More than a decade ago, before the Amazon invasion, Seattle was a community of the great outdoors. Nature lovers moved here from mountain and college towns to enjoy the Emerald City’s creative energy, while envisioning a future that blended thriving diversity with nearby adventure: the real mountains, saltwater islands, and forested trails all within an hour or so of the city. But Seattle has changed.
The construction crane is now its official bird, and a boomtown economy has brought thousands of prosperous tech immigrants, displacing many mountain-culture denizens. Brutal traffic means a weeknight bike ride can become an epic struggle long before you even reach the trailhead. The mountains still loom, but they are figuratively farther away.
Camp Long
This odd little camp in the city limits was carved out as a venue for Boy Scouts to learn camping and mountaineering skills. It’s an amble through the past, with an old-school climbing rock, hiking trails, campfire rings, and rustic cabins, as well as programs led by a staff of naturalists.
The Beaches
Emerald Waters Anglers in West Seattle is fly-shop gold, and its guides lead fishing trips around the state of Washington and the world. The shop also hosts free learn-to-cast clinics, readings and events. The super-local, under-heralded fishing spot they will share is the beaches of Puget Sound. The two species to target there are runs of pink salmon in odd numbered years and the sea-run cutthroat trout. The point at idyllic Lincoln Park is the place to start.
The Islands
For a quick exit, highbrow Bainbridge Island and “hippiebrow” Vashon Island are short ferry rides from the city. They are also ripe with serious out-and-back roadie loops (grind out the 53-kilometre [33-mile] Chilly Hilly route on Bainbridge) or overnight bike-camping missions. Fay Bainbridge Park is a prime weeknight beach camp spot with a view of the Seattle skyline. Vashon also hosts fly-fishing, woodsy walks, and a network of newly rebuilt bike trails—and lots of counterculture Airbnbs for stringing up your hammock and fantasizing about your exit plan.
