Petal Powered

The Best Wildflower Hikes Close to Seattle

We like big blooms and we cannot lie.

04/23/2026 By Allison Williams and Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

Muddy Boots

Shoulder Season Hikes for National Take a Hike Day

No, we don't know why it's in November.

11/15/2024 By Allison Williams and Seattle Met Staff

Get Outside

The Eastside’s Best Parks

Suburban sprawl begets untamed recreation. No trekking up mountain passes required.

10/09/2024 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

Ruff Trails

The Best Dog-Friendly Hikes near Seattle

Where to hit the trail with man's best outdoor friend.

08/09/2024 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

Roll Up

Trailhead Direct Restarts Bus Service to Hiking Trails

Forget parking. The peaks just off I-90 become much more accessible with seasonal public transit back for summer 2024—including the return of a second route.

05/23/2024 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach and Seattle Met Staff

Greenhorns

Where to Be Outdoorsy for the First Time

Hike. Paddle. Camp. We’ll take it easy on you, newbie. Here’s where to start.

05/09/2024 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

Water Works

Waterfall Hikes near Seattle

The snow is melting and the falls are roaring on Washington trails.

04/09/2024 By Allison Williams

Valley Ho

The Middle Fork Is an Overlooked Hiking Wonder

Just outside North Bend, the region is closer and wilder than you'd think.

09/08/2023 By Allison Williams

Outdoor Bound

Has Washington's Hiking Boom Finally Begun to Fade?

The pandemic brought record crowds to local trails, but stats show we may have passed the peak.

08/18/2023 By Allison Williams

Exhaust Yourself

Love Letters: Seattle's Gnarliest Hiking Trail Is Punishing and Beautiful

The Cable Line Trail in Issaquah is basically a Stairmaster that smells like the forest.

05/02/2023 By Allison Williams

Trail Tales

Mailbox Peak Is Seattle's Quirkiest Hike

You’ve got mail: One of the hardest trails on the I-90 corridor also holds the weirdest summit treat.

09/16/2022 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

Save Us

Satellite Devices Redefine Safety for Hikers

Pacific Northwesterners love two things: exploring the wilderness and playing with technology. No wonder we like these gizmos.

08/10/2022 By Allison Williams

Mud Ahoy

Best Rainy Day Hikes Near Seattle

It's raining, it's pouring—the perfect time to go exploring.

03/28/2022 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

Cabin Fever

How to Get Outside: An Updated Primer

We're all craving the great outdoors. Get the latest on how and where to get some nature.

03/16/2020 By Allison Williams

Get Out

Try This Trail: Melakwa Lake

There’s buzz around this alpine destination—both the good and bad kind.

07/19/2012 By Craig Romano

Trails

Try This Trail: Ed’s Trail on Silver Star Mountain

It’s wildflower season near Vancouver (no, the other one).

06/25/2012 By Craig Romano

Trails

Try This Trail: Saddle Rock

We can’t guarentee sun, but it’s a pretty good bet.

05/18/2012 By Craig Romano

Trails

Try This Trail: Old Mount Si

There’s more than one way to the top.

04/09/2012 By Allison Williams

Trails

Try This Trail: Heybrook Ridge

When you’re done climbing, take the stairs.

03/22/2012 By Allison Williams