Outdoors
Explore Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness With New Guide
A new book offers a comprehensive guide to hiking in the popular region
With more than 600 miles of trails and more than 700 lakes and ponds, the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is an embarrassment of riches for Northwest hikers. Writing a guide for the area is no small task. But local brothers Nathan and Jeremy Barnes, authors of the new book, Alpine Lake Wilderness: The Complete Hiking Guide…
May Hike of the Month: Watch the Sunrise at Rattlesnake Ledge
This classic Seattle-area hike is perfect for an early riser
There are so many classic Seattle-area hikes, but few are as popular as Rattlesnake Ledge. In fact, it can be too popular on nice days. But regardless of crowds, the four-mile round trip hike is definitely worth doing —and to make it extra special, we suggest doing it as a sunrise hike—a bucket-list item for…
King County’s Trailhead Direct Is Back
After a successful season in 2018, the bus service returns with access to more trails
Attention, Seattle-area hikers: Trailhead Direct, a King County public shuttle service that takes nature lovers to some of the most popular Western Washington trails, is back just in time for peak hiking season. The program, a partnership between King County Metro and King County Parks, launched in spring 2018 and quickly gained popularity, servicing more…
Celebrate Mother Earth With Local and Sustainable Outdoor Gear
What better way to celebrate Earth Day, April 22, than spending some time in nature? And what better way to enjoy the day than with gear made from sustainable or recycled materials that is also stylish, functional and ideal for battling spring’s elements
This article appears in print in the April 2019 issue. Click here to subscribe. 1. Barkley Sound Box DuffleThese Madison Valley-made duffel bags ($150) give new life to old sails. Each is unique (we love the ones that incorporate the sail numbers) and durable, too—if they’ve survived Pacific Northwest winds at sea, they can handle an overnighter….
April Hike of the Month: Dirty Harry’s Balcony
This short two mile hike up to Dirty Harry's Balcony is well worth the views
Dirty Harry’s Peak is named after a logger of questionable repute—his logging in the North Bend area earned him the moniker. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying the short two mile hike up to Dirty Harry’s Balcony; it’s about an hour’s trek from the trailhead. Those who wish to go further can hike…
Best Places to See Washington’s Blooming Spring Flowers
The Pacific Northwest shows its true colors during the spring’s flower festivals
This article appears in print in the March 2019 issue. Click here to subscribe. Goodbye gloom, hello bloom. Our annual influx of springtime daylight is coming (spring forward on March 10!), and with it a vibrant interruption in our dreary winter weather. Whether it’s daffodils or tulips that do it for you, Seattle is a fantastic home base for…
There’s More to Maui Than Sunny Skies
Come to Maui for the sun, stay for so much more!
Sponsored by Ka’anapali Beach Hotel Everyone in Seattle knows (or should get to know!) the silky feel of golden sun on your skin that Maui delivers along its many eye-poppingly beautiful beaches. Yet Maui is so much more. The ancient culture is vibrantly alive, offering a glimpse into the culture of the past wrapped up…
Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Seattle
Hint: It's not just the UW Quad
Cherry blossom season is upon us. While thousands flock to the University of Washington’s Quad each spring to see the W shaped array of blossoms bloom in delight, crowds can be overwhelming. The hum of drones above the trees may distract visitors from the beauty that surrounds them. These lesser known cherry blossom destinations in…
Travel Foodies Unite in Hawaii
Why do you travel? Is it to explore new scenery? To explore new cultures? To eat your way across a destination? Well, you’ll get all 3 in Hawaii.
Sponsored by Aqua Kauai Beach Resort Why do you travel? Is it to explore new scenery? To explore new cultures? To eat your way across a destination? Well, you’ll get all 3 in Hawaii. Breathtaking vistas. Aloha spirit in melee (song) and hula (dance) as well as its people. All made even better after eating…
March Hike of the Month: Heybrook Lookout
It’s a short gorgeous hike, but it’s all about the views
This one REQUIRES a clear day. It’s a short gorgeous hike, but it’s all about the views. You’d be hard pressed to find a better “bang for your buck” view hike than Heybrook Lookout. It’s one of Washington’s famous fire lookout towers. These towers are built for maximum visibility — that means views! Luckily, you…
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