Seattle Sports & Outdoors Tips by Summer33 Top 5 Page for this destination

Mt Rainier has a lot to offer! Climbing / Hiking Review

The mountain has been in ruins all winter and spring after the major wind storms we had hear late fall early winter of 2006. The roads are open now and although some of the campgrounds have been washed away completely it's time to get back to Mt. Rainier and discover it all over again. There are to many things to do here to count, hiking, biking, fishing, mountain climbing and skiing down the mountain once you've reached the top. We took a trip back in 2005 and stayed in a secluded campground right on the river and had the most amazing time ever! If you plan on visiting 3 or more times buy the seasons pass when you enter the park, it pays for itself and find out what it's all about!

Equipment: Be sure to bring warm clothes for the evenings, its cools down alot when your in the trees. Plan on plenty of bug spray, especially if your down by the water and any gear you'll need for your adventures.

Directions: About 2 hours South East of Seattle.

Theme: Hiking

Snoqualmie has great hiking close to Sea-town! Climbing / Hiking Review

Head up to Snoqualmie Pass in the summer, or in the winter if you have the gear and check out some of the hikes. There are tons, one I did this winter was to Snow Lake, which is a hike that starts at the Alpental Parking lot and is a beautiful hike back into the mountain, even in late August I ran into snow where the shade kept it cool but it was still gorgeous out and warm. Snow Lake is the first of 3 lakes its 6 miles round trip, or so the guides say but I think it's less. The snow slows you down but you can be in and out in 90 min or so. Its really not a difficult hike, and is a very well used trail with tons to see along the way including waterfalls, views across the valley and did I mention waterfalls.

Equipment: Boots, poles, and water...the usuals.

Directions: I-90 to exit #52. From the exit, turn north and take the second right onto Alpental Road. Continue for 1.5 miles and park in the large gravel lot to the left. The trailhead is on the right.

Theme: Hiking

It's a lovely day for a boat ride Kayaking / Canoeing / Boating / Sailing Review

There are many ways to take advantage of the beautiful waters that surround Seattle. You can head down to Agua Verde Paddle Club 1303 NE Boat St. www.aguaverde.com whre you can rent a single kayak for $12 an hour, or a triple for $18, sailboats are also for rent for $35 an hour.

The Center for wooden boats is where you got to experience history in a wooden boat. Prices range between $12.50 and hour to $30 an hour. Historic sailboats are also for rent for $25-$46 an hour. There are also free rides on Sunday afternoons (donations accepted.) 1010 Valley St. www.cwb.org

The UW also rents out road boats for a much cheaper rate of $7.50 an hour or $4 for students. 3900 Montake Blvd 206-543-9433

Theme: Boating/Sailing

Stevens Pass is the place to ski Skiing / Snowboarding Review

I started skiing when I was 2 years old, I ski raced for SPAC (Stevens Pass Alpine Club) from the age of 10 to 18 so perhaps you can see the love I have for this mountain. I could have spent my entire childhood at any of the mountains around Seattle but I chose Stevens. Why? Well even though its not the biggest mountain its the whole experience, the people, the terrain, the drive, everything.

Directions: 1.5 hrs outside of Seattle

Theme: Skiing/Snowboarding

Website: http://www.stevenspass.com/

Got kids? Head to Wild Waves! Swimming Review

Half an hour south of Seattle you'll find Wild Waves. It's as close as Washington and Oregon gets to a big water park. Although it's slightly over priced and definetly can be packed in the summer it's a great little day trip if you've got kids and are visiting Seattle in the summer.

Directions: Head South on I-5 for about 30 minutes, you can't miss the signs, or check out their website.

Theme: Beach Activities