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

Bars Beyond Cardboard

5 Locally Made Energy Bars to Try

We passed around Northwest-made trail bars to compose wine-style tasting notes for homegrown hiker fuel. Pinkies up, everyone.

05/22/2018 By Seattle Met Staff

Best of the Northwest

The New Classics: 25 Amazing Washington Hikes

Guys, we don’t all need to hike Mount Si this weekend. Once you’ve explored Washington’s busiest trails, make these your to-do list. Plus: our favorite weekday and kid-friendly hikes.

05/22/2018 By Allison Williams

Lottery Life

Permits Are Changing Everything

Welcome to the great outdoors. Do you have a reservation?

05/22/2018 By Allison Williams

Room with a View

Four-Star Campsites in Washington's Wilderness

We expect more from our campgrounds than a few dirt clearings in the woods. High-end amenities from ice cream stands to volleyball courts pop up next to scenic sites across the state.

05/22/2018 By Allison Williams

100 Best Shops

13 Great Places to Shop for Outdoor Gear (That Aren't REI)

These retailers of rugged wares get you geared up for any adventure on the trail, waves, or, sure, pavement.

10/23/2017 By Rosin Saez and Darren Davis

Five Ways

5 Hikes That Don’t Require Snow Gear

Hit a trail that doesn't call for snowshoes or skis—and end up at waterfalls, with views of Canada, or in an abandoned mining town.

02/08/2017 By Jack Russillo

Hiking Help

5 Hikes That Don't Require Four-Wheel Drive or Chains

Don't get stuck. Hike safely by heading to an island, the Olympic Peninsula, or the Columbia River.

01/06/2017 By Jack Russillo

Back Fence

Urban Hiking: Does It Make Us Better Citizens?

I walked the widest girth in Seattle to find out.

04/25/2016 By Kathryn Robinson

Travel Dispatch

Northwest Travel News, Summer 2015

Where you’ll want to go, and what’s happening there.

06/10/2015 By Allison Williams

Mountain Adventures

The Four Kinds of Washington Hikers

It’s okay if you recognize yourself.

06/09/2015 Illustrations by Eric Larsen By Allison Williams

Mountain Adventures

The Other Outdoors

Four alternative ways to be a mountain person.

06/08/2015 By Allison Williams

Mountain Adventures

Day Hike Summits in Washington

You don't need expedition gear to get high.

06/08/2015 By Allison Williams

Mountain Adventures

Washington's 6 Signature Mountains Are Waiting

Where to find them, how to climb them. This is how you reach the top of the world.

06/08/2015 By Allison Williams Illustrations by Eric Larsen

Mountain Adventures

This Is Mountain Food

We’re talking gourmet meals, not trail mix.

06/08/2015 By Allison Williams

Feature

Trips That Will Change Your Life

5 Pacific Northwest getaways that will make you a happier, healthier, ultimately better person.

01/05/2015 By Allison Williams

Get Out

Try This Trail: Maple Pass

Is this the best loop hike in the state? (Probably.)

08/25/2014 By Craig Romano

Get Out

Try This Trail: Thorp Mountain

If you get lost on the top of this mountain, there's a fire lookout and berries to eat. It could be worse!

07/21/2014 By Craig Romano