outdoors

top picks

BEST SKIING

Mt. Baker

Great variety of runs and never too crowded. Great for a weekend cabin trip

BEST HIKE

Reflection Lake

Located in Paradise near Rainier, feels right out of a storybook during wildflower season

BEST RUN

Carkeek Park

Amazing trail run with a beach stretch and beautiful view of Seattle

hikes

Mailbox

One of the hardest hikes in the PNW. But there's a mailbox at the top!

Mt. Si

Moderate difficulty, rock scramble at the end for some beautiful views

Snow Lake

Relatively easy, emerges out to beautiful lake surrounded by mountains

Bandera Mountain

Challenging, very uphill for most of the way. Rock scramble

Wallace Falls

Waterfall hike! Popular hike but not overcrowded

Lake Serene

Another gorgeous lake hike

Ira Springs Trail

My favorite fall hike. The variety of colors and scenery is stunning.

Rattlesnake

Obligatory shoutout to Rattlesnake. Short and sweet with a nice view at the top.

parks

Japanese Garden

Beautiful, peaceful, and expansive. Check out the turtles and colorful koi fish in the pond

Rainier/Paradise

Gorgeous wildflowers in late summer, or Reflection Lake trail (so beautiful) any time of year

Volunteer Park

Beautiful and peaceful; check out the greenhouse, water tower, and Bruce Lee's grave next door

Ohanapecosh

Near Rainier, good for groups and low-key car camping

Lake Union

Great for kayaking; you can even kayak to Gasworks!

Alki Beach

The most beautiful view of Seattle. Go at night to see the Seattle skyline reflecting in the water

Golden Gardens

Bonfires and beach fun. Go early to get a pit or make friends and share with others. Gorgeous sunsets

Green Lake

Great lake for picnics or a run around

Discovery Park

Huge park witha lighthouse!

UW Cherry Blossoms

Dozens of cherry blossom trees in full bloom around June. Go early in the day to avoid crowds

ski resorts

Mt. Baker

My favorite! Far, so fun to combine with a cabin trip

Steven's Pass

The best after Baker

Crystal

Gondola to get to backside

Snoqualmie

Easier runs, lots of little children

runs

Waterfront

Lots of walkers and bikers, amazing waterfront views on a clear day. Look out for the Rose Garden!

Cougar Mountain

Excellent trail run...super hilly

Redmond Watershed

Another awesome trail run

Carkeek Park

Hilly with a stretch on the beach with a gorgeous view of Seattle

Arboreteum

Great trail run through the Seattle Arboreteum. Lots of uphill if you take Interlaken

St. Edwards

Lots of little trails. Cool old church (?) nearby to explore