Life on Paws and Wheels

Simba 🐾 and I set out for one of Washington’s most talked-about hikes—the Mailbox Peak Trail in Snoqualmie National Forest near North Bend. Known for its steep ascent, breathtaking views, and the quirky summit mailbox , this trail is a rite of passage for Pacific Northwest hikers. It’s a challenge, but the rewards—both scenic and symbolic—are worth every step. 📍 Highlights from Our Hike 🌲 Steep, rewarding climb through lush forest trails 🏔️ Scenic overlooks of Mount Rainier and the Cascade Range 📬 The iconic summit mailbox , stuffed with notes, stickers, and treasures from fellow hikers 💪 A true Pacific Northwest challenge for experienced hikers 🐾 Dog-friendly—Simba loved the adventure! The Climb The trail wastes no time—it’s steep almost right from the start. As Simba and I made our way up, we passed through thick, green forest that felt quintessentially Pacific Northwest. The switchbacks tested our endurance, but breaks along the way offered glimpses of the surroundin...

Simba 🐾 and I enjoyed a peaceful outing at Riverstone Park in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho—an urban oasis that blends scenic nature with city convenience. With its central lake, walking trails, and nearby shops and cafes, this park is the perfect place to unwind, recharge, and enjoy the outdoors . 📍 Highlights from Our Visit 🌊 Beautiful man-made lake with fountains and water features 🐾 Paved walking trails perfect for strolling with Simba 🧺 Picnic areas and grassy lawns great for families 🌉 Scenic bridges and benches for relaxation ☕ Easy access to shops, cafes, and restaurants nearby Scenic & Peaceful Atmosphere Riverstone Park feels like a hidden retreat right in town. The lake with fountains creates a calming backdrop, while bridges and benches invite you to stop and soak in the scenery. Simba loved trotting along the paved walking paths , and I enjoyed how easy and relaxing the stroll was. Perfect for Families & Travelers With plenty of green space for picnics an...

Simba 🐾 and I stopped at Falls Park in Post Falls, Idaho , a scenic riverside gem that combines natural beauty, history, and peaceful recreation. Set along the mighty Spokane River , the park offers stunning waterfall views, rocky riverbanks, and plenty of space to relax and explore. It’s the perfect spot to stretch your legs, enjoy the outdoors, and take in the power of North Idaho’s waterways. 📍 Highlights from Our Visit 🌊 Stunning views of the Post Falls Dam and Spokane River 💦 Scenic waterfalls and rugged rocky riverbanks 🪧 Interpretive signs sharing the history of Post Falls 🧺 Picnic areas and walking paths perfect for a relaxing stop 🐕 Dog-friendly spaces where Simba could enjoy the fresh air Scenic Beauty & Relaxation The main draw of Falls Park is, of course, the waterfalls and river views . Overlooks provide the perfect vantage point to watch the Spokane River as it rushes over the dam and flows through rocky channels. Whether you’re there to snap photos, take...

Simba 🐾 and I hit the trail in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho to explore the Mineral Ridge Nature Trail , a 3.3-mile loop that combines history, ecology, and jaw-dropping views. Known as one of the area’s most popular and family-friendly hikes, this trail is perfect for locals, travelers, and anyone looking to stretch their legs in a gorgeous setting. 📍 Highlights from Our Hike 🌊 Gorgeous overlooks of Lake Coeur d’Alene 🌲 Shaded, forested trail with winding switchbacks 🪧 Educational interpretive signs about wildlife, plants, and mining history 🐕 A dog-friendly trail, perfect for adventuring with Simba 🏔️ Stunning panoramic views from the summit The Trail Experience The hike starts with a steady climb through shaded forests, making it a great workout without being too difficult . Along the way, interpretive signs provide fun and informative stops, sharing details about the area’s mining past, unique wildlife, and plant life . Simba loved the forested path, and I enjoyed the peacef...

Simba 🐾 and I set out on the Pulaski Tunnel Trail , a hike that blends scenic beauty with powerful history. This 4-mile roundtrip trail in Wallace, Idaho, commemorates the Great Fire of 1910 and the bravery of forest ranger Ed Pulaski , who saved his crew by leading them into the tunnel that now bears his name. 📍 Highlights from Our Hike 📖 Learning about the Great Fire of 1910 and Ed Pulaski’s heroism 🌲 Shady forested trail, perfect for summer hiking 💧 Following Placer Creek along much of the route 🪧 Reading historic interpretive signs and memorials along the way 🚶‍♀️ Reaching the tunnel overlook at the end of the hike A Trail Through History The trail is as much a living museum as it is a hike. Interpretive signs guide you through the story of the Great Fire of 1910 , a devastating wildfire that swept through the region. Ed Pulaski’s quick thinking and courage saved more than 40 men by sheltering them in the mine tunnel—a story that is both humbling and inspiring as ...

Simba 🐾 and I took a stroll through history at the Oasis Bordello Museum in Wallace, Idaho—one of the town’s most unusual and fascinating landmarks. Once an active bordello during Wallace’s mining boom, the building has been preserved just as it was when it abruptly closed in the 1980s. Today, it’s a quirky museum offering a glimpse into the colorful past of this historic mining town. 📍 Highlights from Our Visit 🏘️ Admiring the preserved exterior of the Oasis Bordello Museum 🚶‍♀️ Exploring historic downtown Wallace 📖 Learning about the town’s mining era and lively past 🎭 Visiting a quirky, one-of-a-kind roadside attraction in the Silver Valley 🐕 Enjoying a dog-friendly walk with Simba through Wallace’s charming streets A Museum Frozen in Time What makes the Oasis Bordello Museum so unique is its authenticity. When the bordello closed its doors in the 1980s, it was left just as it was , complete with furnishings, décor, and personal belongings. Walking past the building (an...