Outdoor Activities

Adventure Awaits

10 Best Hikes Close to Seattle

Hiking is the Northwest's signature pastime, and some of the state's best trails are less than an hour from downtown.

09/21/2018 By Seattle Met Staff

Shell Game

Lilliwaup Offers Getaway Vibes and Oyster Hunting

Yep, oyster tourism is a thing. Book a cabin, RV, or tent and head to the waters for briny bivalves.

09/11/2018 By Allecia Vermillion

Rock Steady

How I Conquered Fear While Bouldering

Yes, bouldering can be scary. But here's why I made a six-hour trek to do it anyway.

09/11/2018 By Hayat Norimine

Adios, John Wayne

Introducing the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail

The cross-state route has been reborn under a new name. Horse-drawn wagons still welcome.

07/17/2018 By Allison Williams

Adventure Climb

Climb at Peshastin Pinnacles

Scale the crag—or hike a more solid footpath—for lush views of fruit orchards.

07/17/2018 By Allison Williams

Tread Lightly

Trail Running Is Taking Over (and It's Not as Hard as You Think)

Sometimes running means walking.

05/22/2018 By Allison Williams

No Chihuahua Left Behind

Northwest Adventure Dogs Have Their Very Own Search and Rescue

Dog in danger? Call WASART at 425-681-5498. The policy: Call sooner rather than later.

05/22/2018 By Allison Williams

Pooch Perks

Dogs Are Gearheads, Too

Taking Fido on an adventure? You need more than a leash. Check out how many toys there are to kit out your canine for Northwest extremes.

05/22/2018 By Allison Williams

Guns on Board

Who Packs a Gun When They're Backpacking? More People Than You’d Expect.

And you might say it's a bit controversial.

05/22/2018 By Allison Williams

Judgment Calls

Should You Be Doing That on the Trail?

We weigh the arguments for and against controversial outdoor activity.

05/22/2018 By Allison Williams

Feature

White Users Dominate the Outdoors Nationwide, and the Pacific Northwest Is No Exception

The outdoors are for everyone—but getting everyone outside isn't going to happen on its own.

05/22/2018 By Allison Williams

Gear Guide

Here in Seattle, Our Gear Better Be Next Level

Outdoor togs and toys have to clear a high bar these days. We expect multifunctional gear that’s loaded with extras, and Seattle makers’ newest offerings oblige.

05/22/2018 By Allison Williams

Bars Beyond Cardboard

5 Locally Made Energy Bars to Try

We passed around Northwest-made trail bars to compose wine-style tasting notes for homegrown hiker fuel. Pinkies up, everyone.

05/22/2018 By Seattle Met Staff

Best of the Northwest

The New Classics: 25 Amazing Washington Hikes

Guys, we don’t all need to hike Mount Si this weekend. Once you’ve explored Washington’s busiest trails, make these your to-do list. Plus: our favorite weekday and kid-friendly hikes.

05/22/2018 By Allison Williams

Lottery Life

Permits Are Changing Everything

Welcome to the great outdoors. Do you have a reservation?

05/22/2018 By Allison Williams

Room with a View

Four-Star Campsites in Washington's Wilderness

We expect more from our campgrounds than a few dirt clearings in the woods. High-end amenities from ice cream stands to volleyball courts pop up next to scenic sites across the state.

05/22/2018 By Allison Williams

Cover Story

The Insider's Guide to Pacific Northwest Hiking

Welcome to the age of next-level gear, dog rescue squads, and campsites with hot tubs—and a new list of do’s and don’ts. Dig into our guide to the brave new world of playing outside.

05/22/2018 By Allison Williams

Tiger Mountain High

So You Want to Try Paragliding

On a scenic hillside in Issaquah, pilots take flight wearing little more than a backpack and a kind of parachute. It may resemble an extreme sport, but paragliding is more about hang time than radical dives.

04/24/2018 By Allison Williams

White Out

So You Want to Snowshoe

But you'd rather follow an expert. Take a winter walk with 12 ranger- and guide-led snowshoe trips.

01/05/2018 By Manola Secaira

Long Weekends

Go to Vancouver for the Urban Snow Sports—Stay for the Great Food

Escape to Canada and discover easy-access slopes and outstanding global cuisine.

12/20/2017 By Allison Williams

Seattle Met

Outdoor Activities

10 Best Hikes Close to Seattle

Lilliwaup Offers Getaway Vibes and Oyster Hunting

How I Conquered Fear While Bouldering

Introducing the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail

Climb at Peshastin Pinnacles

Trail Running Is Taking Over (and It's Not as Hard as You Think)

Northwest Adventure Dogs Have Their Very Own Search and Rescue

Dogs Are Gearheads, Too

Who Packs a Gun When They're Backpacking? More People Than You’d Expect.

Should You Be Doing That on the Trail?

Popular Content

Where to Hike with Marmots in Washington

The 15 Best City Trails in Seattle

Every Nonstop Flight from Seattle's Sea-Tac Airport and More

How to Go Snow Camping in Washington State

How Tiny Tieton Became Mighty

Guide to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

White Users Dominate the Outdoors Nationwide, and the Pacific Northwest Is No Exception

Here in Seattle, Our Gear Better Be Next Level

5 Locally Made Energy Bars to Try

The New Classics: 25 Amazing Washington Hikes

Permits Are Changing Everything

Four-Star Campsites in Washington's Wilderness

The Insider's Guide to Pacific Northwest Hiking

So You Want to Try Paragliding

So You Want to Snowshoe

Go to Vancouver for the Urban Snow Sports—Stay for the Great Food

Latest Issue

The Ultimate Sports City