Roll Up

Trailhead Direct Restarts Bus Service to Hiking Trails

Forget parking. The peaks just off I-90 become much more accessible with seasonal public transportation, back for summer 2023.

05/12/2023 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

Exhaust Yourself

Love Letters: Seattle's Gnarliest Hiking Trail Is Punishing and Beautiful

An ode to the Cable Line Trail in Issaquah, which is basically a Stairmaster that smells like the forest.

05/02/2023 By Allison Williams

Petal Powered

The Best Wildflower Hikes Close to Seattle

We like big blooms and we cannot lie.

04/21/2023 By Allison Williams

GIFT GUIDE

Gifts for the PNW Outdoor Fanatic in All of Us

From the best Patagonia running windbreaker to outdoor clothing for any weather, here are the best gifts for campers, climbers, hikers, and more.

12/12/2022 By Zoe Sayler

Branching Out

Larch Season Is Finally Here

The trees around Washington turn brilliant shades of yellow and orange before losing their needles—here's how to find our unique brand of fall foliage.

09/30/2022 By Allison Williams

Extremely online

How the Department of Natural Resources Won Social Media

A Washington state agency's Twitter and Instagram are going viral with wholesome memes about campfire safety and trail etiquette.

09/21/2022 By Allison Williams

Trail Tales

The Enchantments Is Washington's Most Spectacular Hike

The Leavenworth-area trail is long, steep, and unforgiving—and so stunningly beautiful that everyone wants to hike it. Here's how.

08/19/2022 By Allison Williams

Save Us

Satellite Devices Redefine Safety for Hikers

If you regularly hike or camp in the backcountry, a satellite communicator has become an essential piece of emergency equipment.

08/10/2022 By Allison Williams

Cool Dips

10 Hikes to Swimmable Lakes in Western Washington

Step one: Walk in the woods. Step two: Jump in. Mountain swimming holes from the Olympics to the Cascades beckon hikers willing to make the trek.

08/02/2022 By Allison Williams

flaked out

Snow Blocks Many Trails as Summer Hiking Season Begins

High snowfall means that it still looks like winter in Pacific Northwest mountains; here's how to stay safe and find the dirt.

06/23/2022 By Allison Williams

American Alps

The Insider's Guide to Visiting North Cascades National Park

Where to hike, camp, and explore in the most remote and possibly most spectacular public lands in Washington state.

06/02/2022 By Allison Williams

home screen

Best Phone Apps for Hiking and Camping

Your smartphone may be your best tool outdoors when deep in the Cascades or on a lonely Olympic beach—and not just for the camera.

05/25/2022 By Allison Williams

SAVE THE MONEY

11 Must-Haves from the REI Anniversary Sale

From May 20–30, get discounted Hydro Flasks, top-rated tents, Cotopaxi jackets, and more outdoor gear and technical clothing.

05/20/2022 By Zoe Sayler

Trailblazing

How One Tiny Mountain Town Welcomes PCT Hikers

Long-distance thru-hikers find welcome (and hot showers) in White Pass, one of Central Washington smallest communities.

05/16/2022 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

Outdoorsy

How to Plan Your First Camping Trip in Washington

Find out which campsites to go to, what gear you need, and why the great outdoors of the Pacific Northwest is for everyone, even if it's your first time.

04/26/2022 By Allison Williams

sharesies

How to Rent Camping Gear in Seattle

You don't need to own your own tent and sleeping bag to get outside. Rental programs from REI to Eddie Bauer to smaller outfits can help.

04/19/2022 By Allison Williams

Getting Out

Accessible Hikes Near Seattle and Beyond

Try these six flat and paved trails in the Pacific Northwest wilderness, great for beginners and just about anyone.

04/13/2022 By Allison Williams

Mud Ahoy

Best Rainy Day Hikes Near Seattle

Waterfalls, hot springs, and views made for wet days: The best trails to explore in the Western Washington drizzle, from North Bend to Issaquah.

03/28/2022 By Allison Williams

Soak it in

Hot Springs Near Seattle

Where to find natural soaking spots in nature and developed resorts in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia, perfect for a weekend road trip.

03/03/2022 By Allison Williams

Public Lands

20 Best State Parks in Washington

You can go diving, spelunking, horseback riding, hiking, and more in over 100 state parks within driving distance of Seattle.

02/22/2022 By Allison Williams