Outdoors - Visit Seattle

Photo: Nick Hall Photography

Seattle’s natural beauty is waiting to be explored! From parks with breathtaking vistas to Puget Sound teeming with wildlife, there are dozens of ways to experience the great outdoors in the Emerald City. Dig in and discover the variety of unique urban adventures you can choose from—many of which are within city limits.

10 Ways to Explore the Great Outdoors in Seattle and the Puget Sound Region

Seattle isn’t nicknamed the Emerald City by accident—the greenery here is something to behold year-round. There’s no shortage of ways to get out and explore in this nature-filled mecca. Dig in and see why people from all walks of life—locals and visitors, artists and innovators, explorers, and dreamers—are inspired by the urban natural spaces of Seattle.

Mount Rainier National Park

With its 14,416-foot peak and 236,381 unspoiled acres, this park was created in 1899 (17 years before the National Park Service was formed!) making it one of the oldest in the nation.

A stunning view of a turquoise lake surrounded by lush green forests and towering mountains, covered in patches of snow. A rocky foreground overlooks the serene landscape under a clear blue sky. — Photo: Jeff Few

North Cascades National Park

Wilder, larger, and more remote than its two Washington cousins, North Cascades National Park is still a stone’s throw from the state’s urban center.

A large, moss-covered tree with numerous sprawling branches creating a canopy of green leaves. Sunlight filters through the foliage, casting a vibrant and serene glow. The branches twist and turn, creating intricate patterns against the sky. — Photo: Mills

Olympic National Park

Luminous peaks, lush rain forests, and a stretch of wild beaches, all contained on a peninsula across the water from Seattle.

A person stands near a red tent, overlooking a rocky landscape with a towering snow-capped mountain under a clear blue sky. Tall pine trees are visible to the left, creating a serene camping scene. — Photo: Justin Bailie

Mount Rainier National Park

With its 14,416-foot peak and 236,381 unspoiled acres, this park was created in 1899 (17 years before the National Park Service was formed!) making it one of the oldest in the nation.

North Cascades National Park

Wilder, larger, and more remote than its two Washington cousins, North Cascades National Park is still a stone’s throw from the state’s urban center.

Olympic National Park

Luminous peaks, lush rain forests, and a stretch of wild beaches, all contained on a peninsula across the water from Seattle.

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Open Studio

Unlike other urban areas, Seattle is a city that lives and breathes nature, which is also part of why it’s one of the most creative and imaginative cities in the world. Here, visitors can enjoy the city’s hidden natural treasures and discover why they unlock inspiration for some of the city’s beloved musicians.

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