Arsenic and Old Lakes

This Is the Spookiest Lake in Washington

Soap Lake gets its title for reasons both scientific and supernatural, writes the author of a new novel set there.

10/27/2025 By Matthew Sullivan

Hear me out

It's Time to Stop Hiking the Enchantments

Yeah, I said it. But it's not for the reason you might expect.

09/19/2025 By Allison Williams

Dock and Roll

Lake Vacations near Seattle

Flat water vibes for the win.

07/02/2024 By Allison Williams

Shore Thing

The Lakeside Town That Never Quite Grew Up

That's what we love about Chelan.

08/04/2023 By Allison Williams

Water Ways

Should We Be Scared of Washington's Toxic Lakes?

Harmful growths in Northwest waters can lead to tragedy for dog owners—but experts are on the case.

05/15/2023 By Allison Williams

Water Ways

The Best Places to Rent a Kayak or Standup Paddleboard in Seattle

No boat? No problem. Check out a seafaring vessel for the day. Plus: What's up with hydrofoils?

05/11/2023 By Allison Williams

Water Ways

Where to Launch a Kayak or Standup Paddleboard in Seattle

Time to captain your own armada. Plus: Where to go for a post-paddle snack.

05/04/2023 By Allison Williams

Cool Dips

10 Hikes to Swimmable Lakes in Western Washington

Step one: Walk in the woods. Step two: Jump in.

08/02/2022 By Allison Williams

Water World

What to Do and Where to Eat in Lake Chelan

Central Washington's massive lake is popping year-round.

10/08/2021 By Allison Williams Photography by Brooke Fitts

Wet and wild

11 Swimming Holes within Two Hours of Seattle

Dive in to Washington’s glistening lakes and rivers—the water's fine.

07/27/2021 By Allison Williams

Lake Town

Oregon Mountain Hideaway Joseph Is Worth an Underwater Look

And glass-bottomed kayaks oblige.

09/24/2019 By Allison Williams

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

Adventure Awaits

10 Best Hikes Close to Seattle

Hiking is the Northwest's signature pastime, and some of the state's best trails are less than an hour from downtown.

09/21/2018 By Seattle Met Staff

Insta-Worthy Stops

The Prettiest Road Trip in the Pacific Northwest

Called the North Cascades Highway, State Route 20 winds through the most spectacular geography this side of Alaska. Start at I-5 in Burlington and head east on the two-lane highway, but be sure to stop at these pullouts.

09/11/2018 By Allison Williams

Get Out

Oh Go Jump in a Lake

Hike a little, float a little: Six trails that lead to swimmable lakes.

07/08/2013 By Allison Williams