Healthy ideas for your inbox
Summer in Seattle is hard to beat: Long, clear days that are warm but not humid and endless opportunities to play outside, from urban lakes to alpine peaks.
If you’re looking to maximize your time in the sun — before the Big Dark inevitably returns — we’ve got some ideas for you, both adventurous and more chill.
Try trail running in Issaquah
The perfect way to beat the heat and get in a great workout is to go on a trail run. What is trail running, you ask? The same as normal running, just on unpaved terrain and often in the mountains. Being at higher elevations and in the shade of trees means that it’s often significantly cooler than the middle of the city.
Be careful, though, and build yourself up: Trail runs often include a lot more elevation gain and unpredictable obstacles than a normal run (think roots, rocks and mud). Start slow, and there’s no shame in turning your trail run into a hike. A great place to start? The Issaquah Alps (aka Cougar, Squak and Tiger Mountains) in the foothills of the Cascades offer 200 miles of trail options for all levels, only 30 minutes or so from Seattle.
… Or hit an urban trail
If trail running in the backcountry isn’t for you, the Puget Sound Area has plenty of urban trail options, both paved and unpaved, to get that runner’s high without needing to go far. Try the 42-mile Eastrail, which follows an old rail corridor from Woodinville all the way down to Renton. And Seward Park, in southeast Seattle, boasts both forested trails in the interior part of the park and a paved trail around the perimeter with nonstop views of Lake Washington.
Cool off in the water
Speaking of Lake Washington, there’s no better place to cool off during the peak of summer. Public beaches and docks line Seattle’s lakes, but be careful: Check King County’s swimming beach map for unhealthy levels of bacteria and water temperatures, and only swim where there are lifeguards — Washington lakes and rivers can still be dangerously cold in June and July. Finally, don't dive headfirst if you don’t know how deep the water is, and if you’re hitting the water on a boat, don’t forget a life jacket, even if you’re experienced.
… Or grab a book instead
Don’t feel like getting wet? Grab a book and a camp chair and take in the summer vibes from the shade of a tree. Turns out, reading helps your mood and your brain function.
Bag a peak in the Cascades
Seattleites live next to some of the most stunning mountains in the country. If you want to go explore them, there are endless options, from entry-level hikes to absolute butt-kickers. Just make sure not to skip training and build up your leg strength, endurance and balance first. Oh, and don’t forget the 10 essentials.
… Or just take a ruck around the neighborhood
Not trying to spend a whole day driving to a hike? Grab a backpack and head out your front door for a ruck, aka a walk with a weighted bag. This fitness trend has boomed among busy city-dwellers looking to get the most out of their dog walk or neighborhood explorations. The extra pounds on your back will increase the aerobic intensity of your stroll while adding some strength training for your legs and core.
Grab a golf club
Seattle is home to some of the best municipal golf courses in the region, from challenging 18-hole links to accessible par 3’s, right in the heart of the city. The best part? Golf is a great workout, totaling more than 4 miles of walking and 1,200 burned calories if you don’t use a cart.
… Or a pickleball paddle
Still not convinced golf is your thing? Try a sport invented right here in the Pacific Northwest: pickleball. It’s like a combination of tennis and ping pong, and the Puget Sound area has an exploding number of courts hosting games. It’s a stellar workout and a great way to meet new friends, to boot.
However you choose to get out there this summer, make sure to stay safe in the hot weather: keep hydrated, avoid the hottest time of day and don’t forget sunscreen.
