Looking Back at My Time in Washington: How Living Near Pullman Became an Unforgettable Experience

I love the Pacific Northwest. The natural beauty, countless outdoor activities, small town charm, and the big city attractions make me feel right at home. In fact, my time living in the Inland Northwest is a memory I’ll cherish for my entire lifetime. I spent several years living just outside of Pullman, Washington, right in the heart of the Palouse. It was a place where I watched my children grow, I challenged myself physically, and I fell in love with Washington. For me, it will always be home.

I will always remember my first impressions of Pullman, Washington, a city nestled in the Palouse Region. I first drove into this city from Moscow, Idaho, during the early summer months when the rolling hills of the Palouse were green. And while it was a beautiful sight, I particularly love this area during the harvest when all you can see are rolling hills of gold — I never took for granted living in such a beautiful, unique area.

Washington State University’s campus was one of the first places I ever visited in Pullman. I remember driving around the campus, admiring the many buildings and the beautiful, grassy areas. Gesa Field at Martin Stadium, the home field of the WSU Cougars football team, is right in the heart of campus and a place that comes alive during the fall months.

Some of my favorite memories on WSU's campus were at Ferdinand’s Ice Cream Shoppe, the university's creamery. I loved to take my young boys for ice cream cones and some Cougar Cheese. My son loved the cookies and cream flavor, and I always chose the huckleberry ripple. It is easily one of my favorites.

As a family, we loved to visit the WSU Bear Center on Terre View Drive. This is the only Grizzly Bear center of its kind in the U.S., and while the public isn’t allowed in the building, there are bear viewing areas in the parking lot where you can watch the bears play in the yard, splash in their pool, or relax in the grass. You’d often find us here on Sunday afternoons, especially near the bear’s feeding time when the bears were typically most active.

Having young children, I needed a chance to get out and enjoy some peace and quiet — running was my escape. I loved the Pullman area as there were countless running routes and trails, including the Bill Chipman Palouse Trail. This popular and beautiful paved trail would take you from Pullman to Moscow. I also challenged myself physically and mentally by signing up for various races in the area, including the Fall Flash in Moscow and the Snake River Canyon Half Marathon, which began at Wawawai Landing along the Snake River, just outside of Pullman.

When I'd venture to Spokane, I loved to drive along the Palouse Scenic Byway. My family explored this route in every season, but I especially loved this drive during the summer and fall months. The winter could be a little scary — we had a few terrifying, snowy drives that I don’t like to think about.

Living in the Inland Northwest will always have a special place in my heart. I have countless memories of my time in this corner of the state, the activities I enjoyed, and the things I saw. Eastern Washington will always be home.

Have you ever spent time in Pullman and the surrounding small towns? What are some of your favorite things to do in Eastern Washington? Let me know by filling out this form. I’d love to hear from you.