Outdoor Activities and Recreation

This is a park with a small footpath that takes you down to Shadow Lake. The trumpeter swans mostly stay to the other side of the lake, but are easy to view, especially if you bring binoculars or a long camera lens. It's fun to watch the swans take off in the morning.

We've posted a hike along the trail here on one of our routes pages.

The Summit at Snoqualmie is the closest ski resort to Seattle.

Crystal mountain has Mt. Rainier views and over 2600 acres of terrain for skiing.

Small island is about five miles off the west coast of Whidbey Island. Smith Island is a protected aquatic reserve. boats must keep a certain distance from shore to protect the wildlife there.

Notable species found here are tufted puffins, rhinocerous auklets, rockfish and bull kelp. But you might also see harbor seals and sea lions on shore, cormorants, and glaucous wing gulls.

Turtleback Mountain is a great place to hike and bird watch. The South trail is pedestrian-only. Take the hike up from here to Ship's Peak for a great view -- and great views on the way as well. Be prepared to stop and enjoy.