Des Moines, Washington
Top Spots in and near Des Moines
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Seattle, Washington
Paddle Lake Union
4.6As the sun sets over Queen Anne Hill, there are few better places to be in Seattle than Lake Union. Sitting just 2 miles from downtown Seattle, the Lake is a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. No matter the season, catching a sunset and dusk on the lake is absolutely stunning. U...Read more -
Seattle, Washington
Washington Park Arboretum Loop Trail
5.02.4 mi / 197 ft gainThe Washington Park Arboretum is the perfect place to swing through if you're looking for a short and gentle trail run without leaving the city. This expansive park includes the UW Botanic Gardens, Japanese Gardens, entire length of the Arboretum Creek - all landmarks you'll pass on this trail. ...Read more -
Seattle, Washington
Kayak the Washington Arboretum Loop
4.0Situated just southeast from the shores of the University of Washington, the Washington Arboretum Loop is a short yet gorgeous paddling excursion. What it lacks in length, it more than makes up for in its peaceful escape from the city and its beautiful path carved out through fields of lily pads....Read more -
Seattle, Washington
Night Photography at Gasworks Park
4.8Everyone knows Gasworks Park for its awesome views of downtown Seattle. A great spot during anytime of the year, the park is even beautiful at night, when you can see reflections of the city lights in Lake Union. Make sure you bring a tripod to capture some awesome long exposure images!During the...Read more -
Seattle, Washington
Lighthouse and Discovery Park Loop
5.04.27 mi / 384 ft gainThis Beautiful park in Seattle offers up gorgeous views of Puget Sound. The park has an easy to follow loop, which is about 4.5 miles. There are easy offshoots of the loop if you're looking to get a little extra distance. Keep an eye out for Hidden Valley Trail and North Beach Trail if you're up ...Read more -
Issaquah, Washington
West Tiger #3 (Cable Line Trail)
4.76 mi / 2051 ft gainIf you're looking for something with low-grade steepness, you're not going to find it here. Gaining over 2,000' in under 2 miles to the summit, this isn't for the faint of heart. The trail exists because of a buried cable, which has since been exposed and which you can see near the top of the t...Read more -
Seattle, Washington
Loop Trail - Discovery Park
3.5 mi / 200 ft gainThe Loop Trail in Discovery Park offers a nice respite from the city, with views of the Puget Sound, open fields and forest. Given it's a loop, there are a couple of different options to begin the hike. The most common is to park at the East Visitor Center Parking lot and take a short connector t...Read more -
Seattle, Washington
Discovery Park Beach
4.32.39 mi / 535 ft gainDiscovery Park and its beach area great for walking, running, photography, and taking in a sunset. If you want to put your feet in the sand, head down to the western most part of the park. This beach is a sand beach with an iconic lighthouse at the end. Dirftwood also washes up on the beach provi...Read more -
33317 Southeast Green River Gorge Road, Washington
Explore the Green River Gorge
3.5The Franklin Ghost Town trailhead is just a large muddy lot, surrounded by no trespassing signs. When you pull in you will see signs for a $5 day use fee, just fill out the form and drop it in the box. There are two trails that leave the lot, one heads down to the river and is probably a mile rou...Read more -
Black Diamond, Washington
Hike Franklin Ghost Town
Visited here in August and the water was possibly the coldest I've ever swam in. A great half-day trip as the hikes are easy and the spots are quick to get to. The falls are located just to side of the road with a couple of different places to park. There's a $5 or $10 entrance/parking fee. A gre...Read more -
Seattle, Washington
Swim at Green Lake
2.3Green Lake is one of Seattle’s most beloved parks. Its expanse of water and green space in the center of a dense urban neighborhood draws thousands of people daily from all over the city. The park serves as a natural preserve for hundreds of species of trees and plants, as well as numerous birds ...Read more -
Seattle, Washington
Run The Green Lake Park Loop
4.0Looping around a freshwater lake surrounded by tranquil natural scenery, Green Lake Park trail is considered by many to be Seattle’s go-to running spot. I love it because it’s an urban run that doesn’t feel like one. It’s especially popular with beginning runners and the after-work/weekend crowd....Read more -
Issaquah, Washington
Grand Ridge Trail
4.07.51 mi / 1125 ft gainThe trail system in the 1,300 acre Grand Ridge Park can currently can be accessed from two lots: High Point and Central Park, with a new lot at Duthie Hill still under construction. To get to the High Point lot take exit 20 off of I-90 (coming from Seattle), take a left and pass under the freewa...Read more -
Ravensdale, Washington
Whitewater Raft the Green River Gorge
5.0The Green River Gorge is one of the best whitewater options within an hour of the Seattle area. This beautiful scenic rocky gorge offers 14 miles of class III-IV whitewater and lots of great play spots for rafters and kayakers. This section of river is often boated in the late fall, winter, and s...Read more -
Seattle, Washington
Golden Gardens Park
4.5Golden Gardens Park is a beautiful, sandy gem that’s perfect for spending a sunny summer day lounging on the beach, exploring the shore, stand up paddling, or even playing beach volleyball. This park also features some of my favorite views in Seattle. As day turns to night, enjoy a beautiful suns...Read more -
Issaquah, Washington
Mountain Bike Duthie Hill
4.76 mi / 130 ft gainDuthie Hill is a premier and beautifully designed mountain bike park set in lush douglas firs and western hemlock forests . Created and maintained by the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance (evergreenmtb.org) with the help of King County and volunteers, Duthie Hill although open to hikers, is 100% s...Read more