Things To Do
Washington Trails Association Website
Below is the link to the site I use to look up hikes in WA. I will link a few of my favorite hikes farther down. The rule I use is that most hikes will take an average of 30 minutes per mile (slower up, faster down) -If a hike is 10 miles, then it's safe to budget 5 hours for the hike PLUS travel time to/from **I wouldn't advise that people try to squeeze a hike in on our wedding day! :) An average of 500 ft gain per mile *up is challenging! -If you're in shape and looking for a challenge, filter searches for elevation gain 2000 - 3000 ft, 8-12 miles round trip = approx 500 ft gain/mile The earlier you get to any trailhead, the better = It's less busy and more enjoyable. -Summer weekends and hikes within an hour of Seattle = busy! -Majority of trails require Discover Pass. Bring some cash for day passes or sign up beforehand -Set aside a *full-day* trip, or plan an overnight stay if you go to any of the national parks: Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic Peninsula
Burroughs Mountain
in Rainer National Park: can be a long wait time in your car to get into the park --Bring friends, food, and drinks... this was a 12-hour adventure when we did it. --Stop for some Cascadia pizza in Emunclaw on your way back to Seattle!
Tolmie Peak
This trail is outside of the National Park but you get an epic view of Rainier. This trail is suitable for varying levels of fitness in your group. --The last 30-45 min of this drive are on a ~rough gravel road.
Mason Lake
-Can add to this already challenging hike and continue on to Bandera Mt -Great views, one of my favorites
Granite Creek
Navaho Pass
Pratt Lake
The Electric Boat Company
I’ve done this about three times because it’s a great way to spend an afternoon. Be the captain of your own electric boat. Bring cooler of drinks and snacks to share with a group. Spend a couple hours on Lake Union— cruise past the beautiful boat houses, our wedding venue!, and watch water planes land!
Lake Union Hot Tub Boats
You can jump in the water and catch a “tan” (#Seattle…) in these fun tubs on Lake Union. We haven’t been in one of these yet… but have heard great things and we’re always jealous when we see them from our electric boat rentals ☺️
Olympus Spa
Korean spa. Ladies only! Recommend the body scrub!
Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park
Mountain bikers! This is a fun park for riders or all ages and skill levels. Close to Seattle and good if you only have a couple hours to ride. We typically defer to our brother-in-laws (Josh Brawley and Bert Davey) to advise or organize a bigger ride in the mountains. Let us know if you’re interested in riding during your trip!
Taylor Shellfish Farms
Feels like the quintessential PNW experience: hike along Chuckanut Drive and then treat yourself to fresh oysters and a hazy IPA on the shore of the sound. I’ve been visiting my sister Jackie in Bellingham for 20+ years. I love going there!It’s about 1-2 hour drive from Seattle and would be a great over night trip. Especially if you mountain bike, or want to check out Mt Baker, or North Cascade National park… or even Vancouver, BC!!
Green Lake
For those that want to get some fresh air and exercise, but are happier on flat terrain: Green Lake has a three mile walking trail around it. There are plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, water sports rentals, gardens+ nearby to make it a lovely morning or afternoon activity!
Discovery Park
Similar to Green Lake but it’s along the Sound— this is another great spot in the city to get some walking in + hit a brewery, restaurant, or pack a picnic to make a couple hours of it!
Space Needle
After coming to WA for 20+ years, I finally went up to the top of the Space Needle in the fall of 2023 for Wyatt’s birthday. I quite enjoyed it!! I think it’s like ~$30/person. Book tickets ahead of time. And/or enjoy the view from the ground and walk around the Seattle City Center.
Seattle Center Monorail
Take the monorail from the Seattle city center to Pike Place Market. Touristy and busy, but ya gotta!!!
Pike Place Market
Flying fish!!! Mini Donuts! Piroshky! Beecher cheese! Clam chowda! Yum! Gum wall! Yuck!!