Seattle, Washington Recreation
 Seattle, Washington is a popular vacation destination featuring a thriving downtown core nestled in the heart of the spectacular Pacific Northwest region. Seattle visitors often enjoy strolling along Pike Street, overlooking the waterfront while sipping on a cappuccino. But Seattle offers much more than what you can find in the city center. Seattle serves as a gateway to numerous exciting and engaging outdoor recreation opportunities as well. With the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountain Range hemming Seattle in, it’s no surprise that outdoor recreation is front and center for many Seattle residents.
Being an ocean-front city, Seattle offers numerous world-class water-based recreation activities to Seattle residents and vacationers alike. The fact that Puget Sound protects Seattle from the open Ocean currents also ensures that the waters directly adjacent to the downtown Seattle area are calm enough for a wide variety of water-based activities. Some of the most popular of these water-based activities include: sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and para-sailing. Being a port city also allows Seattle to offer easy water transport to the nearby Gulf Islands as well as Vancouver Island in British Columbia. On the various islands located near Seattle, vacationers can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and more.
With forested areas and mountainous regions surrounding Seattle, it’s no surprise that the hiking and biking opportunities in the area are plentiful. One of the most spectacular sites visible in the Seattle metropolitan area is the towering form of Mt. Ranier. Visits to this majestic peak offer up some great hiking opportunities and allow visitors to check out ancient lava flows. But Ranier is just one of many compelling hiking points featured in the area. Whether you’re traveling as a family, and regardless of whether you’re a novice hiker or a seasoned pro, the greater Seattle area has plenty to offer. Some of the top hiking locations include:
 Discovery Park: Located in the Magnolia area, this is Seattle's largest park destination. Discovery Park features an interesting blend natural and landscaped areas. Both paved paths and dirt trails are available for use.
Carkeek Park: Located in the Lake Forrest Park area, Carkeek Park offers up stunning views of local peaks and waterways. You can also enjoy a natural wetlands area or relax on the beach. This is a great location for families.
Lincoln Park: Located in West Seattle, Lincoln Park is a forested park featuring magnificent views of Puget Sound. A paved path meanders along the waterfront making for a picturesque and easy walk/hike for Seattle visitors.
Golden Gardens Park: Situated in the Ballard neighborhood, Golden Gardens Park is a popular summer-time destination and is also a point from which kayakers often launch off. This area offers easy hikes and great views.
St. Edward State Park: Travel northeast of Seattle and you’ll encounter the picturesque and sprawling St. Edward State Park. This area offers gentle hiking trails located next to Lake nestled amongst scenic open meadows.
Mercer Slough Nature Park: Located in Seattle’s Eastside neighborhood, Mercer Slough Nature Park allows for some exploring of the temperate rain forest that is the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Explore marshes, dense forested areas, swampy lowlands and more.
Seattle, WA has much to offer the vacationer. Not only is the Emerald City a thriving center for commerce, trade and arts culture, but it is also a major gateway for extraordinary outdoor recreation opportunities. Seattle residents are notorious outdoors enthusiasts. Like the locals, Seattle visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain-biking, kayaking, sailing, boating, and much more. To experience these highlights, and everything else that the Emerald City has to offer, browse through our comprehensive collection of quality Seattle hotel listings. When you’ve found the right accommodation choice for you, book your Seattle hotel with our fully-secure, easy to use online reservation system. The stunning beauty of this four season, Pacific Northwest playground awaits!
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