Seattle Climbing
With the Cascade Mountain Range at its backdoor, Seattle is blessed with some of the best mountain climbing opportunities in the world. At 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier is the highest peak in the Cascades. Climbers that summit Mt. Rainier climb a distance of eight or more miles with a vertical elevation gain of 9,000 feet.
The mountain offers climbs of varying degrees of difficulty for less seasoned climbers as well. The second highest peak in the state, Mount Adams, is not considered an overly difficult climb. Other mountains within a few hours drive or less are numerous and include Mount Baker and Mt. Shuksan. At 9,127 feet, Mt. Shuksan is one of the most photographed peaks in the world. It boasts four climbing routes ranging from challenging to fairly easy.
Seattle boating
With the Puget Sound and Elliot Bay to the west, Lake Union to the north, and Lake Washington to the south, Seattle is surrounded by water. Renting a boat or kayak is a great way to explore Seattle's highly navigable waterways and see parts of the city only accessible by boat. Several businesses offer kayak rentals on Lake Washington and Lake Union.
The University of Washington is situated on Lake Washington and offers canoe and rowboat rentals at its Waterfront Activities Center from February to October. Moss Bay Rowing Club on Lake Union offers rowing, kayaking, and sailing. The Center for Wooden Boats on Lake Union has a maritime museum and offers rentals of handcrafted, restored sailboats or rowboats and sailing lessons.
Seattle Golf
A little bit of rain doesn't dampen the enthusiasm of Emerald City golfers, who have a choice of seven public courses, four of which are municipal. Seattle Parks and Recreation maintains four courses offering lessons, pro shops, monthly specials, and covered and heated driving ranges. West Seattle Golf course was designed by H. Chandler Egan, best known for his redesign of Pebble Beach. Jackson Park Golf Course is considered one of the “driest” public courses in Seattle and is located minutes from downtown. Other courses include Interbay and Jefferson Park in Beacon Hill.
Seattle Hiking and Running
Seattle was voted number seven on Men's Fitness Magazines Top Ten Fittest Cities, so it's not surprising that most areas of Seattle can be considered a great place for a walk or run. Queen Anne Hill, with its 4.3 mile scenic paved loop, offers glimpses of historical homes and architecture along with breathtaking city views.
Seattle's municipal parks offer miles of trails. Lincoln Park features several miles of dirt paths that wind through bluffs, wooded areas, and a mile of paved beach pathway. Bustling Green Lake is located in a residential area and is 2.8 miles around. For a longer course, Lake Union is 6.2 miles around and offers flat trails and inspiring views.
