Big Days

The Wedding Vendors Who Will Literally Climb Mountains for the Perfect Shot

When couples get hitched in the wilderness, they can still get professional hairdos and photos.

05/13/2024 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

Sorta Crunchy

The Kinds of Outdoorsy People You Meet in Seattle

We sorted the hikers, bikers, and all kinds of nature lovers. You know the types.

05/10/2024 By Allison Williams Illustrations by David Wilson

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

Stuff Galore

Seattle’s Outdoor Gear Hall of Fame

The things we’ve had—and are keeping—forever.

05/07/2024 By Allison Williams

Outside Inside

The Capitol Hill Club for Making Outdoorsy Friends

Never hike alone again.

05/06/2024 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

The Mountain

An Insider’s Guide to Visiting Mount Rainier National Park

Hiking trails, visitor centers, and other spectacular reasons to head to our friendly local volcano.

04/29/2024 By Allison Williams and Seattle Met Staff

Water Works

Waterfall Hikes near Seattle

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

04/09/2024 By Allison Williams

Soak it in

Hot Springs Near Seattle

Thank the Northwest's volcanic landscape for our all-natural hot tubs.

03/12/2024 By Allison Williams

Book It

Summer Reservations Now Required at Mount Rainier National Park

A new system requires visitors have a timed entry permit to drive into the major visitor centers, so the rush is on.

02/21/2024 By Allison Williams

White Out

How to Take a Guided Snowshoe Hike Near Seattle

Just strap on the big flat shoes and follow the leader.

01/05/2024 By Manola Secaira and Seattle Met Staff

Muddy Boots

Shoulder Season Hikes for National Take a Hike Day

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

11/17/2023 By Allison Williams, Craig Romano, and Seattle Met Staff

Book Lust

Nancy Pearl Shares Her Favorite Seattle Spots

Our superstar librarian dishes on the joy of the Lake City Fred Meyer, the evolution of the Burke-Gilman Trail, and her favorite place to read.

10/25/2023 By Eric Nusbaum

Palette Cleanser

Spectacular Fall Color Hikes

Go beyond the larch trees. Some of the best seasonal foliage is lower to the ground.

09/22/2023 By Allison Williams

Tricky Treats

The Northwest's Scariest Road Trip Is Perfect for Early Fall

This extreme drive isn't as bad as it looks—and the rewards are beautiful.

09/15/2023 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

Art on High

Beat Poets Like Jack Kerouac Once Manned Our Fire Lookouts

Famous writers moonlighted as fire watchers in the state's most remote watchtowers.

08/09/2023 By Allison Williams

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 transportation, back for summer 2023.

05/12/2023 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

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