10 Things To Do Outside In Seattle - Updated 2024

Annelene
Annelene 
Updated
| 5 min read

Seattle, nicknamed the Emerald City, is enchanting and will bound to capture the hearts of visitors with its alluring charm and striking beauty. While Seattle offers the perfect city break, the majestic nature which thrives around it also attracts nature lovers and thrill seekers. The everchanging sceneries and landscape of Seattle form the ideal backdrop for outdoor activities. Whether it be a scavenger hunt through the streets of Seattle unlocking the secrets of the city, close encounters with the gentle giants of the sea or getting your blood pumping on an adventuresome rock-climbing expedition - Seattle will satisfy your desire for adventure. Log off, switch off and reconnect with the outdoors with these top picks of the best outdoor activities in Seattle.

1. Outdoor rock climbing (from USD 200.0)

Calling all adrenaline junkies and adventure seekers, this one is for you. The everchanging landscape and terrain of Washington make this state a climbers paradise. Whether you’re a first-time climber or an avid one, this adventure will surely get your adrenaline pumping. Following an introductory climbing course where you will learn skills like checking equipment, safety procedures and much more, participants can opt to climb Mt. Erie where they will find terrains of different difficulties according to your experience and abilities. Not only will this activity help you push the limit but it will also offer you the opportunity to gaze upon the natural beauty of Seattle in a new light.

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Outdoor Rock Climbing Beginner or Intermediate at Mt Erie

Duration: 8 hours

8 reviews

2. Olympic National Park Nature Lovers Tour (from USD 320.0)

things to do outside in seattle | olympic national park nature lovers tour

Escape into nature and experience the untouched natural wonders of Seattle on this nature lovers tour. No other region fairly represents the natural splendour of Seattle than the Olympic National Park, which is a strikingly beautiful display of lush forests, raging rivers and majestic mountains. Start the tour off with a ferry ride through the waterways of the Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island with sightings of the local marine life. Enjoy 360-degree views of the dramatically jagged mountainside from Hurricane Ridge. Explore the shimmering beauty of Lake Crescent flanked by scenic nature trail which captures the history and mysterious tales of the region before basking in the glory of Marymere Falls. Some of the activities on this tour are time and weather depending.

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Seattle: Olympic National Park Small-Group Tour

Duration: 12.0 hour

77 reviews

3. Urban adventure quest team scavenger hunt (from USD 44.0)

things to do outside in seattle | urban adventure quest team scavenger hunt

Gather your friends and family and try out this fun-filled team scavenger hunt to uncover the history and tales of Seattle while visiting some of the city’s popular attractions. Guided by any smartphone, the tour will take you around the city and requires participants to solve clues and complete challenges to proceed to the next destination. Along the way, you will learn important information about Seattle’s history and uncover some overlooked hidden gems. Along with your quest, you will visit attractions like the Seattle Centre, Space Needle, Pike Place and many more.

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Seattle Urban Adventure Quest Team Scavenger Hunt

Duration: 3.0 hour

15 reviews

4. Whale watching from Friday harbour (from USD 135.0)

The strikingly beautiful San Juan Island is said to be the best place to view orca whales because of the large salmon population of the island. Nature lovers will love this tour which will take participants on an unforgettable 4-hour cruise for a close encounter with these graceful giants of the sea. Along the way be sure to keep your eye out for other marine-life like the minke, humpback and grey whales. While you enjoy the diverse marine life, don’t forget to look up and admire the serenity of the surrounding nature from the lush forests, rolling hills and picturesque mountainside.

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Whale Watching from Friday Harbor

Duration: 4 hours

693 reviews

5. Northwest geology - Ice Age floods tour (from USD 439.0)

Be captivated by the everchanging scenic beauty of the Pacific Northwest with its canyons hills and valleys. This tour will introduce participants to visit some of the most out-f-this-world landscapes like the Canyon of Dry Falls. Along the way, the knowledgeable guide will give you insight into the historical background of the area and its geography. Other highlights of the tour will include visiting rolling hills of fruit orchards, rivers, mountain passes and stopping off to recharge with a hearty lunch.

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Scenic Landscapes Northwest Geology - Ice Age Floods Tour

Duration: 10 hours

2 reviews

6. Private Mount Saint Helens monument day trip (from USD 417.0)

private mount saint helens monument day trip
Source: www.viator.com

For an enriching experience, be sure to check out this private day tour to Mount St Helens. Mount St Helen erupted in 1980, shooting hot lava 15 miles/24km into the atmosphere and causing devastation. This tour will take participants on a journey of rebirth as they learn about the slow return of its native flora while also visiting 2 interpretive centres to learn about the geological features. Along the way soak in the beauty of the mountainside from the Johnston Ridge Observatory and enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant.

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Luxury Private Mount Saint Helens Day Trip

Duration: 9 hours

4 reviews

7. Wenatchee white water rafting and wine tour (from USD 159.0)

Experience the best of both worlds that the Leavenworth Valley has to offer. Take a ride along the might white waters at the Wenatchee River and get your adrenaline pumping while passing breathtaking sceneries. Following an adventurous day, tuck into a succulent sirloin steak at a BBQ launch before heading out on a 3-hour bus tour visiting some of the most picturesque vineyards sampling superb wines on the way. Who says you cant have the best of both worlds.

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Seattle: 6-Hour Wenatchee White Water Rafting and Wine Tour

Duration: 6 hours

8. Sailing Adventure on the Puget Sound (from USD 149.0)

Experience Seattle from a new perspective on this 3-hour sailing expedition. Let the sea set you free and allow the ocean breeze to kiss your skin as you bask in the splendour of the magnificent natural views and cityscapes. The captain will introduce you to the world of sailing by providing personalised service and great stories about the adventures on the big open sea. Participants can marvel at the views of Olympic Mountains, Downtown Seattle, The Great Wheel and much more. Nature lovers can catch glimpses of the diverse sea-life such as seals, sea lions, porpoises with rare sightings of Southern Resident Orcas and Humpback Whales.

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Sailing Adventure on the Puget Sound

Duration: 3 hours

9. Seattle Puzzling Adventure (from USD 34.0)

If you’re in search of the perfect outdoor activity for the whole family, then this self-guided tour is exactly what you are looking for. Puzzling Adventures incorporates the thrill of The Amazing Race and a scavenger hunt to provide participants with endless hours of sun-kissed memories. This tour allows guests to soak in the sights, sounds and tastes of the various locations that you will visit. Participants have an opportunity to eat, drink or sightseeing before heading on to the next destination, however, not before answering a series of trivia questions.

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Seattle Puzzling Adventure

Duration: 1 to 3 hours

10. Outdoor Trivia Race in Seattle (from USD 18.0)

outdoor trivia race in seattle
Source: www.viator.com

What better way to learn about Seattle’s International District and explore its come-hither nooks and crannies than a fun-filled scavenger hunt through the area? This self-guided tour requires you to use your smartphone and your wit to locate interesting sites and answer bizarre trivia questions all in the hopes of saving the lives of people in an impending outbreak. At each outbreak station, you will need to answer questions about blood rain, long tongues, booty calls and much more. Answer right and you save a life, answer wrong, and people die. This tour will introduce you to the hidden gems of Seattle and allow you to appreciate the lesser-known wonders of the area.

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Outdoor Trivia Race in Seattle

Duration: 90 minutes

Experience the best of Seattle

There is a big, bold and beautiful Seattle outdoors just waiting to be explored. So experience all the wonder Seattle has to offer with these top outdoor activities in the city.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Annelene is a marketing graduate with a zest for life and a passion for travel. She believes these things help bring new perspective, introduce new cultures and educate us about life.

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