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 … [Read more...] about 13 free park entrance days in Washington State
Walks, hikes & running
Best parks for a Thanksgiving Weekend stroll
Here are some recommended mostly urban parks and trails that make for a nice after dinner "constitutional" on Thanksgiving Day or anytime over the long weekend. These easy, beautiful nature walks are perfect for a leisurely stroll with the whole family. All are all open daily from dawn to dusk. (Grouped buy … [Read more...] about Best parks for a Thanksgiving Weekend stroll
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. In 2020, most of Washington State is experiencing "neutral" conditions with average rainfall and temperatures, which means we've had some hot … [Read more...] about 13 best nature walks to see Seattle fall color
Mountaineers virtual hiking and nature events
The Mountaineers is a volunteer-led nonprofit organization with 14,000 active members in the Pacific Northwest. With several branches and mountain lodges, it's easy to find a nearby community of enthusiasts for all kinds of outdoor pursuits, including hiking, trail running, climbing, backpacking, camping, skiing, … [Read more...] about Mountaineers virtual hiking and nature events
Free trail maps for running or walking
Listed below are free regional and 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 … [Read more...] about Free trail maps for running or walking
Free guided low tide beach walks in summer 2020
During summer, you can visit Puget Sound beaches during low tide and learn about the marine plants and animals. Biologists and volunteer guides will be on hand from the Seattle Aquarium and Harbor Wild Watch. Reservations are not needed. Just check the lists below and show up during low tide. Each year, dozens of … [Read more...] about Free guided low tide beach walks in summer 2020
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
30 great park trails for kids in the Puget Sound region
Here's a list of parks throughout the Puget Sound region that feature easy nature walks that are great places to take your kids. These park trails make for pleasant day trips, weekend outings, or as part of a longer summer vacation. These kid-friendly trails are an especially nice destinations for families or anyone … [Read more...] about 30 great park trails for kids in the Puget Sound region
List of Washington State Parks open for recreation
Remember when using Washington State and other parks, trails, and recreational areas that it is crucial to maintain social distancing in 2020. Your behavior affects the health of our entire community. And what we do as a community protects us all. Listed below is a list of guidelines for using parks and trails safely … [Read more...] about List of Washington State Parks open for recreation
Car-free Bicycle Sunday in southeast Seattle
Seattle Parks and Recreation invites everyone to bike, jog, or stroll along Lake Washington Boulevard South on Bicycle Sunday between Mount Baker beach on the north and Seward Park on the south. On selected days from May to September, the boulevard is closed to motorized traffic from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Here's a list of … [Read more...] about Car-free Bicycle Sunday in southeast Seattle
Seattle parks named after African Americans
The African American legacy at Seattle Parks and Recreation is a lasting one.From the mid-1960s until 1987, Seattle Parks had the services of Willis Lee Ball, who went to work for the Seattle Parks Department when he was just 35 years old. He started as the parks recreation manager and several years later was promoted … [Read more...] about Seattle parks named after African Americans
Best Seattle parks to visit on a rainy day
Seattle has over 400 parks. Here, we're listing just a handful that can be fun to visit, even on a drizzly day--not that there are many rainy days in Seattle (just kidding). These parks are great for a walk in the rain because they feature paved walking paths and some have indoor features. They're also fairly short … [Read more...] about Best Seattle parks to visit on a rainy day
Bird Watching in the Puget Sound region
Bird watching is a popular activity for many residents and visitors in the Puget Sound region. More than 500 bird species have been observed in Washington State. It is relatively easy to see and study birds in the wild. Birdwatching is one of the fastest growing recreational activities in the country. Washington … [Read more...] about Bird Watching in the Puget Sound region
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
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
Free apps and online maps for walking tours of Seattle
Seattle is known as a city of neighborhoods - in fact, more than 100 of them. Listed below are free maps, itineraries, and other resources for enjoying self-guided walking tours around the city. The information includes a variety of downloadable maps, online tools, smartphone apps, and printable walking tours … [Read more...] about Free apps and online maps for walking tours of Seattle
