Sandwiched between the awesome majesty of Puget Sound and the breathtaking, wild natural beauty of the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, Seattle is a city that truly embraces the great outdoors.
Both in the city and just outside, Seattle is filled with rugged landscapes, verdant greenery, amazing hiking trails, and an abundance of stunning waterways which make it a year-round playground for outdoor adventurers. From hikers and bikers to paddlers and canoeists, or even if you just love to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, Seattle has something to offer in every season.
So whether you are exploring Washington before you take a cruise from Seattle or spending a week in the city and looking for some adventure, here are some of the highlights of Seattle’s outdoor scene.
Springtime Blooms: Cherry Blossoms and Arboretums
As winter fades away, Seattle awakens with a burst of color. Spring in the city brings on of the finest displays of cherry blossoms outside of Japan. The Japanese Garden in the Washington Park Aboretum is, unsurprisingly, the best place to see these gorgeous, delicate pink and white blossoms, but the quad of the University of Washington offers a pretty good spectacle as well.
Summer Adventures: Hiking and Water Activities
In the summer, Seattle residents take to the water and to the trails, and the Pacific Northwest really begins to show off its finery. The iconic Mount Rainier and the Olympic National Park offer incredible hikes for ramblers and hikers of every level, while the San Juan Islands are a kayaker’s paradise, with pristine waters, rugged coastlines, and abundant marine life.
Autumn’s Glory: Fall Foliage and Pumpkin Patches
Autumn spreads a blanket of red, orange, and gold onto Seattle and the surrounding area, and it is a wonderful time to visit the city. Discovery Park and Seward Park are transformed into a seasonal spectacular of foliage, perfect for anyone who loves the fall vibes. Nearby Snoqualmie Falls offers a majestic cascade surrounded by autumnal brilliance, but the quintessential Seattle fall experience is to head to a local pumpkin patch to pick (and carve!) your own Jack o’ Lantern!
Winter Wonderland: Skiing and Snowshoeing
Seattle itself doesn’t typically receive heavy snowfall, but it is perfectly located for some of the best skiing in the country! Nearby mountain ranges like Crystal Mountain and Stevens Pass offer excellent winter recreation options. Crystal Mountain and Stevens Pass are popular destinations for skiing and snowboarding, while snowshoeing in the Cascades or at Mount Rainier National Park, surrounded by towering evergreens and snow-covered meadows, is a particularly enchanting and slightly more relaxing experience. .
Bicycling Paradise: Burke-Gilman Trail
If two wheels is your thing, Seattle is a wonderful destination. The city is extremely committed to sustainability and has invested heavily in its extensive network of cycling trails. The Burke-Gilman is one of the best examples of this – 27 miles of multi-use path that winds its way through the city and connects to the Sammamish River Trail. Rent a bike or bring your own, and explore the city at your own pace.
Waterfront Charm: Alki Beach and Puget Sound
The Pacific Ocean is a huge part of Seattle’s charm, and the waterfront offers a blend of natural beauty and urban charm that is hard to beat. Alki Beach in West Seattle is a popular spot for sunbathing (during the summer), picnicking, and whale watching (all year round). It offers magnificent views of the Seattle skyline and the Olympic Mountains, and is a great way to remind yourself quite how wild the landscape surrounding Seattle’s urban sprawl is. Alternatively, a ferry ride on Puget Sound gives you an opportunity to see the city from a different perspective and possibly catch a glimpse of some of the exciting marine life that calls the Sound home.
In Seattle, embracing the outdoors is a way of life. With its diverse landscapes and a climate that allows for year-round activities, the city provides countless opportunities to connect with nature.