OUTDOOR RECREATION
Seattle receives a lot of national press on the area's outdoorsy reputation. The residents of the Puget Sound region are blessed with beautiful waters to sail, mountains to climb, trails to ride and parks to explore - all in a climate that allows year-round enjoyment.

Bicycling
Pedal the Burke-Gilman trail, ride the Redmond Velodrome, race the annual Seattle-to-Portland (STP), or hit the trails on Tiger Mountain. The Seattle area is perfect for all biking personalities.

Golfing
The Puget Sound area is home to more than 125 public golf courses. The mild Seattle winters allow most of these courses to remain open year-round. For those who want to avoid the rain, or who just don't have the time for a round of golf, visit one of Seattle's 26 driving ranges.

Hiking and Camping
With the Cascade Range and the Olympic mountains within an hour or two of Seattle, hiking and camping are popular weekend activities. Pick up a hiking guide at local bookstores, or contact one of the area's hiking organizations.

Running
Running reigns supreme in Seattle. The biggest challenge for some is finding a flat course. At the downtown waterfront during lunch time, around Green Lake after work, along Shilshole Bay at sunset - if you like to run, there's a route that meets your training requirements.

Sailing
The Puget Sound climate permits sailing 12 months of the year. It's not unusual to see sailors clad in bright yellow rain gear in the dead of winter. Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca provide a beautiful cruising ground - from the gunkholer's paradise of the southern Sound to the island-hopping pleasures of the San Juans.

Winter Sports
Although the city itself rarely gets more than a dusting of snow, there is great skiing in the Cascades, a mere hour's drive from the city. Western Washington ski areas include:

Alpental/Ski Acres/Snoqualmie Summit, 45 minutes east of Seattle;
Crystal Mountain, southeast of Seattle near Mount Rainier;
Mount Baker, three hours northeast of Seattle;
Steven's Pass, 1 1/2 hours east of Seattle;
and White Pass, located east of Mount Rainier.