Beginning in summer and lasting well into fall is the salmon spawning season in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area. Many people enjoy watching wild salmon as they swim upriver or navigate fish ladders to lay their eggs. There are also spring salmon runs, when young salmon migrate downstream to their life at … [Read more...] about Salmon spawning season in Western Washington
nature & science
2025 Solstice and Equinox dates
The word solstice comes from the Latin word solstitium, meaning sol (sun) and stitium (to stop). The solstice occurs twice a year, when it reaches the northernmost point (summer in the norther hemisphere) and southernmost point (winter in the northern hemisphere). Each solstice indicates the stop of the sun before it … [Read more...] about 2025 Solstice and Equinox dates
15 fish hatcheries you can visit in Washington State
You may not know there are many, many salmon fish hatcheries throughout Washington State. Fish hatcheries here and across the country help manage and restore America's fish populations. Together, the hatcheries support a variety of fish species and habitat conservation, endangered species recovery, tribal fishing … [Read more...] about 15 fish hatcheries you can visit in Washington State
Annual bird count events
Bird populations are always shifting and changing. Bird count events help collect data that highlight changes in bird populations, from weather and other phenomena. Anyone can volunteer to participate, whether you are brand new to bird watching or an experienced "birder" familiar with many species. Annual bird count … [Read more...] about Annual bird count events
Bird Watching in the Puget Sound region
Bird watching is a popular activity for many residents and visitors in the Puget Sound region and one of the fastest growing recreational activities in the country. More than 500 bird species have been observed in Washington State. It is relatively easy to see and study birds in the wild. Washington State draws … [Read more...] about Bird Watching in the Puget Sound region
Free stargazing events in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area
Stargazing is simply observing the night sky. It's an enjoyable hobby enjoyed by many outdoor enthusiasts and amateur astronomers. It's an activity that can be done any time of the year, alone, with friends, or at a group "star party". You can also pursue an interest in astronomy from your backyard or neighborhood … [Read more...] about Free stargazing events in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area
Museum of Flight events and tours in Seattle and Everett
The Museum of Flight (MOF) is the largest independent, non-profit, air and space museum in the world. The museum features over 175 aircraft and spacecraft, tens of thousands of artifacts, millions of rare photographs, and a world-class research library. During your visit, you can wander the galleries and talk with … [Read more...] about Museum of Flight events and tours in Seattle and Everett
Great Blue Herons in the Puget Sound region
In the Puget Sound region, the Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) represents the natural heritage, interconnectedness, and ecological richness of the greater Salish Sea (which includes Puget Sound and the Straits of Georgia and Juan de Fuca). Our heron population is part of an intricate ecosystem that includes the … [Read more...] about Great Blue Herons in the Puget Sound region
Planetarium shows in the Puget Sound region
The following planetariums and observatories in the Puget Sound region and around Washington State have regularly scheduled public astronomy shows that have free or cheap admission of $15 or less. Planetariums feature digital videos displayed on a dome-shaped screen with breathtaking images of the universe or … [Read more...] about Planetarium shows in the Puget Sound region
10 best free 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 free outdoor activities year-round
5 best things to do at Discovery Park in Seattle
At 534 acres, Discovery Park is the largest park in Seattle. Located in the Magnolia neighborhood, the park sits on a bluff overlooking Puget Sound. It is an easy getaway spot in the city with something for everyone. Here you’ll find forests, meadows, sea cliffs, tidal beaches, freshwater streams, and sand dunes, plus … [Read more...] about 5 best things to do at Discovery Park in Seattle
Low power FM community radio stations in the Puget Sound region
Have you ever gone to the drive-in movies and turned on your radio to hear the audio of the film? Or tuned into a station listed on a highway sign for ferry, highway, or weather information? If so, you’ve used a Low Power FM radio station. These stations are becoming more popular as folks learn the benefits … [Read more...] about Low power FM community radio stations in the Puget Sound region
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 … [Read more...] about Where to watch wildlife in Washington State (free!)
