Hiking
How to Take a Hike in Washington
A beginner’s guide to choosing a trail, finding the right pass, packing the essentials, and leaving no trace.
Hiking is an extremely popular hobby in Washington, especially in the summer, with hundreds of trails to choose from across numerous national parks and forests. In my case, I’ve spent more than half of my summers hiking in Mount Rainier National Park and Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, and I love seeing wildflowers in bloom, catching…
Washington’s Wild Middle Fork
Where sweeping views, beloved trails, and a major conservation effort converge.
I have a flaw in my outdoorsman résumé. I’ve been to the top of the Washington volcanoes, hiked, skied, and climbed countless mountains and trails throughout our beautiful state. But as a transplant to the area, I’m still not sure I can consider myself a Seattleite because of one thing: I haven’t been to the…
Job Cuts Threaten Washington’s Natural Beauty
Trails and campgrounds take a hit as federal layoffs slash staffing
I moved to Washington 20 years ago after a road trip that was supposed to last a week. I had never seen mountains like the Cascades and Olympics, never stood in a place as staggering as Mount Rainier National Park — and I say this as someone who doesn’t even ski. I went back to…
Climbing Rocks with Spikey Tools
Dry tooling is an increasingly popular and challenging adventure
Scratch, tap, squeak. The sound of my tools pierces the cold fall day, awakening a primal feeling within me. These tools aren’t meant for building a house, or crafting a sculpture, but for climbing on rock…
Have The Run of the Party This Weekend
Run and dance your heart out with Diplo’s Run Club
When I think of famous musicians, I think of big parties, lots of adult beverages, perhaps some cannabis, and staying up all night. Diplo, a popular American DJ, musician, and music producer, is turning that picture on its head. This Saturday, Diplo’s Run Club is coming to Seattle’s Gas Works Park for a dancing good time…
Off-Road Rush
Seattle’s Cowgill Trail Collective emphasizes the thrill of running off the beaten path
Cowgill Trail Collective began group runs along trails in 2021 to build community in Seattle and beyond through running. Co-founder Aaron Long saw a need for a trail-specific running group, and he wanted to make it fun, social, and something folks would return to again and again, and not just a training group…
Girlfriend Getaways: Explore Self-Care Throughout March
Where to unwind during Women Making History Month
On International Women’s Day March 8, or Women Making History Month throughout March in Washington state, I encourage you to get outside and explore. Create, rest, indulge in self-care, or whatever your soul may be craving a little more of at the moment.
Hiking Tips from a Peak Performer
Eighty-six-year-old David Birkner has an unparalleled passion for hiking and climbing
David Birkner has been a Wharton economics student, a naval officer stationed at Pearl Harbor, a travel agent, a freelance writer, a pioneering environmental activist, an outdoor guide, an elementary school teacher and a successful entrepreneur. But mostly, the 86-year-old walks – on all five continents, from the southernmost tip of South America to North Africa to…
Respect New Social Norms While Hiking
Hiking these days requires more thoughtful planning
This story appears in the July-August combo issue of Seattle magazine and Seattle Business magazine. Subscription information is here. The pandemic threw a lot of plans off course, but it didn’t cancel alpine wildflower season, bright yellow autumn larches or mountain waterfalls. Despite social distancing guidelines, there’s no better time to escape to nature. Studies show…
Chasing Waterfalls on the Olympic Peninsula
Tour some of the state’s most scenic falls on a weekend jaunt full of mist, moss and spruced-up photo ops
This article appears in print in the March 2020 issue. Click here to subscribe. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, many of the restaurants and places mentioned will be closed and/or offering to-go only. Turn this weekender into a day-trip by leaving early, packing your own food, picking a waterfall and staying safe by following health guidelines as recommended by WA-DOH….
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