Surrounded by breaking waves, stunning rainforests, wild rivers and breathtaking views, the landscape of Grays Harbor makes for incredibly scenic adventures. And, we try our best to capture those adventures with our cameras and phones. Like all adventures, they must come to an end, however our pictures will help us relive our experiences, sharing them with our friends on social media. While some share their wanderlust on Facebook or Twitter, the go to app for seeing the very best of a region is Instagram.

Used by nearly a billion people worldwide, Instagram connects us with others who share our love for the quirky, fantastic and beautiful. Throughout Grays Harbor, popular Instagram destinations await your discovery. Here are nine areas for Instagram worthy photos in Grays Harbor County.

Wynoochee Lake

Far from the highway, tucked against the southern boundary of Olympic National Park and Forest, Wynoochee Lake awaits your selfie. On rainy days, when exploring the Pacific Northwest may not seem ideal, Wynoochee Lake is transformed into a mysterious looking waterway with clouds hovering over the tops of stunning stands of trees. Wisps of white contrast against the greens and blues, turning this oft-overlooked lake into the perfect place to capture the soulful mood of the rainy, soaked Olympic Peninsula.

Lake Sylvia

Just north of Montesano, between Aberdeen and Olympia, Lake Sylvia State Park offers lake and creek views, as well as five miles of trails. The trails lead to beaches, covered bridges and breathtaking outlooks. The park is ideal for a selfie or perfect for catching views of eagles, ducks and geese reflecting off the shimmering, shining water. While popular in the summer months, a spring or fall trip will leave you with images that will be the envy of your followers.  Read more here:  http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2017/05/23/instagram-grays-harbor/

The days are getting longer and the school year is getting shorter. I can’t wait for summer and the opportunity to spend some extra time with my family relaxing and playing at the beach. The clam tides have been steady this spring and what was just a sleepy little town all winter is waking up now as tourists arrive for their weekend fix. My friends have started calling and asking for suggestions. “What should we do? Where should we stay? Can we borrow your clam guns?” is the common refrain.

As with most vacations, I suggest starting with securing

lodging. And, for families that want to be close to the action, but also have some space to roam and some peace and quiet, too, I suggest Chateau Westport. Just outside the main bustle of town, Chateau Westport offers what most people seek – clean, comfortable rooms with kitchenttes or full suites, pet-friendly lodging options, a pool, a beach-front location, a fire pit for s’mores and space to run on grassy lawns and through wooded nooks. And – affordable rates.

Chateau Westport is a great launching pad for all the fun of a beach vacation in Westport.  A quick check of the Chamber of Commerce website shows an updated events list. My kids are looking forward to Pirate Daze in June. My dad is coming out for the Kite Festival that month as well. There’s both a street rod show and a jet ski competition my older sons are looking forward to.  Read more here:  http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2017/06/07/plan-your-family-summer-getaway-to-westport/

Whether you are a Grays Harbor resident or a visitor, this summer you will be able to embark on a journey of discovery with the Passport to Grays Harbor History. No less than twelve museums are waiting for you in all corners of the County to tell their part in its turbulent history. Pick up your Passport at any Grays Harbor museum for a $2.00 donation. Travel to collect eleven museum stamps to receive a beautiful canvas tote bag

Nancy Cuyle and Emily Airhart are volunteers at the Aberdeen Museum of History, who started them on a quest to form a partnership of all the museums in Grays Harbor. In September of 2016, representatives of the organizations met and formed the Grays Harbor Museum Association. It is an informal group that shares best practices, strengthens communication and implements ideas. The Passport to Grays Harbor History was the first project conceived by the association. A $6,500 grant from the Grays Harbor Community Foundation paid for the design of the passport booklets by Alder Creative and stamps by Grays Harbor Stamp Works.

Nancy gladly tells stories about each museum:”Many people don’t realize how many museums we have and how different they are. For example, there are so many different ways in which the collections are housed.”

The large main floor of the historic armory has been home to the Aberdeen Museum of History since 1976. Volunteers of the Aberdeen Museum Historical Society have created an entire townscape reflecting aspects of Aberdeen history including a general store, a blacksmith’s shop and a theater.  Read more here:  http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2017/06/02/discover-twelve-museums-with-a-passport-to-grays-harbor-history/