Get Adventurous

We Colorado folks love to get our outdoor fix, so if you’re anything like us you will want to explore the outdoor fun Seattle has to offer.

So don’t forget to pack your running shoes and some active clothing to get away from the air conditioning of the conference hall and into the fresh Seattle air.

Skip the hotel treadmill and head out to any one of the running trails recommended in Enjoying Seattle’s Parks by Brandt Morgan.

Morgan said the sidewalk along the downtown Waterfront, which runs along Elliot Bay to beyond Pier 70, is a favorite lunchtime run spot for downtown workers because there are no stoplights to slow them down.

Here are the top spots to check out for some road or trail running while you’re in Seattle.

  • Queen Anne Hill: Hop in your rental car and head on over to this paved loop that offers 4.3 miles of running (or walking) with views of the city.
  • Burke-Gilman Trail: Do any section of this 12.5 mile paved stretch that also has a gravel side path. It runs from Gas Works Park to Kirkland.
  • Lake Union: If you’re looking for a 10K loop around a lake, look no further. Morgan suggests starting at Gas Works Park, crossing the Ship Canal on the University and Fremont Bridges.
  • Alki Beach: If you’re more into a running on the beach type of situation, this two-mile strip along the sound is for you.
  • Seward Park: This 2.5-mile loop encircles the peninsula beside Lake Washington.
  • Ravenna Boulevard: If your legs are spent from walking around the conference in your business shoes, hit this grassy corridor for quick two miles to loosen up.
  • Volunteer Park: Have a walking meeting along this tiny 0.6 mile loop around the perimeter of the park to discuss financial planning business in the wilderness.
  • Interlaken Boulevard: This route provides two miles of windy, quiet, hillside running that goes through the forest from Roanoke Park to Washington Park.

Learn more at: www.seattle.gov/parks/Athletics/running.htm.

If running isn’t your thing but you still want to experience the outdoor life in the Emerald City, check out some of the top attractions for popular outdoor pursuits:

  • Kayaking: Take a kayak tour from Alki Kayak Tours. “This is a fantastic place for locals and anyone from out-of-town,” one Yelp! reviewer wrote. “You get a great view of Seattle, and being Puget Sound you catch the waves, which can be bumpy sometimes but so much fun.”
  • Cycling: Do a Seattle Cycling Tour to see the city and get some exercise at the same time. The tour goes through some of the top spots you can’t miss in the city, like Pike’s Market. Tour guide provides historical and factual tidbits about the city.
  • Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Visit Wave Hounds, a surf shop in Seattle, to rent some boards and paddles for a few hours on the Sound. The shop is run by a lifelong surfer who is very knowledgeable (according to reviewers on yelp) and welcoming. He offers reasonable rental prices and invaluable advice.
  • Climbing: Learn to climb (or brush up on your technique) at the Flagship Seattle REI. The store offers a Single Climb class (15- or 30-minute slots) on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The class includes gear and a REI Outdoor School staff belayer. Cost is $15 for REI members and $25 for non-members. If you’re already an experienced climber, visit the artificial climbing wall at Marymoor Park.
  • Hiking: If you have a day to set aside for longer hikes in the Cascades, check out the Washington Trails Association website to pick a hike that works for you.

Stay safe and happy adventures!

Ana Trujillo
FPA publications team
Denver, CO

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