The ‘Issaquah Alps” is the unofficial name for the mountainous lands around Issaquah, including Poo Poo Point, Cougar Mountain, Squak Mountain, Tiger Mountain, and Rattlesnake Ledge. There’s miles of trails here, with a little something for everyone!
urban hiking
Fall Hikes: Leaf Peeping and Color Seeking!

Okay, I’ll admit it: I am a basic, fall-loving gal. Give me football, pumpkin spice lattes, and some leaves changing colors. I love everything about fall–including fall hiking here in the PNW.
North Creek Boardwalk

I love a good boardwalk. Between avalanche danger and time constraints, I’ve been hitting a lot more local parks lately, and this marshy Snohomish County park is full of nostalgia for me.
Urban Hikes Washington & Meadowdale Beach Park

As I’ve said before, I love urban hikes. They are accessible year-round and some are a great way to keep in hiking shape year-round! So imagine my delight to learn Beers at the Bottom have a new hiking book out all on urban hikes in Washington!
Urban Hiking: Mercer Slough

As the doldrums of winter are upon us (with snow levels and avalanche danger wildly fluctuating), I have been embracing our nearby parks for my trail fix. Next up, Mercer Slough!
Urban Hiking: Discovery Park

Seattle’s largest park has tons to offer: a beachside lighthouse, sandy dunes, grassy fields, and forests of trees! Not to mention native, army, and musical history!
Shinglemill Creek

The holidays came quick this year, despite the late Thanksgiving. I mean, they really snuck up on me! But I still had plans to #OptOutside on Black Friday and spend my day outdoors.
Urban Hiking: Seward Park

Last weekend was the gorgeous spring day that tricks you into believing summer is around the corner. I see many trails were abuzz with hikers. I decided to stick close to home and explore a beautiful lakeside park in Seattle–Seward Park.
Saint Edward State Park

If April showers bring May flowers, March sunshine brings slushy snow and iffy conditions in the mountains. Luckily, there remain tons of nearby parks that have trails year-round, including this beautiful state park northeast of Seattle.
Dockton Forest

Despite living in the greater Seattle area nearly my whole life, I have never been to Vashon Island. That changed this weekend when I hopped on the ferry from West Seattle to hit some snow-free trails!