On Belay

Outdoor Rock Climbing Near Seattle

Break out the ropes and racks to climb Washington’s natural crags. Plus: The dirt behind the storyteller who created climbing's biggest podcast.

06/15/2022 By Allison Williams

Sport

Best Seattle Rock Climbing Gyms

Our indoor crags boast sky-high fake rocks and some of the best bouldering in the country. Plus: Seattle's best free outdoor rock climbing spots.

06/06/2022 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

Gear Up

The Best Outdoor Gear and Clothing Stores in Seattle

The best stores to shop for the backpacks, hiking boots, paddleboards, and rain jackets a Northwesterner needs, from REI to Evo to Dick's Sporting Goods.

04/29/2022 By Allison Williams

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

Shut-Eye

How One Seattle Company Changed Camping

The SoDo sleeping pad company, founded by three former Boeing engineers, rethought how we get comfortable on camping trips.

04/21/2022 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

SLINGSHOT

We Needed This: KAVU's Rope Bag Exports Seattle Fashion

The casual, best-selling outdoor bag is a purse, backpack, and Seattle fashion statement all in one.

12/13/2021 By Zoe Sayler

Lite Brite

The Northern Lights May Come Out This Weekend

Learn how to tell if the aurora borealis are coming to western Washington—and how to best spot them.

10/29/2021 By Allison Williams

Silver lining

Ski Season Is Still On—Crystal Mountain Opens Wednesday

This year means more masks and advance reservations, but also more snow.

11/17/2020 By Allison Williams

Natural Medicine

Our Evergreen Surrounds Can Help Us Weather Our Pandemic Blues

Some tips for adding a healthy dose of nature to your day.

11/06/2020 By Christy Carley

Summer Is In Tents

How to Find a Campsite Now That Everyone Is Camping

Where to set up a tent, trailer, or tricked-out RV on a crowded summer weekend.

07/16/2020 By Allison Williams

Outward Bound

Best Washington Hikes

These trails, from family-friendly routes on Cougar Mountain to all-day treks in Snoqualmie, offer something for trail runners and casual hikers alike.

07/02/2020 By Allison Williams, Craig Romano, and Seattle Met Staff