine fills the air, and a natural hot spring bubbles quietly nearby, this is what RV travel through the Pacific Northwest can offer. In this episode, we take you on a scenic tour of the best hot springs in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, perfect for RVers who love blending the outdoors with deep relaxation. From developed hot springs with soaking pools, c...

Ocean Shores is a RV destination offering the perfect mix of coastal beauty, outdoor adventure, and RV-friendly convenience. Located along the scenic Washington coast, this laid-back beach town welcomes travelers with wide-open shorelines, charming local spots, and plenty of space to unwind. Find the top-rated RV parks in Ocean Shores, including beachfront campgrounds with ocean views and full-hoo...

Feeling drained after your RV weekend trips instead of refreshed? You might be dealing with RV weekender burnout. In this episode, we dive into the all-too-common experience of RVers who try to cram adventure, relaxation, and travel into a short weekend; only to come home more exhausted than when they left. Whether you're a new RV owner or a seasoned weekend warrior, we explore why burnout ha...

Ever dreamed of selling everything and hitting the road full-time in an Airstream? In this episode of RV Out West, we sit down with Jim and Michelle, the inspiring couple behind Airstreamer Life , who did exactly that. After raising a family and spending years working hard in the suburbs, Jim and Michelle made the bold decision to trade the traditional lifestyle for one of adventure, simplicity, a...

Idaho’s scenic byways offer travelers an immersive journey through some of the most untouched and diverse landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. With 31 officially designated scenic routes, Idaho invites road trippers to explore winding mountain highways, dense pine forests, dramatic river canyons, and rich cultural landmarks. These scenic drives aren’t just routes—they’re experiences that highlight...

British Columbia is a dream destination for RVers—where snowcapped mountains, wild coastlines, and lush rainforests converge into one breathtaking road trip experience. It’s a place that invites slow travel, spontaneous adventure, and awe-inspiring discovery around every bend. In this episode, we explore the beauty of RVing in British Columbia through the eyes of Nick and Jess, the duo behind The...

Skagit Valley, nestled between Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, is one of Washington State’s most scenic gems. From vibrant spring tulip fields to views of Mount Baker and peaceful evergreen forests, it’s a haven for RVers craving nature, adventure, and serenity. Just minutes from downtown Mount Vernon, a brand-new luxury RV resort has opened its gates, Town & Country Motorcoach and RV R...

Meet Jenn and Kyle Bethune—digital nomads, YouTubers, and a full-time RV family—who traded the traditional lifestyle for life on the road with their three kids and dogs. In this inspiring conversation, the Bethunes share their journey into full-time travel, what it’s like raising a family while living nomadically, and their favorite memories from exploring the Pacific Northwest. Known for their po...

Oregon is home to some of the most breathtaking scenic drives in the country, where every mile tells a story and every turn offers a new perspective. In this episode, we highlight three of Oregon’s 29 designated scenic byways—from Hells Canyon, to the fossil-rich terrain of the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway. These drives aren’t just routes—they’re immersive experiences. You’ll navigate through...

We dive into the hidden world of Seattle Prohibition with local historian and author Brad Holden , who uncovers the city’s wild and rebellious past during the 1920s. From underground speakeasies and rum-running operations on the Salish Sea to corrupt officials and forgotten road houses, Brad shares jaw-dropping stories that reveal a bawdy side of Seattle history most people have never heard. Wheth...

Tucked between the rugged North Cascades and the sparkling Salish Sea, Bellingham, Washington is a must-visit Pacific Northwest destination that offers a stunning mix of mountains, forests, and coastal beauty. Just 90 miles north of Seattle and 20 miles south of the Canadian border, Bellingham is ideally located in Whatcom County with easy access to the San Juan Islands, Mount Baker, and the sceni...

We’re exploring the soul-filling magic of taking the scenic route—those winding roads that turn ordinary drives into unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re RVing through the Pacific Northwest or just heading out for a weekend escape, there’s something unforgettable about choosing the road less traveled. Scenic drives may not be the fastest, but they offer a kind of beauty and freedom that stick...

Escape to the banks of the Columbia River at Columbia Riverfront RV Park in Woodland, Washington. In this episode, we explore the peaceful beauty of this riverside campground with towering cottonwoods, misty mornings, bald eagles and big Mount Hood views. Just 22 miles north of Portland, Oregon, Columbia Riverfront RV Park spans 10 tranquil acres and delivers big when it comes to both location and...

We finally made the journey into the heart of one of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic and hauntingly beautiful landscapes—Mount St. Helens. More than just the site of a historic eruption, Mount St. Helens is a powerful symbol of nature’s destruction and resilience. Over 40 years ago on May 18, 1980, the mountain exploded with a force that shocked the world reshaping the region in seconds.  From...

The untamed beauty and ecological richness of the Pacific Northwest makes it a region known for its incredible diversity of landscapes, from temperate rainforests and craggy coastlines to alpine ridges, volcanic plateaus and expansive high desert. This convergence of ocean, mountain, and inland ecosystems makes the PNW one of the most biologically diverse and visually stunning areas in North Ameri...

We're spotlighting one of the most exciting developments in the RV world for 2025 — the grand opening of RV@Olympi c a brand-new, next-generation RV resort on the Olympic Peninsula.  Opening in early July 2025, this flagship resort is set to redefine what it means to RV in the Pacific Northwest by offering a seamless, elevated experience tailored to modern travelers. Located near the entrance...

We’re diving into something we all feel but rarely talk about: the overwhelming weight of constant noise. Lately, it feels like the world is always on. The news never stops, our phones never rest, and the pressure to keep up—at work, at home, and online—can leave us feeling anxious, distracted, and totally worn out. If you've been craving a reset, this episode is your invitation to rediscover...

After a decade of hands-on home remodeling, Amanda, of Dusty Trails RV ,  was no stranger to building things from the ground up. But when life threw her a major curveball, she rebuilt more than just walls — she rebuilt her entire life. Now living full-time on the road, Amanda shares her journey into RV life, how her background in construction, firefighting, and emergency medicine shaped her approa...

Oregon’s state parks have a rich history dating back to 1921, when they were first established as part of the Oregon Highway Department. Today, the Oregon State Parks system manages over 170 stunning parks, offering a diverse range of outdoor activities—from scenic hiking trails and forested campgrounds to breathtaking coastal views. Whether you're a lifelong Pacific Northwesterner or plannin...

We’re launching a two-part mini-series focused on the State of State Parks, starting with the incredible system of Washington State Parks . With over 140 parks, trails, marine areas, and historic sites, Washington offers a diverse range of outdoor experiences waiting to be explored. In this episode we welcome back Sarah from Washington State Parks. If you missed her first appearance on Episode 57,...

We dive into the magic of our National Parks—those incredible public lands that belong to all of us. These national treasures are more than just scenic landscapes—they’re places where family memories are made and future generations can fall in love with the great outdoors. Joining the conversation is Hope, a former National Park Ranger based in the Pacific Northwest. She brings insider knowledge,...