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

GIFT GUIDE

Gifts for the PNW Outdoor Fanatic in All of Us

From REI hiking boots to locally made ski gloves to running safety gear, here are the best gifts for campers, climbers, hikers, and more.

04/08/2022 By Zoe Sayler

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

Book It

How to Reserve a Campsite or Backpacking Trip in Washington

Here's how to book a camping spot in Mount Rainier National Park, the Olympics, the Enchantments, the Columbia Gorge, and more.

02/15/2022 By Allison Williams

Muddy Boots

Shoulder Season Hikes for National Take a Hike Day

From short day hikes to longer-haul backpacking opportunities, here are the best fall hikes near Seattle.

11/17/2021 By Allison Williams, Craig Romano, and Seattle Met Staff

Branching Out

Larch Season Is Finally Here

The trees turn brilliant shades of yellow and orange before losing their needles—here's how to find them.

10/01/2021 By Allison Williams

The Mountain

An Insider’s Guide to Visiting Mount Rainier National Park

Make the most of a visit to Washington State's famous volcano.

08/25/2021 By Allison Williams and Seattle Met Staff

Wine Not

The Best Things to Do in Woodinville

Wine tasting isn’t the only game in town.

07/02/2021 By Allison Williams

Native Names

This Land Is Their Land: The Rise of Land Acknowledgements in the PNW

A growing wave of Indigenous acknowledgments tie outdoor recreation to the tribes that first lived here—but just saying so isn’t enough.

06/29/2021 By Allison Williams

Deep Cuts

The Best Things to Do in the Columbia Gorge

Kiteboarding, IPAs, and one seriously unexpected religious exhibit.

06/08/2021 By Allison Williams Photography by Kelly Turso

THE OLYMPICS

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

What to do, where to hike, and where to stay in the country's fifth most-visited national park.

06/02/2021 By Allison Williams

Go Green

Trailhead Direct Restarts Bus Service to Hiking Trails

Skip the parking lot shuffle at Mount Si or Tiger Mountain.

06/01/2021 By Allison Williams

Roll Yuletide

Day Trips from Seattle for Christmas Day

Go the distance for distanced holidays, or skip the Noel altogether.

12/15/2020 By Allison Williams

Float On

Washington Guide to Snowshoes and Winter Hiking

Winter’s most accessible sport—with the goofiest footwear—keeps getting bigger. Here's how to do it safely.

11/25/2020 By Allison Williams

Day Tripper

How to Hunt for Chanterelles Near Seattle

It’s easy. But if you poison yourself, I’m not responsible.

10/27/2020 By Stefan Milne