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

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

Neighborhood Guide

Secret Spots in Seattle’s University District

An ivory tower of funky shops and cheap outdoor fun.

04/14/2025 By Eric Nusbaum

Destination Dossier

Everything You Need to Know About a Visit to Wenatchee

How do you like them apples?

03/06/2025 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach Illustrations by Chantal Bennett

Soak it in

Hot Springs Near Seattle

Thank the Northwest's volcanic landscape for our all-natural hot tubs.

01/17/2025 By Allison Williams

Warm Up

A Visit to the Elusive Goldmyer Hot Springs with Kids

The journey was tough. The clothing was optional. The connection was real.

01/15/2025 By Allecia Vermillion

Muddy Boots

Shoulder Season Hikes for National Take a Hike Day

No, we don't know why it's in November.

11/15/2024 By Allison Williams and Seattle Met Staff

Get Outside

The Eastside’s Best Parks

Suburban sprawl begets untamed recreation. No trekking up mountain passes required.

10/09/2024 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

Branching Out

Where to Hike to See Larches near Seattle

It's the golden season in the Cascades. Here's where to find fall's most beautiful trees.

09/30/2024 By Allison Williams

Faraway Lands

The Painted Wilderness You’ve Never Heard Of

Washington's Teanaway hiking trails fly under the radar—until they put on a colorful show.

09/23/2024 By Allison Williams

Ruff Trails

The Best Dog-Friendly Hikes near Seattle

Where to hit the trail with man's best outdoor friend.

08/09/2024 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

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 transit back for summer 2024—including the return of a second route.

05/23/2024 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach and Seattle Met Staff

Big Days

The Wedding Vendors Who Will Literally Climb Mountains for the Perfect Shot

When couples get hitched in the wilderness, they can still get professional hairdos and photos.

05/13/2024 By Allison Williams

What Roof

The Outdoorsy City

What it means to be a place where getting out of the house and into the wilds is a way of life.

05/10/2024 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

Stuff Galore

Seattle’s Outdoor Gear Hall of Fame

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

05/07/2024 By Allison Williams

Outside Inside

The Capitol Hill Club for Making Outdoorsy Friends

Never hike alone again.

05/06/2024 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

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