Outdoor Activities

Owl Prowl

How (and Why) to Start Bird-Watching in Seattle

Birding is gaining popularity in Seattle as a way to connect with nature—and with fellow humans.

10/19/2023 By Olivia Rosane

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

Spring to It

Where to Hit the Slopes for the End of Ski Season

Goggle tans, jean-clad ski bros, and blue skies—spring skiing is here.

03/15/2023 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach and Allison Williams

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

Cold sleep

How to Go Snow Camping in Washington State

Pitch a tent in a blizzard? Yep, really. Here's how.

02/17/2023 By Allison Williams

Wet N Wild

A Guide to Seattle's Spray Parks and Wading Pools

Behold our comprehensive list of watery havens around town.

06/24/2022 By Ann Karneus

Paw-some parks

A Guide to Seattle’s Dog Parks

Outdoor recreation options abound for the city’s most beloved residents.

06/16/2022 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

Salty Salish

Guide to Tide Pooling and Beach Combing around Seattle

Searching for squishy sea life is a singularly Seattle sport.

05/12/2022 By Allison Williams

Pedal Power

The Best Bicycle and Skate Shops in Seattle

Wheels are life—and the city is full of places to keep us rolling.

05/04/2022 By Allison Williams

Getting Out

Accessible Hikes Near Seattle and Beyond

Try these six flat and paved trails in the Pacific Northwest wilderness.

04/13/2022 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

Après Tell

Ski Tailgating Brings the Party to Mountain Parking Lots

The hangout in the parking lot is as important as the powder.

01/25/2022 By Allison Williams

Snow no

Why Is This Ski Season Such a Mess?

Every local mountain has struggled this year—but not all for the same reason.

01/18/2022 By Allison Williams

Seasonal Send-offs

Winter Weekend Travel Ideas in the Pacific Northwest

Worth the search: truffles, snowbound mountain huts, and Kurt Cobain's favorite spot in Aberdeen.

12/17/2021 By Allison Williams

Tickets to Ride

Guide to Skiing in Washington State

Ready to drop into deep Pacific Northwest powder? First you'll want a ski pass—and we have the lowdown on all the options.

11/22/2021 By Allison Williams

Tickets to Ride

Summit at Snoqualmie Is Seattle's Closest Ski Spot

Seattle’s hometown hill packs a lot of mountain into an easy drive.

11/22/2021 By Allison Williams

Tickets to Ride

Stevens Pass Ski Area Undergoes Epic Change This Year

The Highway 2 mountain has always been scrappy but significant. This year it’s also at a discount.

11/22/2021 By Allison Williams

Tickets to Ride

The Ikon Pass Goes Big at Crystal Mountain

Washington’s biggest resort raised prices and began charging for parking. But can Crystal hang in the big leagues?

11/22/2021 By Allison Williams

Tickets to Ride

The Indy Pass Is Basically a Skier’s Smorgasbord

In only its third year, an affordable pass option unlocks funky little ski hills around every bend.

11/22/2021 By Allison Williams

Bicycle Diaries

Never Have I Ever: Commuted via Bike

A weekend enthusiast straps on a helmet and coasts downtown.

09/16/2021 By Allison Williams