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 climbing rocks.

02/21/2025 By Allison Williams

Things to Do in Leavenworth

Best Things to Do in Leavenworth

Hikes, nutcrackers, and a mountain roller coaster keep this Bavarian wonderland lively.

09/16/2024 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

Outside Inside

The Capitol Hill Club for Making Outdoorsy Friends

Never hike alone again.

05/06/2024 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

not refreshing

New Reservation Systems Have Complicated Camping

First came the online systems for calling dibs on a campsite—then the ways to circumvent them. Who wins in the battle for a few square feet of dirt?

03/09/2023 By Allison Williams

The New Crowd

Seattle Rock Climbing Moves Beyond Dirtbag Culture

The new breed of outdoor climber holds down a corporate job—from a van parked near the best crags.

09/02/2022 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

Made in WA

Eddie Bauer's Original Down Jacket Is More Than Just a Puff Piece

How one outdoorsman's near-death experience spawned Seattle's favorite winter coat.

08/23/2022 By Zoe Sayler

Made in WA

Outdoor Gear Invented in Washington

Our state's obsession with hiking and skiing is patented.

08/23/2022 Edited by Benjamin Cassidy By Zoe Sayler and Allison Williams

Lite Brite

How to See the Northern Lights Near Seattle

The best way to spot the aurora? Get out of town.

08/18/2022 By Allison Williams

Where To?

Introducing the PNWander Travel Newsletter

Sign up for a regular dose of exploration inspiration.

07/13/2022 By Allison Williams

On Belay

Outdoor Rock Climbing Near Seattle

Break out the ropes and racks to climb Washington’s natural crags. Plus: The dirtbag-turned-storyteller behind climbing's biggest podcast.

06/15/2022 By Allison Williams

home screen

Best Phone Apps for Hiking and Camping

Your smartphone may be your best tool in the outdoors—and not just for the camera.

05/25/2022 By Allison Williams

Gear Up

The Best Outdoor Gear and Clothing Stores in Seattle

Where to shop for all the backpacks, hiking boots, paddleboards, and rain jackets a Northwesterner needs.

04/29/2022 By Allison Williams

Outdoorsy

How to Plan Your First Camping Trip in Washington

Everyone can do it—even you.

04/26/2022 By Allison Williams

Shut-Eye

How One Seattle Company Changed Camping

Therm-a-Rest turns 50, celebrating half a century of sleeping (almost) comfortably on the ground.

04/21/2022 By Allison Williams

SLINGSHOT

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

It may have gained popularity on far-flung college campuses, but this best-selling pack is distinctly PNW.

12/13/2021 By Zoe Sayler

Lite Brite

The Northern Lights May Come Out This Weekend

The best way to spot the aurora? Get out of town.

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