From lush temperate rainforests and rugged coastlines to alpine meadows and glacier-capped peaks, the Pacific Northwest is home to an abundance of diverse state and national parks. During select holidays throughout the year, entrance to some parks are free. These fee-free days provide a great opportunity to visit a new place or an old favorite.
Some groups, including veterans, older adults, and foster families, are also eligible to receive free or discounted passes to national and state parks.
The Nature at the University of Washington Directory includes different ways to connect with nature on campus, including gardens, forest bathing spots, campus tree tours, Indigenous walking tours, and natural areas such as Union Bay Natural Area and Yesler Swamp.
- Campus Tree Tours
About 570 different kinds of trees beautify the University of Washington grounds. The campus tree tour website provides the dates of upcoming guided tree tours, which are free and open to the public.
- Forest Bathing
Forest Bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, is a simple relaxation activity for people of all ages to de-stress and boost their health and well-being. The UW Forest Bathing Maps highlight spaces for forest bathing at UW Bothell, UW Seattle, and UW Tacoma.
- Indigenous Walking Tour
Owen Oliver (Quinault Indian Nation and Isleta Pueblo) created a walking tour of UW’s Seattle campus, highlighting the Indigenous presence on campus, including the Burke Museum, wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ Intellectual House, Miller Hall, Union Bay Natural Area and Preserve, University of Washington Medicinal Garden, Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center, and Husky Union Building.
- Union Bay Natural Area
The Union Bay Natural Area is a public wildlife area, natural restoration laboratory, and an important habitat next to Lake Washington. At 74 acres, with 4 miles of shoreline, it is the second largest natural system left on the lake. Considered one of the best bird-watching sites in the city of Seattle, over 200 species of birds have been sighted here. Some long-time residents call this area the Montlake Fill. It is managed by UW Botanic Gardens to maintain and enhance plants, wildlife and landscape values while serving as an outdoor laboratory for research, teaching and public service.
- Yesler Swamp
Yesler Swamp is located on the east side of the Center for Urban Horticulture, and is part of the Union Bay Natural Area. A walking loop through the swamp takes you on a boardwalk to the edge of Lake Washington and the site of the old pier of the Yesler Sawmill.
Trailhead Direct is a seasonal bus service that brings hikers to popular trails, including Mount Teneriffe, Mount Si, and Little Si. The program seeks to ease congestion, provide an eco-friendly transportation, and expand access to popular hiking destinations for those without cars. Round-trip fare costs $5.50, and hikers do not need a Discover Pass.
Spending time in nature is like hitting the reset button for both body and mind. There’s something magical about breathing in the fresh air, feeling the sun on your skin, and listening to the rustle of leaves or the flow of a stream. It’s not just about the views; it’s about reconnecting with ourselves. Physically, nature offers a natural gym with its hiking trails, climbing spots, and open spaces perfect for all kinds of activities. Mentally, it’s a sanctuary where stress seems to evaporate, replaced by a sense of calm and clarity. Research backs it up, showing that time spent in nature can lower blood pressure, reduce cortisol levels, and boost mood. So, whether it’s a leisurely stroll in the park or a rugged hike in the mountains, making time for nature is essential for our well-being.