Outdoor Escapes near Seattle
Seattle is one of the most popular cities to visit in America for good reason. However, the hustle and bustle (not to mention the traffic) can become overwhelming. Never fear, though! There are plenty of outdoor escapes close to Seattle that will have you breathing fresh air and enjoying horizons free of skyskrapers (and people).
30 Minutes from Seattle
Lake Washington
Lake Washington is huge — the second largest natural lake in the state and the biggest in King County. This freshwater outdoor recreation mecca is just a short hop by car or bus from both Seattle’s and Bellevue’s metro centers. Fishing, hiking, boating and paddle sports are all within easy reach of Lake Washington’s shore.
Edmonds Pier & Edmonds Marsh
No boat to take out on the water? Try out fishing at the Edmonds Pier with generous seasons for salmon fishing, shellfishing (as seasons allow) and some great September squid fishing.
Saltwater State Park
A beach within reach! Located on the Puget Sound, Saltwater State Park in Des Moines is a quick ride down Interstate 5 from Seattle. It offers all the fun of a day at the shore without the long drive to the coast. Enjoy camping, tidepools, and diving.
60 Minutes from Seattle
Tiger Mountain and Raging River state forests
Want to go high above the city? Look no further than Tiger Mountain. Located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range, the mountain offers spectacular sweeping views of Issaquah and Seattle. This day-use recreation area and working forest boasts more than 13,000 acres of soaring peaks, roaring river lands, and miles of sun-dappled forest trails. Enjoy hiking, biking and even paragliding.
Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area
Whether you’re a hiker or a rock climber, this is a must hit destination. Mount Si NRCA is home to four incredible mountain peaks just waiting for you to summit! A diverse landscape of peaks, streams and lakes, the area is also home to old-growth forest, wildflowers and host of forest creatures including black bear, elk, deer, cougar, coyote and mountain goats.
Dash Point State Park
Looking to put your toes in the sand? Craving a classic day at a sandy oasis near home? Dash Point State Park is your destination! It won’t seem like it, but you’ll be right near the heart of Federal Way. Enjoy fishing, camping, hiking, and skim boarding.
