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 smartphone apps, for … [Read more...] about Free trail maps for running or walking
Walks & Hikes
King County Park blog has up-to-date info
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 in King County offers recreational experiences for every interest, including 200 parks, 175 miles of regional trails, and 180 miles of backcountry trails, plus … [Read more...] about King County Park blog has up-to-date info
Where to watch wildlife in Washington State (free!)
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) owns or manages nearly a million acres of land divided into 33 designated Wildlife Areas across the state. Watching wildlife is an increasingly popular pursuit for residents and tourists. Wildlife viewing is a pastime that can be enjoyed in any season, in any corner of … [Read more...] about Where to watch wildlife in Washington State (free!)
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 Bellevue Botanical Garden
The Bellevue Botanical Garden is an urban refuge, encompassing 53-acres of cultivated gardens, restored woodlands, and natural wetlands. The Bellevue Botanical Garden is a successful partnership between the City of Bellevue Parks and Community Services and the non-profit Bellevue Botanical Garden Society. The … [Read more...] about Free Bellevue Botanical Garden
How to identify native plants in Washington State
Here are several free online native plant identification resources. These helpful guides can provide the information you need to explore parks in King Country and throughout Washington State. It's a great way to encourage you and your family to get outdoors. You'll get some exercise and have fun doing … [Read more...] about How to identify native plants in Washington State
King County Trailhead service for hikers to Cascade Mountain foothills
"Trailhead Direct”, sponsored by Metro’s Community Connections Program and King County Parks, is a seasonal service that operates on weekends and holidays from spring through fall. The shuttles leave the Issaquah Transit Center every 30 minutes between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., and drop off and pick up hikers at three … [Read more...] about King County Trailhead service for hikers to Cascade Mountain foothills
$10 night hike to see owls at Seward Park in Seattle
Seward Park in south Seattle features an old-growth forest with beautiful, natural views of Lake Washington and Mount Rainier (on days the “mountain is out”). The Park is home to an environmental center, a partnership between National Audubon Society and Seattle Parks & Recreation. Check their calendar for … [Read more...] about $10 night hike to see owls at Seward Park in Seattle
Free REI classes and events on bike maintenance and outdoor activities
REI offers many free classes and events at area stores on a wide variety of recreational topics like bicycling, hiking, climbing, camping, outdoor fitness, snowsports, and more. The free classes generally introduce newcomers to a sport like snowboarding or paddle boarding, or talk about different aspects of a sport … [Read more...] about Free REI classes and events on bike maintenance and outdoor activities
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
Washington Park Arboretum delights visitors year-around
Washington Park Arboretum in central Seattle stretches from the southern shore of Union Bay and offers year-round interest along the trails that wind through 230 acres of gardens, natural areas, and wetlands. It's an ideal place for a short or long walk, a brisk, birdwatching, photography, or exploring nature in a … [Read more...] about Washington Park Arboretum delights visitors year-around
