Public Lands

The Best State Parks in Washington

From half-acre pocket parks to surf beaches and cross-state trails, the state park system is a whole different kind of wild.

08/26/2025 By Allison Williams

American Alps

The Insider's Guide to Visiting North Cascades National Park

Where to hike, camp, and explore in Washington's wild, remote mountains.

08/21/2025 By Allison Williams

In Tents

30 Best Washington Campgrounds

Where to camp in the mountains, on the beach, or among the ruins of a decommissioned army base.

06/05/2025 By Allison Williams

THE OLYMPICS

Insider's Guide to Visiting Washington State's Olympic National Park

What to do, where to hike, and where to camp under the stars in Washington's most diverse national park.

04/17/2025 By Allison Williams

Destination Dossier

What You Need to Know About a Trip to Packwood

Washington’s quietest mountain pass has a lot going on.

04/14/2025 By Allison Williams

In Shape

Where to Rent an A-Frame Cabin in Washington

And why they’re so appealing in the first place.

10/14/2024 By Allison Williams

Destination Guide

Hood Canal: What to Eat, What to Do, Where to Stay

The Olympic Peninsula’s long, thin waterway is lined with charming eats and low-key activities.

09/19/2024 By Allison Williams

Doused

Is It Time to Give Up the Campfire?

Yep—for the summer, at least. But it's worth it.

07/24/2024 By Allison Williams

Sorta Crunchy

The Kinds of Outdoorsy People You Meet in Seattle

We sorted the hikers, bikers, and all kinds of nature lovers. You know the types.

05/10/2024 By Allison Williams Illustrations by David Wilson

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

Into the Woods

Why Are We So Scared of Bears?

The animals are not actually deadly, until they are.

05/08/2024 By Allison Williams Photography by Carlton Canary

Stuff Galore

Seattle’s Outdoor Gear Hall of Fame

The things we’ve had—and are keeping—forever.

05/07/2024 By Allison Williams

The Mountain

An Insider’s Guide to Visiting Mount Rainier National Park

Hiking trails, visitor centers, and other spectacular reasons to head to our friendly local volcano.

04/29/2024 By Allison Williams and Seattle Met Staff

Just a Number

Adult Summer Camps Let Grown-Ups Have Fun, Too

Camp hits a little different when you're old enough for a driver's license and a credit score.

03/26/2024 By Allison Williams

Crackle and Pop

The Rise of the Portable Campfire

Less smoke, more safety. About time someone hacked the tired concept of burning wood for fun.

06/09/2023 By Allison Williams

Road Warriors

How to Rent a Camper Van in Seattle

Four wheels, a bed, and the open road: Van life is within reach.

03/21/2023 By Allison Williams

not refreshing

New Reservation Systems Have Complicated Camping

First came the online systems for calling dibs on a campsite—then the ways to circumvent them. Who wins in the battle for a few square feet of dirt?

03/09/2023 By Allison Williams

Say Cheese

How to Take a Night Sky Photo in Washington

Where to get a jaw-dropping starry night picture in the Pacific Northwest, and what you'll need for Milky Way magic.

06/08/2022 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

home screen

Best Phone Apps for Hiking and Camping

Your smartphone may be your best tool in the outdoors—and not just for the camera.

05/25/2022 By Allison Williams

Outdoorsy

The Subtle Shifts of the REI Co-op

As the annual sale kicks off at the Seattle-based outdoor recreation chain, REI has undergone small but notable changes.

05/20/2022 By Allison Williams