Lake Serene, Washington

Head up the road about .75 miles and take a left onto the Klondike Swamp Trail (well-singed). Stay on Klondike for a mile before taking a left onto Lost Beagle Trail. From here the trail climbs uphill and wraps around the edge of the park, offering views of the surrounding area. Hop on Shangri-La...

We backpacked our way to Lillian Lake and set up camp. There is a trail that lead around the lake and a trail that leads up to Rampart Lakes and Rachael Lake as well. We found a few more camps spots on Lillian Lake, then we noticed that only ONE other camp spot was being used. If you want peace ...

The park is open dawn to dusk. The botanical garden is free to visit and offers excellent photography opportunities.   Additional InfoCopper Kettle Coffee Bar is available at the garden: Weekdays: 10am – 3pm; Saturday & Sunday: 10am – 5pmGarden Map with different attractions featuredBotanica...

The Owhi Campground on Cooper Lake is tucked away in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest near Salmon La Sac.  It sits at 2,788 feet and has views of Chikamin Peak (6960') and Lemah Mountain (7480'). The lake is quiet, very photogenic, and easily accessible.   The campground is on the north si...

This trail takes you through Coal Creek park and follows the creek along the trail with minimal elevation gain. This trail can also be accessed from the northern end of the park if that's a more convenient drive. For the lower parking lot, park at the Red Town lot (exit 13 off I-90) and cross the...

The popular trailhead is located in the Cougar Mountain Regional Wildlife Park. There is a veritable maze of trails and trailheads here so it is helpful to bring along a map of the area. A trail map for Cougar Mountain can be found on kingcounty.gov. From the trailhead veer left following the Re...

From Seattle, take the I-90 E to exit 15. Make a right on 17th Ave. This street will later become Renton/Issaquah Rd. Drive about four miles then turn right on to May Valley Rd. Make a sharp right onto SE 112th St. This street will soon turn into 169th Ave SE as it turns left. The trailhead is ri...

Nestled in a high rocky cirque near the upper reaches of Mt Daniel, Spade and Venus Lakes are two of the most remote lakes in the Alpine Lake Wilderness. But to experience this level of pure isolation, you'll need to earn it; the shortest hike in to the lakes is 14 miles, the majority of which i...

This trail features beautiful wildflower meadows during the summer season and is relativity low trafficked. Bring your hammock for breathtaking views from the lookout and catch an incredible sunset. The summit has no established camping spots, so if staying overnight prepare to sleep on uneven gr...

Boulder River is a great outing for those days when you feel like you just need a good hike through the forest. This makes for a nice long day hike, but because both of the large waterfalls are within the first half of the trail, you can still see the falls without going the whole way. One of the...

The Washington Park Arboretum is the perfect place to swing through if you're looking for a short and gentle trail run without leaving the city. This expansive park includes the UW Botanic Gardens, Japanese Gardens, entire length of the Arboretum Creek - all landmarks you'll pass on this trail. ...

Situated just southeast from the shores of the University of Washington, the Washington Arboretum Loop is a short yet gorgeous paddling excursion. What it lacks in length, it more than makes up for in its peaceful escape from the city and its beautiful path carved out through fields of lily pads....

If you plan to hike to this beach on the weekend, arrive early because the parking lot fills up fast. From the trailhead, hike down through an old forest along a stream to reach Meadowdale Beach Park. Take in the sounds of birds, wildlife, and the stream adjacent to the trail. At one mile you wil...

Getting Here: Heading North on I5 from Seattle Center, take exit 178 for 236th Street SW and Lakeveiw Dr. Take a left on Lakeview Dr. and follow along for a half a mile before you see the Lake Ballinger Boat Ramp parking area on the left. There is a community park and rental facility on the noir ...

The Green River Gorge is one of the best whitewater options within an hour of the Seattle area. This beautiful scenic rocky gorge offers 14 miles of class III-IV whitewater and lots of great play spots for rafters and kayakers. This section of river is often boated in the late fall, winter, and s...

Green Lake is one of Seattle’s most beloved parks. Its expanse of water and green space in the center of a dense urban neighborhood draws thousands of people daily from all over the city. The park serves as a natural preserve for hundreds of species of trees and plants, as well as numerous birds ...