June is officially “Great Outdoors Month” and what better place to celebrate the Great Outdoors than the Emerald City itself, the Queen City of the Pacific Northwest, Seattle. The term Great Outdoors can conjure up any number of activities or mindsets depending on who you are but one thing that is hard to argue is that EVERYTHING is Greater Outdoors, here are our top four Greater Outdoors:

1. Self-Care is Greater Outdoors

This pandemic has been hard on everyone and it is even more important right now to take care of yourself. Countless studies have shown that just 20 minutes outside can significantly impact stress levels, mood and overall happiness. Take a break outside - breathing exercises, yoga or just a minute to yourself – the fresh air and Vitamin D will make it that much better.

2. Music is Greater Outdoors

If you’ve ever been to The Gorge for a show on a warm summer day then you know what I’m talking about. 

 The sun surrounds you with a warm embrace, the soft grass buoys the blanket underneath you and the tunes flow through you in a perfect harmony. Maybe it’s a camping trip with your friend on guitar, or lying next to the pool with your Bluetooth playing your Spotify summer playlist.

Whatever your personal outdoor music experience is, there is something magical about the way sound carries in fresh air. Whether playing an instrument or just vibing to Spotify, take it outdoors and share those jams with the trees.

3. The Outdoors is Greater with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Outdoors for All! The Great Outdoors are for anybody and everybody—the fresh air and the trees have always been and always will be judgment-free. Every one of us share ownership and stewardship of open spaces regardless of our differences. We all approach the outdoors in our own way based on any number of factors from culture to upbringing to simply what feels right in our hearts and none of it is wrong. So long as no damage is being done, let others celebrate the outdoors in their way unhindered. Maybe try to learn to see it from their perspective, who knows, you may see things in a new light and find a new appreciation for old favorites.

4. Community is Greater Outdoors

Seattle has always shared a great sense community—we come together to stand up for what we believe in, we come together to share experiences, we come together to share the many things that make Seattle a community that is far more than just where we live. The sun, the clouds and the stars bear witness to all we can accomplish when we come together.

Everything is greater outdoors, so make sure you have the gear to get you there. Merrell offers footwear that can handle any adventure, in the city or on the trails. The classic Moab 2 boots continue to be one of the top selling hiking boots worldwide. New this season, the Moab Speed and Moab Flight are incredibly lightweight, comfortable and versatile.

If you really want to let those feet breathe the summer air but still perform, look no further than the Hydro Moc and the Alpine Strap Sandal, both of these options will keep you stylish from the streets to the streams and everything in between. These kicks are the perfect choice for getting out on Lake Union or Green Lake on your standup paddleboard or kayak.

If you are looking for something to do this June, look no further than Merrell’s schedule of activities to celebrate Great Outdoors Month from fitness to cooking, check them out at the link below and RSVP to participate and be entered to win one of many raffles!

Merrell’s Everything is Greater Outdoors Schedule of Events

Or, if you need some suggestions on where to break in those rad new Merrell hikers, find our Merrell Trail Guide at your local outdoor retailer where you can find trails ranging from easy to intermediate to challenging, all within a short drive from our city limits.