After two years of travel and living in over eleven different cities and states, there was still one region of the country I hadn’t experienced. One that had both the mountains and the ocean. It was finally time to head to the Pacific Northwest.
No, I wasn’t off to Portland or Seattle, but to a small coastal town called Port Orchard.
Before this stop, my knowledge of Washington was limited to pop culture references and the occasional moody Instagram shot of misty forests. Let me just say this, Washington is so much more than its stereotypes. It’s a state of quiet contrasts. Ocean meets mountain, tech meets timber, wild nature meets cozy neighborhood cafés. And tucked along the edge of it all is Port Orchard, where I spent a seriously peaceful month on my journey.
After months of bouncing through big cities and mountain towns, I knew I wanted my Washington experience to be something different. I still wanted the option to catch a Mariners game or explore Seattle’s happy hour scene, but I also craved the coast and easy access to the Olympic Peninsula. That’s when I stumbled across Port Orchard and thought, why not?
This small waterfront town sits on the Kitsap Peninsula, just a ferry ride from Seattle, but it feels like its own little world. Downtown is charming and walkable, full of wooden piers, mom-and-pop diners, used bookstores, and antique shops that smell like forgotten stories. It’s the kind of place where people wave hello and baristas remember your name after one visit.
And speaking of water—it’s everywhere.
Living in Port Orchard meant waking up to fog rising off the Sound, watching herons patrol the shoreline, and catching unexpected glimpses of Mount Rainier when the skies were feeling generous (which, surprisingly, was more often than I’d expected). I spent countless quiet mornings on the couch with coffee in hand, just watching the tide roll in.
For hiking lovers, the area doesn’t disappoint. There are trails tucked into every corner. Wooded loops around hidden lakes, peaceful coastal strolls, and quiet paths that feel like they belong to you alone. I made regular trips to nearby spots like Manchester State Park and Banner Forest, perfect for spontaneous wanders just minutes from home.
And of course, Washington is also home to three incredible national parks. Olympic National Park is like three parks in one: rugged coastline, lush temperate rainforests, and glacier-capped peaks. Mount Rainier National Park is all about alpine meadows, waterfalls, and, of course, that iconic, snow-covered volcano looming in the distance. And then there’s North Cascades National Park, the wildest of them all. With jagged peaks, over 300 glaciers, and a feeling of remoteness that’s rare in the Lower 48. If you love the outdoors, it’s hard to top the variety Washington offers!
Getting around the peninsula was a bit tricky. Public transit there is limited but once I headed toward Seattle, the transportation options were surprisingly smooth. The Washington State Ferries are a whole experience on their own! Salty sea air, skyline views, and that soft hum of the engine that makes you want to put your phone down and just enjoy the ride. Inside the city, I relied on the Link Light Rail, which connects the airport to downtown and beyond. Between the ferries, light rail, and easy-to-use apps like OneBusAway, I didn’t miss having a car downtown one bit.
Washington’s food scene? In the simplest of terms, delicious. With its rich agricultural roots and abundant coastline, the state is basically a chef’s playground. This is absolutely reflected in the meals that I had during my stay. From Yakima Valley’s famous apples and wine grapes to the fresh oysters, salmon, and Dungeness crab coming in from the coast, the local ingredients here are top-tier.
Seattle, in particular, is a food lover’s dream. It’s a city built on great coffee (yes, Starbucks was born here but so were countless amazing indie cafés), global flavors, and innovation. One of the most iconic Seattle dishes? Teriyaki. Though it originally hails from Japan, Seattle made it its own. Grilled meats glazed in sweet-savory sauce, served with rice and salad, and dished up fast and hot from no-frills family-owned spots. There’s a teriyaki joint in nearly every neighborhood, and yes, they all have loyal fans.
Seafood is, of course, everywhere, especially at the legendary Pike Place Market, where you can watch fish fly through the air, then eat some of the best chowder, oysters, or sushi you’ve ever had. If you’re into cocktails, Seattle delivers with a mix of modern bars and tucked-away speakeasies.
That said, I was surprised to find that Seattle’s nightlife is relatively mellow. Most places close by 10 or 11 p.m. on weekdays, and by midnight on weekends. For someone who now enjoys being in bed by 10, it wasn’t a problem but definitely different from other big cities I’ve lived in.
What really stuck with me about Washington, though, were the people. In the western part of the state, especially around Seattle, there’s a laid-back, thoughtful energy. People are progressive, creative, and deeply tied to nature. Sure, there’s some truth to the “Seattle Freeze” (locals can seem reserved, and in some cases stand-offish), but once you get past the surface, they’re genuine, kind, and community-focused.
Eastern Washington has a different rhythm altogether. More rural, more rooted in agriculture and tradition. The communities there are tight-knit, with strong ties to family, farming, and the land. Across the state, Indigenous nations continue to shape the region’s culture and environment, and there’s a shared sense of respect for the outdoors no matter where you are.
What started as a spontaneous stop in a coastal town turned into one of the most grounding parts of my journey so far. From misty mornings on the Sound to ferry rides across Puget Bay, from trails tucked into quiet forests to the bustling food stalls of Seattle.
I came here looking for a balance between city energy and natural peace, and I absolutely found it! More than that, I found a deeper appreciation for slow mornings, local food, and the kind of places that make you feel at home without trying too hard.
Washington may not be loud or flashy, but it’s the kind of place that lingers long after you leave. Like the scent of saltwater on your jacket or the warmth of your favorite diner’s coffee mug.
