Get the Dirt

10 Best Hikes at Mount Rainier National Park

A totally subjective list from a lifelong Rainier hiker.

07/23/2019 By Allison Williams

Shade Index

Washington's Worst Hiking Trails

Deception Pass and Cape Disappointment aren’t even the half of it.

07/23/2019 By Mac Hubbard

From the Outside In

12 Ways to Do Rainier Without Actually Entering the National Park

Beyond the park boundaries sits a wealth of small-town charm, not to mention lesser-known hikes and stellar views.

07/23/2019 By Allison Williams

Open Secrets

The Top Things to See and Do Inside Mount Rainier National Park

More than two million people visited the park last year. How does a first-timer tackle its 369 square miles?

07/23/2019 By Allison Williams

Cover Story

The Secrets of Mount Rainier

The uncrowded campsites, tucked-away trails, rare wildlife, and hidden histories inside the crown jewel of the Cascades.

07/23/2019 By Allison Williams

Work Hard, Play Hard

Local Essentials: An Intern's Guide to Seattle

Skip the Space Needle and live like a Seattleite with this roundup of our favorite off-the-clock spots.

07/18/2019 By Seattle Met Staff

Wild Life

Ballard's Ascent Outdoors Is Back from the Dead

The sudden April closure was a shock, but a local mountain guide is resurrecting the outdoor retail shop.

06/26/2019 By Allison Williams

Feature

Where on Earth Is Sam Sayers?

On a perfect summer day, a solo hiker went missing from a Cascade trail. Nine months later, the mystery has consumed the lives of thousands.

04/23/2019 By Allison Williams

NEWSMAKERS

Perfect Party May 2019

Here’s who we’d invite if we could entertain this month’s most interesting visitors, locals, and newsmakers.

04/23/2019 By Seattle Met Staff

Hiker's Guide

Get Your Spring Mountain Fix, No Car Required

Metro's Trailhead Direct, a shuttle between the Seattle area and the Cascade foothills, returns April 20 with an expanded service area.

04/12/2019 By Philip Kiefer

Cover Story

The 15 Best City Trails in Seattle

The greatest urban escape routes in the Seattle area, threading downtown, the waterfront, far-flung neighborhoods, and the abundant nature beyond.

03/26/2019 By Allison Williams

Branching Out

Larch Season Is Finally Here

And it's already almost over. The Cascade color show is as spectacular as it is ephemeral, so the gold rush is on.

10/03/2018 By Allison Williams

#NoFilter, No Glory

How Instagram Has Changed Outdoor Spaces

In the last few years, the app has affected the demand for—and safety in—the great outdoors.

09/11/2018 By Sydney Parker

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