This article appears in print in the June 2018 issue, as part of the "85 Best Outdoor Adventures" cover story. Click here to subscribe.
ZIP-LINING
> Fly through the trees via six different zip lines with Canopy Tours NW on this Camano Island farm (Camano Island, 332 NE Camano Drive; 360.387.5807; $65‒$103).
RAFTING
> Get your whitewater thrills on the Skykomish River with Alpine Adventures (Gold Bar, 221 Croft Ave. W; 800.723.8386; $74‒$154), based in Gold Bar, just one hour from Seattle.
GET YOUR KICKS: Zip-lining on Camano Island. Photo courtesy of Canopy Tours NW
STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING (SUP)
> Surf the freighter waves in Puget Sound on an SUP with the experts at Seattle-based Salmon Bay Paddle (meet at Shilshole Bay; 206.465.7167; $199‒$399).
DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN BIKING
> Stevens Pass Bike Park (Summit at Stevens Pass, U.S. Hwy. 2; 206.812.4510; $43‒$249) gives you an adrenaline-rush ride. Rent a bike and protective gear, ride the lift up and scream down in a hurry.
PARAGLIDING
> Jump off Poo Poo Point on Issaquah’s Tiger Mountain and soar over trees and valley. If you’re nervous about flying solo, go for a tandem ride with Seattle Paragliding (Issaquah, 11206 Issaquah-Hobart Road SE; 206.387.3477; $225‒$2,650).
KITEBOARDING
> Learn to fly across the water on a kiteboard with the masters at Urban Surf (Wallingford, 2100 N Northlake Way; 206.545.9463; $100‒$510).
SKYDIVING
> If you’ve dreamed of jumping from an airplane, Skydive Snohomish (Snohomish, 9906 Airport Way; 360.568.7703; from $225) will help you experience free fall close to home.
GET YOUR KICKS: Ride the Puget Sound’s freighter waves on a stand-up paddle board. Photo by John Kwon
ROCK CLIMBING
> Little Si near North Bend is a hub for Seattle’s rock climbing fans. Get started with Pro Guiding Service (North Bend, 108 W North Bend Way; 425.888.6397; $150‒$920) and get ready for some hang time.