Seattle’s outdoor appeal, due to its proximity to forests, shoreline, and mountains, continues to drive nature-focused travel around the year, offering a diverse range of seasonal experiences in and around the city.
January
The forested hike to Franklin Falls in the Snoqualmie Region is a picturesque adventure perfect for beginners and seasoned hikers alike. Just an hour from downtown Seattle, the 2.2-mile trail leads to spectacular views of the 70-foot-tall Franklin Falls. Visit in January to witness the falls frozen into incredible icicle formations which is one of the most unforgettable sights in the region.
February
February is prime time for an enchanting escape into Washington’s snow-covered mountains. Boasting nearly 2,000 acres of skiable terrain and four alpine resorts, The Summit at Snoqualmie is the city’s mountain playground and offers everything from snow tubing and beginner ski runs to advanced terrain and backcountry access. And the best part is that it is only an hour trip from downtown Seattle.
March
Get ready to cheer on the return of the baseball season and experience the fandom this spring with the 2025 AL West Title Champions, the Mariners (home opener is March 26). With T-Mobile Park’s outdoor element, guests can enjoy the smell of fresh grass, the crisp spring air, and the ballpark vibes all while staying comfortable. The stadium is easily accessible (and in some cases, even walkable) for those staying in downtown Seattle hotels.
April
The Washington Park Arboretum offers 230 acres of serene trails and extraordinary plant life within city limits. Co-managed by the University of Washington Botanic Gardens and the City of Seattle, this outdoor destination features species unique to the Northwest and invites visitors to explore its living museum. March and April are especially gorgeous, typically the best months to experience the cherry blossoms at the park’s Azaelia Way, with benches and tables offering perfect picnic spots throughout.
May
Pike Place Market is a favourite destination year-round, but nothing says ‘spring’ like the Flower Festival (May 9 & 10). A celebration of local farmers and florists, the Flower Festival is a perfect representation of Seattle. During this event, the Market is a riot of colour, filled with over 30+ local flower farms from King, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties.
June
Habitat Beach at Seattle’s new Waterfront Park and near historic Pioneer Square neighbourhood gives visitors a blend of ocean views and community in an urban setting. Enjoy the shoreline views from Seattle’s revitalised waterfront, get a closer look at native plantings and lively marine wildlife, watch ferries, see the restored pergola, enjoy sweet treats from Molly Moon’s Ice Cream, or catch Puget Sound sunsets.
July
Discovery Park, Seattle’s largest park, is a local staple providing a variety of outdoor experiences. Overlooking the Puget Sound, beautiful views of the Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges await guests, while two miles of protected tidal beaches and wildlife habitat make it an ideal summer spot for environmental education on a nature walk.
August
Poo Poo Point, located in Tiger Mountain State Forest, boasts stunning panoramic views of Lake Sammamish and Mount Rainier on a clear August day. Despite its name, it is a great spot for hikers and those looking for unbeatable views. Interestingly, the summit view was McDreamy’s house in Grey’s Anatomy, and if lucky, one may also spot paragliders and hang gliders launching from the top.
September
One of the best times to explore the outdoors and fulfil those hunter-gatherer instincts is to try foraging around the Seattle area in September. Forage Seattle offers a mix of approachable intro-level mushroom foraging classes, along with guided hunts in the forests near Mt. Rainier. September is prime foraging season in Washington state, when warm post-summer rains bring chanterelles, porcini, and lobster mushrooms, drawing both new and seasoned foragers outdoors.
October
Twin Falls in North Bend is a beloved local trail that highlights lush forests and three stunning waterfalls. Just a 40-minute drive from the city, this trail offers easy river access with family-friendly viewpoints, iconic bridges that put you right above the falls, and vivid autumn foliage around every turn, making it a go-to local hike that delivers big Pacific Northwest scenery.
November
Take in the crisp fall air and Washington’s award-winning wineries in Woodinville Wine Country, a quick 30-minute trip from Seattle. There are over 100 tasting rooms in Woodinville, including Matthews Winery, where vineyard views and forest-like outdoor seating create a relaxed yet elegant picnic setting with local wine.
December
Even in the chilly months, there are must-try outdoor experiences in Seattle, with the culmination of Christmas spirit with carolling, food, and beautiful views of the city from the water. Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship Festival is one, serving as a beloved tradition in the Pacific Northwest since 1949. The ‘Spirit of Seattle,’ the official Christmas ship, is draped in colourful lights and decorations, allowing guests to be immersed in the holiday spirit while taking in the beautiful views of the Puget Sound.
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