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RV Out West

RV Out West
Author: Brooks Smothers
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© 2025 RV Out West
Description
RV Out West is all about RVing around the Pacific Northwest with some sprinkled in adventures that radiate out from there. I pull a travel trailer with my family in tow and this show discusses sweet camping spots, gear and equipment, to tips & tricks — all to make your camping experiences as enjoyable as possible. #RVoutwest
171 Episodes
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Explore Anacortes, Washington, a coastal community on Fidalgo Island that embodies the spirit of the Pacific Northwest. Known as the “Gateway to the San Juan Islands,” Anacortes is a place where forest trails meet saltwater shorelines and small-town life flows at an easy pace. Visitors can hike through Washington Park, take in sweeping views from Mount Erie, kayak along calm bays, or join a whale-watching tour to spot orcas and other marine life. The town also offers excellent camping options...
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 just places to visit, they are critical habitats, cultural touchstones, and essential green spaces t...
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. Public lands are not just outdoor destinations; they are living reflections of our shared values. T...
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 ruts through Eastern Oregon and visiting sites that still echo with the stories of grit, hope, and p...
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 transforms the region into one of the largest cross-country ski trail systems in the U.S. Artists...
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, changing areas, and full hookups to primitive, hike-in springs surrounded by wild landscapes, the ...
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-hookup sites close to town. Discover the best places to set up camp, enjoy long walks on the beach, ...
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 happens, how to spot the signs and what you can do to avoid turning your love of RVing into another sour...
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, and freedom. They sold their home, downsized their belongings, and embraced full-time Airstream liv...
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 the state’s unique blend of natural beauty and frontier history. From national parks and histori...
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 Lost and Found in Canada on Instagram. Based in BC, Nick and Jess share their off-grid adventures...
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 Resort, offering a premium experience for travelers looking to park in style. In this episode, we ...
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 popular YouTube presence, Red, White & Bethune, Jenn now hosts Jenniungly Being, diving into mi...
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 volcanic landscapes and glacial lakes, and cruise into quiet high desert towns steeped in pionee...
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. Whether you're traveling through the Pacific Northwest by RV or just love untold tales from America's P...
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 scenic Chuckanut Mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts will find a paradise of glacial lakes, temperate...
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 with you long after the trip ends. From winding forest highways to coastal byways, these roads in...
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 vibe. Find out what makes this riverside park a gem, plus the honest scoop on what didn’t quite ...
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 lava-scarred ridgelines to lush alpine meadows, we explore how the land has healed and how ...
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 America, perfect for RV travelers. While iconic national parks like Olympic, Crater Lake, North Cascad...