Category: Seattle

It’s the middle of winter. There’s nothing more fun to do on a snowy winter’s day than to break out the snow gear and head to the slopes. Seattle and the surrounding areas offer a variety of mountainous locations perfect for all skill levels and experience. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular winter destinations near Seattle to help you choose your best option this winter.

1. Alpental

Alpental has been open for over 40 years. In that time they have become legendary, and for good reason. Although it is one of the smaller ski areas, it has most of The Summit at Snoqualmie’s advanced runs. These cliffs make up the state’s toughest runs and have become internationally known.

2. Crystal Mountain

With its breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier and its highly variable terrain, Crystal mountain’s got a little something for everyone. In the 2,600 acres of accessible slopes there is a little bit of everything: from well-groomed slopes for beginners and challenging chutes, steeps, bowls and glades for more advanced skiers and snowboarders.

3.Stevens Pass

Although Stevens Pass is mostly for intermediate to expert skiers, there are a few beginners runs. The snow conditions are unbeatable and the two terrain parks are suitable for shredders of all skill levels.

4. The Summit at Snoqaulmie

Just 45 minutes east of Seattle, this area offers varied terrain for all levels of experience. It features a pipe, black diamond downhills, top to bottom terrain parks, as well as beginners runs. With a convenient location and a veritable cornucopia of things to do on the slopes, The Summit at Snoqaulmie should be anyone’s vacation destination.

5. Mission Ridge

Located on the east side of the cascades, this set of peaks is the result of volcanic activity. With over 2,000 acres of bowls chutes, glades, and downhills, not to mention tons of sun and dry snow, Mission Ridge is one of the best spots to go to the snow in Washington.

 

 

Looking to go skating in Seattle? Seattle offers a one of a kind skating experience with its outdoor parks and its focus on vert. Check out the top 5 places to skate:

1. All Together Skatepark

This park is a collective project by skaters, for skaters. When Seattle’s biggest indoor skate park shut down in 2012, Skaters had no place to go on rainy days. In 2013, ATS opened up and is now Seattle’s only indoor skatepark. This 6,900 square ft park has all of the ledges, boxes, ramps, rails and half pipes you could ever want, plus a tight-knit community of skaters.

2. SeaSk8

This park, located in the heart of Seattle, is a 10,000 square ft. playground for skaters of all skill levels. It features smooth transitions and a variety of verts and boxes to skate. It’s nothing fancy, but it’ll do the trick.

3. Woodland Skatepark

Not just any other outdoors park, Woodland Skatepark is unique for its two inground pools. Wonderfully simple with good flow and obstacles that demand style rather than the complicated technical approach so many other parks encourage.

4.Delridge Skatepark

Designed by Grindline, this park has more of a wide-open feel and excels in transitions and ramps. There is a couple boxes throughout the park; but with its concrete waves, Delridge is an old school skater’s dream come true.

5. Seattle Vert Ramp

A small group of people got together to build a covered vert ramp in Seattle. Privately owned and operated, this ramp boasts competition specs of (13.5 ft high x 56 ft wide) and regularly holds competitions and events such as “old guy” night.

With its endless forests and beautiful mountain ranges, Washington State is the premier place to be an outdoors enthusiast. Mountain biking is no exception to this rule. There are plenty of great trails out there—in fact, there are thousands of good trails in the forests and cascades. Here are some trails that the locals tend to frequent most often.

1. The I-5 Colonnade

Certainly unique, and quite possibly the only park of its caliber on the west coast, the I-5 Colonnade is Seattle’s urban mountain biking park. This paradise under the freeway is great for all levels experience. It classifies the runs using the green, blue, black system that is familiar to any snowboarder/skier. This man-made park is actually located underneath the I-5, so it is rideable in all weather (although it is not lit at night time.) It offeres typically every trail/obstacle type you can think of. This is definitely a park for any avid mountain biker to check out!

2. Duthie Hill 

Located on the Issaquah Plateau, the Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park features a 120 acre forest complete with rolling terrain and well draining soils. Additionally, nestled in the middle of the park is a 2.5 acre clearing. Duthie Hill offers progressive jump lines mixed with 1-2 miles of technical and fluid, freeride trails-great for those looking to build their skill-base.

3. Devils Gulch

A local favorite, Devil’s Gulch is an adequately challenging ride that is great for riders who love a good climb and a fast singletrack. Located in the foothills of the cascades, the scenery is unsurpassed. It starts off with a climb through the woods and then cuts downhill through a meandering creek and a breathtaking ridge.

4. Rattlesnake Lake

In addition to having one of the coolest names ever, Rattlesnake Lake is a Seattle-ite favorite because of its easy access, scenic views and non technical riding. This route is great for an easy afternoon ride. The trail is spotted with daisies and dandelions and takes riders by several waterfalls and creeks in addition to Rattlesnake Lake.

5. Saint Edwards State Park/Big Finn Hill

These two areas provide riders with 372 acres of twists turns, downhills, uphills, bumps, logs, and mud. There is a total of about 10 miles of trail, but you can mix and match as you go so that no two rides have to be the same. Rides range in difficulty from beginner to more advanced.

6. Iron Horse State Park: Snoqualmie Tunnel

A ride that sends you right through the side of a mountain. That’s right, through. Not over or under or around. This 2.3-mile tunnel is the closest thing you can get to a night ride during the day and provides an experience that you are not likely to replicate. The tunnel itself is a steady paced gravel road so it’s perfect for beginners. Additionally, on either side after the tunnel, there is more riding for all levels.

7. Grand Ridge

With its long gentle downhills, Grand Ridge is an easy, scenic ride for most. It is almost completely singletrack and runs through forest most of the way. It’s a great place to practice climbing hills and, if you’re looking for longer rides, you can link up to the other trails nearby.

8. Larch Mountain Loop

This track starts off with a formidable climb through forest at the beginning and is followed by a rolling single track at the top. The loop is about a 20 mile trip and is for moderate to advanced riders. There are lots of trails in and around the loop, so a map is suggested.

9. Wallace Falls Loop

Wallace Falls is a great trip for riders of all levels. The climb to Wallace Lake is along a gradual logging road, so beginners will enjoy the challenge up and the ride back down. Advanced riders can continue across the Wallace River and on to the downhill portion. Although they are mostly downhill riding, the trails are still technically difficult and continue to get more difficult until you hit the pavement when you are nearing the trailhead.

You’re in Seattle: the only big city in the northwest. Sure, there’s Pike Place and EMP and all kinds of other touristy things you can do—but what’s outside of the city is what is really impressive. Washington State is a rock climber’s paradise and Seattle is the perfect jumping point. Grab those climbing shoes and chalk bags; you’ve got some rocks to scale!

1. Mountain Home (Leavenworth) Area

This is one of the most popular bouldering areas in the Pacific Northwest. The granite features thicker grains than the nearby Skykomish valley boulders and the surrounding terrain is flatter and drier. This area offers bouldering for all skill levels.

2. Exit 38

This spot is located just outside of Iron horse state park. Exit 38 was made by climbers, for climbers seeking to escape the crowds of Little Si. The rocks themselves are mostly volcanic metamorphosed rock. There are a few challenging climbs (one 5.13 and one 5.12), but it’s mostly made up of moderate routes which make it accessible and fun for climbers of all levels.

3. Index

Index is a climbing area that is known for both its traditional and aided climbing. The climbs range in elevation from 70 to 700 feet tall with just over 400 different routes. With Index’s superb fine grain granite and its well-protected walls, this is one of the better climbing spots in the state of Washington. The rating system is quite unique. It ranges from right on (easier routes) to very stiff (the more advanced routes). This spot is only an hour and a half outside of Seattle!

4. Darrington

Darrington’s rocks are composed of the same granite that is located in a lot of the other areas of the state, so it’s no surprise that this spot’s routes make for good climbing. The difficulty ranges from 5.7 to 5.11, and the dome shape of the rocks makes for a sort of summit feel when you get to the top of a climb because you are high above the surrounding valleys.

5. Exit 32/Litte Si

With mostly sport climbs and a few traditional climbs, the highlight of Little Si is World Wall 1, which has routes from 5.9 all the way up to 5.14. The area’s crags vary between full sun exposure and shaded. The climbing area is an easy 25 minute hike from the Little Si trailhead. In addition, the Little Si trail is a great day hike if you feel like continuing on after you’ve climbed for a bit.

6. Vertical World

Since becoming America’s first climbing gym in 1987, Vertical World has been serving the greater Seattle area with a superb indoor climbing experience. When it first opened, it was nothing more than some painted plywood boards in an old warehouse. Since then, it has evolved quite a bit and has opened two additional locations. Employees’ love for rock climbing is apparent as they put on classes for all ages and all skill levels while continuing to grow their business.

Although Seattle is most commonly known for its overcast weather and grunge music scene, people tend to forget the fact that it is located in a part of the U.S. that boasts an abundance of thickly wooded regions and rainforest-like sceneries. This northwestern city is filled with hidden gems that make for the perfect playgrounds for outdoors enthusiasts.

So throw on your hiking boots and let’s check it out:

1. Anti-Aircraft Peak

This scenic peak initially served as a government location for building anti-aircraft structures, hence the name. At an elevation of 1525 ft, the Anti-Aircraft Peak offers mesmerizing views of the sprawling mountains and surrounding bodies of water. Anti-Aircraft Peak’s dog-friendly trails make for an adventurous day-hiking trip with several lakes and diverse wildlife to explore!

2. Snow Lake

Snow Lake is considered one of Washington State’s busiest trails. Surrounded by granite rocks and forestry, it is home to mountain goats, deer and a variety of small critters. In addition to the diverse wildlife, the local flora takes off in the warmer months with wildflowers during the summer and huckleberries in the early fall months. All in all, the popularity of this trail is well deserved. Interested in checking out Snow Lake without hitting the crowds? Try going midweek!

3. Rattlesnake Ledge

This trail is great for hikers of all levels.  With only four miles round-trip and an elevation gain of 1200 ft, it still manages to provide an outstanding view.  From the ledge you can look down onto multiple lakes with the Cascade Range as your backdrop. Rattle Snake ledge’s relatively short hiking distance and small elevation change make it perfect for that impulsive afternoon hike.

4. Lake Annette

A must for anyone visiting or living in Seattle. After you’ve trekked 1900 ft up the side of a mountain, you will be rewarded with this view (see below) of a mountaintop lake. The trail is also shaded most of the way by surrounding trees so it’s perfect for hiking on a hot day.

5. Little Si

Although it is smaller than its similarly named counterpart, this trail feels more adventurous than a regular day hike. It offers a sampling of a wide-variety of trails through 1200 feet of dense forest and offers a unique view down into the Snoqualmie River Valley.