Hike a favorite trail in the Cascade Mountains, then enjoy Seattle’s iconic waterfront
Welcome to Seattle! This morning, meet your guides and fellow travelers at our hotel for introductions and a brief orientation before setting off on our first adventure, hiking in the Central Cascade Mountains. Spanning over 700 miles from Northern California to Southern British Columbia, the Cascade Range is the spine of the Pacific Northwest and a backyard playground for nature-loving Seattleites. Our guides will choose which hike we do based on trail conditions at time of departure. All trail options provide the perfect introduction to the famed beauty of the Cascades, while still being within an hour from downtown Seattle.
One endearing quality of the Seattle area is how quickly one can go from snow-covered peaks to the shores of the beautiful Puget Sound. We'll take full advantage of our geographic blessings by exploring Seattle's waterfront with a ride on the famous Big Wheel, taking in the views of sailboats, ferries, the city skyline, and the Olympic Mountain range. After a tasty Northwest-inspired meal, it's a short walk to our home-away-from-home, the Edgewater Hotel, where you can sip on a tasty cocktail, jam on a complimentary rental guitar, or simply enjoy the stunning view across Elliott Bay. Lunch and dinner included.
Hiking: up to 7.5 miles; Elevation gain/loss: up to 2,400'; Transfer: 2 hours.
E-Bike along the gently rolling hills of charming Bainbridge Island
Our first destination this morning is Pier 52, where we board a Washington State Ferry for a short but scenic 35-minute cruise to Bainbridge Island. Known for its scenic vistas, charming culture, rich history, and beautiful outdoor spaces, Bainbridge Island offers a quintessential PNW island experience right out Seattle's front door. To make the most of our time on the island we'll explore its enchanting nooks, crannies, and quiet country roads by e-bike, which will allow us to cover more ground while still feeling connected to our surroundings. An e-bike fitting, and orientation will be conducted after disembarking the ferry in the quaint village of Winslow, where our ride begins. We'll spend the rest of the day cycling through the gorgeous and varied terrain of Bainbridge Island. From the rocky shores of the Puget Sound to the lush forests of the island's interior, our carefully curated ride provides an exceptional taste of all this charming oasis has to offer. All meals included.
Cycling: up to 23 miles, elevation gain/loss: up to 900'.
Kayak from the fresh water of Lake Union to the seaside sanctuary of Golden Gardens via the Ballard Locks
A multisport adventure to Seattle isn't complete without a visit to one of its most famous and historic landmarks: the Ballard Locks. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, the Ballard Locks were constructed in 1917 and became one of the most significant factors in shaping the geography of the city we see today. We'll start our journey to the locks in Lake Union where the city's famous Fisherman's Terminal was built by the Port of Seattle in 1914. As we kayak through the surrounding marinas and boatyards the still-thriving culture of Seattle's fishing industry can be witnessed firsthand. Shortly thereafter we reach the locks, where we're guided through the intricate water-transfer chamber by a Lock Master and Attendants. After successful passage through the locks, we'll kayak through Shilshole Bay, well known as prime habitat for a wide array of birds and sea life. Nearby, along the sandy shores of Golden Gardens we'll enjoy a celebratory final lunch together before retracing our kayak route back through the locks. We'll wrap up our adventure later this afternoon back at the Edgewater, where we say our final farewells to new friends and the beautiful city of Seattle. Breakfast and lunch included.
Kayaking: 4-5 hours.
