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The Best of Summer in Washington: Activities, Trails & More
As a certified Washingtonian I may be a little biased, but summer in Washington is unmatched. I have created a compilation post to prove it. My summer favorites list includes the best things to do in Seattle, amazing summer hikes, summer camping and hiking gear, and certified granola fits built for sunshine.
The long summer days make it easy to start your day early with a good cup of coffee and stay up well into the warm summer nights.
From hiking up mountain peaks to lounging on the coast whale watching, there is something for everyone hoping to enjoy every drop of sunshine. Let’s get into it!
Just a heads up! This post contains affiliate links which means I could earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Complete Guide to the Best of Summer in Washington
From watching the sunset on the Seattle Skyline at Gasworks Park to catching sunrise at High Rock outside of Mount Rainier National Park, your summer in Washington can have as much or as little adventure in it as you choose.
This guide will not only clue you into some of the best things to do and best trails to hit, but it will also make sure you have the right gear for the weather. Not to mention you’ll be showing up to your concert at Marymoor Park in true granola fashion.
This guide is broken into the following sections:
- Summer Things To Do in Seattle
- Best Summer Hikes in Washington
- Summer Hiking Clothes and Gear
- Best Summer Camping Gear
- Granola Summer Clothes and Accessories
Feel free to jump to what you’re looking for!
Outdoorsy Summer Things To Do In Seattle
Downtown Seattle comes alive on sunny days when the Olympic Mountains can be seen across the Puget Sound. While places like the Seattle Aquarium or the Seattle Art Museum are places I frequent in the rainier months, the Emerald City has so much more to offer.
Here is a short list of the best things to do in Seattle in Summer:
- Visit Woodland Park Zoo or Attend their Summer Outdoor Concert Series
- Mariners Game at T-Mobile Park
- Capitol Hill Block Party Music Festival
- Bonfire at Golden Gardens Park
- Paddleboard on Lake Washington
- Walk onto Bainbridge Island Ferry for a Day Trip
- Brewery Crawl in Ballard
- Read in Hammocks around Greenlake
- Bike the Burke Gilman Trail
- Rent Hot Tub Boats on Lake Union
If you’re looking to venture a little further outside of the city, visiting the San Juan Islands or one of the three National Parks in Washington make for a perfect summer day.
10 Best Summer Hikes in Washington
Washington has some incredible hikes and the summer months are the perfect time to hit the trail. At higher elevations in areas with heavy snowfall, snow tends to linger into late summer. This list includes a variety of trails from alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls, historical fire lookouts, and active volcanoes.
- Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls
- Lake Ann in Mount Baker Wilderness
- Mason Lake via Ira Springs Trail
- Naches Peak Loop and Tipsoo Lake
- Fremont Fire Lookout
- Grand Ridge in Olympic National Park
- Skyline Loop Trail in Mount Rainier National Park
- Granite Mountain
- Colchuck Lake
- Mount St. Helens Summit via Ptarmigan Trail
When hiking in the summer it is important to wear sturdy hiking boots, bring plenty of water, check trail conditions, and protect yourself from the sun.
Many of these trails require either a Discover Pass or Northwest Forest Pass. Please follow the seven leave no trace principles as you enjoy these trails to keep them in good condition for other fellow hikers to enjoy!
Summer Hiking Clothes and Gear
Summer hiking, especially in the Pacific Northwest, is all about breathable layers, protecting yourself from the sun and staying hydrated. Many of the trails at higher altitude are fully exposed to the sun so multiple forms of sun protection and plenty of water is a necessity.
Here is a short list of some of my favorite pieces of summer hiking clothes and gear for hitting the trails wherever you are but especially for hiking in Washington in summer months.
- Backcountry Tahoe Sunshirt Women’s | Men’s
- REI Trailmade Shorts Women’s | Men’s
- Buff Coolnet UV + Insect Shield
- Oboz Katabatic Mid Hiking Boot Women’s | Men’s
- Patagonia Outdoor Everyday Short
- Cotopaxi Tech 5-Panel Hat
- Darn Tough Bear Town Microcrew Socks
- Goodr Circle Gs Polarized Sunglasses
- Hydrapak Stow 500mL
- Nuun Electrolyte Drink Mix
If you have any questions about the gear mentioned above, feel free to drop a comment below. I’d love to help you get gear fit for your adventure!
Camping Gear Built for Summer Adventures
Summer camping is a time to sit back, relax, and enjoy a good book while swinging gently in your hammock. It is also a time to fight the heat and keep your food cold in your cooler and maximize a breeze when available. This is a short list of summer camping gear that are great for summer camping and summer car camping.
Gear specifically for car camping are designated with an asterix(*).
The best summer camping gear allows you to embrace the outdoors and all of its glory; whether it is your first camping trip or your hundredth. The items on this list were specifically chosen because they make for a good time in the great outdoors.
Granola Summer Clothes and Accessories
If you’ve made it this far, you likely already have the granola fit down already, but just in case, here is a list of fifteen clothing and accessory items to add to your crunchy wardrobe. Whether you’re looking to scream-sing Stick Season out of your rolled down car windows or challenge your friends to a heated game of Phase 10 at your favorite brewery, you’re bound to be looking your best.
- Patagonia Atom Sling
- Sunski Baia Polarized Sunglasses
- Teva Hurricane XLT2 Women’s | Men’s
- Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Women’s | Men’s
- Backcountry Tahoe Sunshirt Women’s | Men’s
- Kavu Organic Strap Hat
- Patagonia Baggies Women’s | Men’s
- Bandits Bandana
- Rumpl Beer Blanket
- Patagonia Stand Up Overall
- Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Rain Jacket Women’s | Men’s
- Cotopaxi Tech Bucket Hat
- Stoic Tiny T Shirt(Women’s) | Stoic Relax T Shirt (Men’s)
- Kavu Beer Buddy
- Darn Tough Lightweight Critter Socks
All it takes is a stellar pair of sunglasses, a five panel hat, fun print bandana and a pair of sandals to make any outfit just a little more granola. I hope you enjoy my list of summer favorites!
Pack It Up
Summer is one of the most anticipated seasons for many. The days are longer, the nights are warmer, and the opportunity to spend more time outside increases. In this overarching guide to adventure in Seattle and Washington in Summer, I hope you found inspiration to get outside and get outside in granola style.
Meet the Author -
Sarah Borgen
I am an Educator and outdoor Enthusiast based out of Seattle and writer of Exploren Borgen! My adventures consist of weekends spent in the woods, on a hike, car camping, and taking a deep breath of fresh air. When not on an adventure, you can find me in a classroom teaching high school science! I love having a job that allows me to the opportunity to discuss things like conservation, sustainability, and accessibility.
The Ultimate Washington Map
Endless adventures, all at your fingertips
If you’ve ever wished you could access my adventure journals to uncover notes about hundreds of Washington destinations, now’s your chance. I spend an entire year creating this interactive map to make adventure more accessible. You can sort, filter, and explore my notes on hundreds of trails, breweries, campgrounds, and more.
Have a question? Put it in a comment and I'll get back to ya!
Meet the author
Sarah Borgen, AKA your outdoor bestie
I’m an outdoorsy educator and adventure advocate, which is why I’m passionate about creating resources – like blogs, guides, and interactive maps – to simplify your travels. I’m eager to share some of Washington’s greatest destinations and hidden gems with you.
