Seattle is nearly surrounded by fresh and salt water. Residents in the Puget Sound region enjoy a wide variety of activities on the water, in motorboats and sailboats, as well as a wide variety of paddle boats (including kayaks, canoes, and standup paddleboards or SUPs). Boat shows and maritime festivals often have … [Read more...] about Our big list of boat shows & waterfront festivals
Sports & Recreation
13 best nature walks to see Seattle fall color
In an average year, the best time to see Seattle fall color is the first two to three weeks of October. Fall foliage in Seattle is particularly vibrant after dry, hot summers. Parts of Washington State are experiencing drought conditions in 2019, though generally not in Seattle and nearby Cascade … [Read more...] about 13 best nature walks to see Seattle fall color
Kids can Try Hockey Free in the Puget Sound region
USA Hockey provides the foundation for the sport of ice hockey in America, helping young people become leaders (even Olympic heroes)l, while promoting a lifelong love of the sport. USA Hockey’s primary emphasis is on the support and development of grassroots hockey programs. Ice hockey is for everybody. In addition … [Read more...] about Kids can Try Hockey Free in the Puget Sound region
Popular King County parks for day hikes
King County park system covers 26,000 acres of public lands. That's an unlimited amount of awesome. The award-winning parks and recreation division offers recreational experiences for every interest, including 200 parks, 175 miles of regional trails, and 180 miles of backcountry trails, plus ballfields, playgrounds and … [Read more...] about Popular King County parks for day hikes
Free water safety guides & Washington boating laws
If you plan to get out on any of the many waterways in Seattle and around the Puget Sound region, be sure you are prepared. Whether you will be in a motor boat, sailboat, canoe, kayak, or paddleboard, or enjoying lakes and rivers as a swimmer or water skier, be sure to get familiar with Washington Boating Laws and … [Read more...] about Free water safety guides & Washington boating laws
Take a hike! Metro bus to Cascade trailheads
"Trailhead Direct” is a seasonal service that operates on weekends and designated holidays from spring through fall. The designated holidays are Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. The service provides access to some of the most beautiful places King County has to offer with convenient, reliable and … [Read more...] about Take a hike! Metro bus to Cascade trailheads
3 hour tour! Guided canoe trip through the Mercer Slough
Explore the beautiful Mercer Slough Nature Park by water with Bellevue Park Rangers who lead a 3-hour canoe trip from Enatai Beach Park, located just off I-405 and I-90. Discover the multiple benefits derived from the City of Bellevue’s second largest park. About Mercer Slough Nature Park Just minutes from downtown … [Read more...] about 3 hour tour! Guided canoe trip through the Mercer Slough
Free guided hikes with the Issaquah Alps Trails Club
Issaquah Alps Trail Club (IATC) mission is to be a voice for protection of the open spaces, trails, and quality of life and to act as custodian of the trails and the lush, open, tree-covered mountaintops known as the Issaquah Alps. About Issaquah Trail Club The Issaquah Alps Trails Club (IATC) has always been more … [Read more...] about Free guided hikes with the Issaquah Alps Trails Club
Canoe, rowboat and kayak rentals at UW Seattle
The UW Waterfront Activities Center at the University of Washington in Seattle, located directly behind Husky Stadium on Union Bay and the Montlake Cut, offers canoe, rowboat, and kayak rentals to the general public seven days a week, from April through October. Paddle around the Union Bay Natural Area admiring the … [Read more...] about Canoe, rowboat and kayak rentals at UW Seattle
Center for Wooden Boats, Seattle and Camano Island
The Center for Wooden Boats (CWB) is a non-profit organization that celebrates the rich and varied watercraft heritage that is a vital part of the history of Seattle and the Puget Sound region. At this hands-on maritime museum, the exhibits are on the water and the public is encouraged to use them. The organization … [Read more...] about Center for Wooden Boats, Seattle and Camano Island
Free trail maps for running or walking
Listed below are free Seattle trail maps for running and walking, whether you want ideas for a regular fitness program to enjoy all year long, or just a casual family outing or romantic stroll in a nearby park. The information includes a variety of downloadable and printable maps, online tools, and … [Read more...] about Free trail maps for running or walking
Golf course discounts in the Pacific Northwest
If you love golf, playing in the Puget Sound region has some challenges. First of all, golf is a pricy sport. But, there are some deals to be had. Then, there is the weather. Tips for golfing in Pacific Northwest weather When you schedule tee times during cold or rainy weather, be sure to warm up before you … [Read more...] about Golf course discounts in the Pacific Northwest
10 best outdoor activities year-round
The following outdoor activities feature popular year-round sport and recreation pursuits around Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula. Our list focuses on activities that are relatively easy to learn and pursue. Newcomers to these recreational pursuits can quickly get introduced to the basics without a lot of time or … [Read more...] about 10 best outdoor activities year-round
Best value gym and CrossFit
For gym memberships, CrossFit classes, and other fitness programs, we offer a list of facilities with modest fees, based on the average gym and fitness class prices in the Seattle metro area. In the lists below, we include only regular prices and initiation fees. However, many fitness retailers offer discounts at … [Read more...] about Best value gym and CrossFit
Free entrance days at Washington State Parks
Take advantage of free entrance days in National Parks and Washington State Parks throughout the year. Mark your calendar for these fee-free days and plan an outing with family or friends at the nearest park or a getaway to another park around the state. Short History of Our National Parks In 1872 in the Territories … [Read more...] about Free entrance days at Washington State Parks
