Outdoor Activities

Frozen

Ways to Play in the Snow near Seattle

Tubing hills, fat bikes, and where to take a sleigh ride.

01/03/2025 By Allison Williams

What Lift Line

Skiing by Helicopter in Canada’s Big White North

Where we’re going, we don’t need chairlifts.

12/02/2024 By Allison Williams

Lumberjacked up

How to Cut Down a Christmas Tree in the Woods

Free-range evergreens from our national forests await tinsel. Just grab a permit first.

11/21/2024 By Allison Williams

Muddy Boots

Shoulder Season Hikes for National Take a Hike Day

No, we don't know why it's in November.

11/15/2024 By Allison Williams and Seattle Met Staff

Planner

What to Do in WA in November

Spokane throws a cultural fest and Camano Island serves chili.

10/30/2024 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

Rail Ways

A Ride Back in Time on North Bend’s Historic Train

What other museum ticket comes with a conductor, mountain views, and steam power?

10/18/2024 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

Get Outside

The Eastside’s Best Parks

Suburban sprawl begets untamed recreation. No trekking up mountain passes required.

10/09/2024 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

Planner

What to Do in Washington in October

Fall colors, German beers, and the best ways to celebrate the spooky season.

09/30/2024 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

Branching Out

Where to Hike to See Larches near Seattle

It's the golden season in the Cascades. Here's where to find fall's most beautiful trees.

09/30/2024 By Allison Williams

Faraway Lands

The Painted Wilderness You’ve Never Heard Of

Washington's Teanaway hiking trails fly under the radar—until they put on a colorful show.

09/23/2024 By Allison Williams

Wild Ride

Leavenworth's Mountain Coaster Offers Not-So-Cheap Thrills

The Tumwater Twister ride is a Bavarian adventure, but not everyone is on board.

07/23/2024 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

Asked/Answered

Why Is Seattle’s Best Public Pool So Hard to Find?

Colman Pool is full of salt water—and hidden-away history.

06/17/2024 By Allecia Vermillion

Summer Style

Seattle Beach Bag Essentials

Everything you need for a 50-degree day in the sand.

06/04/2024 By Zoe Sayler

What Roof

The Outdoorsy City

What it means to be a place where getting out of the house and into the wilds is a way of life.

05/10/2024 By Allison Williams

Greenhorns

Where to Be Outdoorsy for the First Time

Hike. Paddle. Camp. We’ll take it easy on you, newbie. Here’s where to start.

05/09/2024 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

Water Works

Waterfall Hikes near Seattle

The snow is melting and the falls are roaring on Washington trails.

04/09/2024 By Allison Williams

Basics

How to Learn to Ski in Seattle

The tricks, tips, and techniques for getting into the Northwest’s snowiest sport.

11/30/2023 By Allison Williams

Join Us

How Ski Clubs Made Skiing a Sport

The social organizations that built Seattle’s snow sport culture have a new form today.

11/29/2023 By Allison Williams

Indie Cred

These Are Washington’s Independent Ski Areas

Small and locally owned mountains offer character—and affordability.

11/28/2023 By Allison Williams

Snow Bound

Skiing Is Stupid. Do It Anyway.

The sport is expensive, hard, and dangerous—but it’s a dreamy way to spend a Northwest winter.

11/27/2023 By Allison Williams