10 Best Bike Tours in the U.S.

Boulder is blessed with a bounty of incredible adventures right in its backyard. Whether exploring the majestic Flatirons, touring the canyons or wandering the foothills, there’s a new side of the city waiting to be discovered around every corner. From the bat cave to Boulder creek, here’s a solid hit list of our favorite must do adventures. 1. Hike the Guardians of the Flatirons Descending South Boulder Peak en route to Bear Peak. James DziezynskiThe three summits that tower above the Flatirons—Green Mountain 8,150 ft., Bear Peak 8,461 ft., and South Boulder Peak 8,549 ft.—can be connected in a variety of ways for an epic day adventure. Expect a good 5,000+ feet of total elevation gain if done as a point to point (about 6.7 miles by the most direct route starting at Gregory Canyon and ending at the South Mesa Trailhead). If you want to make a full loop, the Mesa Trail skirts the base of the trio. Plot your favorite route by using the City of Boulder’s Mountain Parks interactive map . 2. Road Bike Left Hand Canyon to Ward A spring ride up Left Hand Canyon. OK, so Lance Armstrong’s reputation may be slightly tarnished, but nonetheless, one of his favorite training rides when he lived in Boulder is still one of Colorado’s classic canyon climbs . From the Green Briar Inn on Hwy. 36, it’s 16 miles and over 4,000 vertical feet to the odd little town of Ward. To avoid Hwy. 36 altogether, start your ride at Lee Hill Drive and connect into Left Hand Canyon for a few bonus hills. Despite the intimidating stats, most of the climb is gradual on a paved road with a wide shoulder—just watch out for the steep push during the last mile to Ward! 3. Go to the Bat Gates of Mallory Cave At the gates of Mallory Cave. Audra OgilvyMallory Cave is a roosting spot for Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat, a likable fellow who does his part to gobble as many mosquitoes as his tiny belly can hold. Boulder gated off Mallory Cave to protect this important bat habitat. Rather than just install a bland barrier, the city opted to put up a decorative iron gate that is worth seeing. Mallory Cave is a fun hike with a nifty scramble up to the gate itself. Batman shirt optional but preferred. 4. Climb the Third Flatiron Midway up the Third Flatiron. Clare RedaThe sustained 5.4 climbing on the third Flatiron offers 1,300 vertical feet of trad climbing goodness. Usually done in eight pitches, this classic route is a great introduction to multi-pitch climbing as well as a fun place for experienced climbers to get a solid climbing workout on one of the most amazing features in Boulder. There are plenty of other variations as well for those looking to ascend via routes other than the standard East Face. If you're looking for a local Boulder guide to help you up, try Vetta Mountain Guides . 5. Mountain Bike Heil and Hall Ranch in a Day The rock garden at Hall Ranch. Robert TadlockStarting at the Left Hand Canyon entrance to Heil Ranch , mountain bikers can link Heil’s fun, intermediate trails via the Picture Rock Trail all the way into the town of Lyons, where a 1-mile bit of paved road leads to Hall Ranch . Hall’s notorious rock garden along the Bitterbrush Trail offers some of the best technical riding in the Front Range—the speedy lollipop loop that follows is pure biking bliss. The most straightforward route out and back starting from Heil Ranch will take strong bikers 4-5 hours and cover over 35 miles. On hot summer days, many riders opt to refill their hydration systems by carrying a water filter and restocking at the St. Vrain River along the way. 6. Mountain Bike the Betasso - Sugarloaf Challenge Betasso Preserve... the easy part of the challenge! James DziezynskiRiders who want to combine trail and road (29ers, I’m looking at you) should give this burly tour a go. Park at Betasso Preserve and start your day with a tour of Canyon and Benjamin Loops. That’s the warm up. Head back down to Boulder Canyon (either by the road or via the Connector Trail) and head towards Magnolia Road. Get ready for 4 miles of sustained, paved climbing that averages a 9.1% grade and has switchbacks that are over 20% steep! At the top of the hill, there are still 8 miles of rolling dirt road to reach Peak to Peak Highway (Hwy. 72). After climbing more than 2,400 vertical feet, turn north on Peak to Peak to the town of Lyons (a great place to stop for lunch). Resume your tour by continuing on Peak to Peak until it connects with Sugar Loaf Road. More climbing awaits along dirt roads that eventually turn to pavement in the community of Sugar Loaf. A blazing, paved downhill will bring you back to the Betasso Preserve Road and completes the loop 38 miles later. Total climbing is over 4,000 feet. 7. Run from Marshall Mesa to Doudy Draw The trail from Doudy Draw to Flatirons Vista. James DziezynskiIn 2014, Boulder completed the Highway 93 Underpass that connects the Marshall Mesa network of trails with Community Ditch. The upshot was that two great trail systems became one—without a Frogger-style life-or-death street crossing across Highway 93 to connect the two. Runners can go for a quick jog or run their own personal marathon without seeing the same terrain twice. Oh yeah, and the views aren’t too shabby either. 8. Climb the Saddle Rock Ladder up Green Mountain The new ladder en route to Green Mountain's summit. City of BoulderThe Saddle Rock Trail was one of the hardest hit during the floods of 2013. There’s still extensive damage along the trail that nature is slowly healing and that in itself is worth a look. The City of Boulder added a long ladder on the upper trail to compensate for the washed out terrain. But it’s not just the novelty of the ladder, it’s also the chance to see a trail completely redesigned courtesy of the floods. Saddle Rock merges with the EM Greenman Trail that eventually tops out on Green Mountain for a 6 mile round trip with over 2,000 feet of vertical elevation gain. 9. Run the Bolder Boulder—In Costume Pick and theme and run with it! Mikaela WiremanWhat do Jesus, a human banana, dozens of vikings, and the Statue of Liberty have in common? They’ve all run the Bolder Boulder ! The city’s famous 10k event is well known for its costumed runners, not to mention the variety of fun distractions along the sidelines, from waterslides to Elvis impersonators. Why not put on your best disguise and give it a go? If a teletubby can do it, so can you! 10. Visit Royal Arch—Because You Can Royal Arch in all its glory UCFFoolBoulder’s humble Royal Arch must have felt very lonely in 2014. The steep trail to the natural sandstone bridge was closed for nearly a year following the 2013 floods and didn’t reopen until late summer in 2014. The city has worked hard to restore the trail and 2015 will be its first full year back in business (barring another flood, of course). Royal Arch’s round trip mileage is only 3.2 miles but offers a stiff climb over 1,200'. 11. Hike Sanitas on a Rainy or Snowy Day There aren't many crowds during a blizzard! James DziezynskiThe next time rain or snow comes to town (a somewhat rare event), why not gear up and head for Mount Sanitas ? The 6,843 ft. summit is especially glorious during a snowstorm and can feel like a much more remote peak when socked in by the elements. Fair weather hikes are fine but to really catch a new vibe off Boulder’s most climbed mountain, inclement weather paints a new portrait (avoid lightning storms of course). 12. Stand in the Flagstaff Star Go stand in the star! Avery StonichWhen December comes around, a hike up to Boulder’s venerable electric star on Flagstaff Road is a fun way to welcome in a new winter. There’s a good trail up Gregory Canyon if you prefer a hike (as opposed to just parking next to the thing and ambling up). Our feature story on the star offers a bit of history and directions. A photo in the star with your sweetie—or your dog—will be a keeper. 13. Explore Boulder’s Hidden Trails Can you find Boulder's hidden "micro Flatirons" in South Boulder? James DziezynskiEven locals have a hard time finding all of Boulder’s best trails. We compiled an earlier list of  Boulder’s 4 Hidden Trails , but there are many more waiting to be found. One of the most overlooked is the Anemone Trail, an open secret that shares the Centennial Trailhead with the much more popular Mount Sanitas. Looking for a real challenge? See if you can find Harmon Cave! 14. Have a Picnic on Davidson Mesa Davidson Mesa looking west. James DziezynskiDavidson Mesa is located on the border of Boulder in nearby Louisville. Besides having a nice fenced in dog park, the mesa itself has perhaps the very best views of the city of Boulder. Photographers enjoy the potential for stunning sunset and nighttime photos from the mesa, but it’s a pretty nice place for a picnic (or a trail run). Bring Fido and a good lunch, and marvel at the towering Flatirons and if you’re lucky, Longs Peak to the north on clear days. 15. Run the Boulder Creek Path from 28th Street to Four Mile Canyon Boulder Creek's venerable path. James DziezynskiOur final must-do is to jog the Boulder Creek Path four miles from Scott Carpenter Park to the trail’s current terminus up Boulder Canyon at Four Mile Canyon Road. As it follows the creek, this paved and gravel trail goes through the heart of Boulder from city to wilderness. And the great news is that the trail is being expanded to continue all the way up to Betasso’s Connector Trail in 2017. So you can say you ran it when it was only four miles, earning you some kind of old school Boulderite bragging rights. Written by James Dziezynski for RootsRated and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.

For two years, I worked toward a lofty life dream: to outfit a van and drive from California to Patagonia. By last winter, plans were finally coming to fruition. I quit my job, my boyfriend and I set a date to move out of our house, and our van was, well, a work in progress. But one month before we planned to leave, he called it quits on the trip—and ended our three-year relationship. With no job, no place to live, and a travel dream that seemed impossible to pursue solo, I felt pretty lost to say the least. But I still had a van, a serious case of wanderlust, and a dog. So I rolled with the changes and started the adventure anyway, with my 30-pound heeler mix as co-pilot. Rodi “Rodrigo” Herzog came into my life about a year prior to it turning upside down. He’s the kind of dog that wins over hearts with his rugged good looks and shameless penchant for cuddling, then turns a few heads by charging down trails and practically levitating over boulders. If Rodi could survive a puppyhood wandering the plains of rural Nevada on his own, he could survive living in a van with me. But I was a bit less sure about my van. Less than a quarter of the way outfitted at the time I decided to take the trip solo, my Sprinter came with more than a few faults: shattered windshield, balding tires, two out of four functioning doors, and more dents than a recycled beer can. For three weeks I worked at an unrelenting pace to get that sucker running and built out with the poorly-leveled plywood that I now call home. Van mostly functional, dog always primed for adventure, Rodi and I set off for a road trip of undetermined length, unspecified time, and half-baked purpose. Instead of heading south to Latin America, I decided to start east and figure out the journey one step at a time. Ten months, 24 states, and two countries later, we’re still on the move and still happily unsure of when and where we’ll land next. Nonetheless, life on the road with Rodi has taught me a thing or two about, well, life. Here are some of the quirks and perks of embarking on this type of travel with a dog. Embrace the fact that your dog will likely be more popular than you. Rodi keeps a lookout in Mt. Rainier National Park. Jenna Herzog Unless you walk around the campground passing out free IPAs and down jackets, most people will find your dog to be far more interesting than you—and they will want to quiz you about him, pet him, and hang out with him. Countless times now I’ve waltzed through the routine: guess what breed my mutt is, ask me how old he is, tell me that he looks like a coyote. After enough of these casual encounters turning into friendships and climbing partnerships, I readily accept that Rodi is my better half, and that if people want to strike up conversation with me just to sneak a few cuddles with a cute pup, then so be it. One August evening, I rolled into Oregon’s Smith Rock State Park campground after six hours of driving. I was tired, hungry, and a little unsure if this pit stop on my way to Yosemite would be worth it. In my weary and cranky state, I wanted nothing more than to curl up in bed and scarf down a Clif bar for dinner. Van door open, I was left with nothing but the sound of Rodi’s tags as he trotted away, likely lured by the smell of roasting sausages. Wandering out by headlamp to retrieve my begging dog, I was greeted by Rodi’s new friends, a group of climbers quick to offer me a seat at the picnic table, complete with a beer and brat. The next afternoon, I found myself with no plans and no climbing partners, so I embarked on my usual routine of walking around the crag with Rodi. At the very least, I get to see the climbs and Rodi gets an always-appreciated walk. Tail wagging, Rodi charged ahead to the open arms of a guy sitting on a bench watching his two friends climb. A few minutes later I was tying my figure-eight and chalking up to climb with them. Without Rodi, I probably would have walked right by without a word, feeling too shy to ask if I could join their party of three. A couple months later, I’ve now shared summits in three different states with one of the climbers I met that day—all thanks to my dog. Don’t swear off all national parks. Rodi has a dog’s eye view of some stunning alpine lakes in California. Jenna Herzog National parks in the U.S. are generally not the best places to go gallivanting around with a dog. In my experience, it all comes down to taking the time to research where a dog can and can’t go within a park’s boundaries and weighing that against what I hope to do while I’m there. Take Yosemite, for example. Since I spend most of my time traveling to rock climb, it’s no surprise that this park runs high on my list. My first time going to Yosemite Valley with Rodi, I had little faith that he could endure the place for long. Thankfully, I found that the paved walkways in the valley offer plenty of opportunity for scenic dog walks, albeit usually in the dark after I finish climbing for the day. And driving outside of the park to camp every night gives Rodi enough space to let out excess energy, which is well worth the few extra dollars in gas. Meanwhile, the much less-crowded Badlands National Park in South Dakota boasted one of the best camping deals for budget-conscious and dog-owning travelers: a wide open field with free camping where Rodi was welcome to enjoy the views too. If all else fails, the surrounding towns near national parks usually offer at least one option for doggy daycare or overnight lodging. Places like these have saved me a few headaches, allowing me to explore national parks for a day or two without worrying about Rodi. Know what your dog is capable of—and what’s too much. Rodi takes a break on one of his many trips up Stawamus Chief in Squamish, British Columbia. Jenna Herzog This is undoubtedly the biggest lesson I’ve learned overall as a dog owner, and one that Rodi and I regularly consolidate through experiences on the road. I’ve been able to travel with very few dog-related challenges not because Rodi is the perfect dog, but because I know his needs, fears, and tendencies. Knowing what Rodi can handle has made our travels run smoothly, and testing what Rodi can handle has made for good stories (and plenty of lessons learned). The time when a cop came knocking on the van door to tell us to move from our not-so-stealth and not-so-legal camping spot in small-town Montana, it was clear that Rodi’s Mom!-Alert!-Danger! howl was imminent. One stern stare and a whispered command to stay quiet was (surprisingly) all he needed to curl back up in his bed and let me do the talking. Afternoons spent romping around climbing crags in Utah? No problem. Tagging along for a few drinks at a bar in Tennessee? He’d never complain about that. Packrafting down Class II rapids in Colorado? Achievable and hilarious, but not his favorite. Attempting a Tyrolean traverse over a 200-foot-wide river with Rodi in a backpack? Well, that was a one-time thing. Accept that sometimes it takes a village. Proof that dogs get all the attention during a climbing session in Squamish, British Columbia. Jenna Herzog Taking care of a dog while constantly managing every other aspect of my nomadic life can get a little taxing without a travel partner. But, like most single dog moms and dads out there, I make it happen. The important thing I’ve realized is that most other travelers have a Vitamin D(og) deficiency, and since Rodi is friendly and generally low-maintenance, I’m doing them a favor by letting him fill that void. In Squamish, British Columbia, for example, my sights were set on multi-pitch climbs that required being off the ground for up to 10 hours at a time—too long to leave Rodi alone in the van. In these times of need, I turned to my community of fellow van-, truck-, and tent-dwelling climbers for a little help. It usually wouldn’t take more than five minutes of walking around the campground or the climbing area parking lots to find a group of new friends willing to hang out with Rodi for the day. They got to enjoy cuddles with my pup in between pitches at the crag; I had peace of mind knowing that Rodi wasn’t roasting away in our metal box of a home under the afternoon sun. Don’t leave home without ‘em. Rodi feeling right at home at the base of a climb near Moab, Utah. Jenna Herzog In the last 48 hours before leaving home, I wasn’t fantasizing about dream destinations, fretting over my lack of a steady job, or cursing how much cash I just dropped on new tires. Rather, my mind spun in circles wondering if it were smart, safe, or even possible to bring Rodi on the trip. I struggled to imagine how he would fit into my new, very uncertain lifestyle. Now, almost a year and more than 18,000 miles later, Rodi has been there with me through it all, never once back-seat driving, complaining about a camping spot, or getting grumpy after a few too many days without a shower. To me, he’s the ideal travel partner. On a deeper level, I credit Rodi with giving me the extra edge of confidence and much-needed companionship that has made it possible for me to travel “solo” for months on end. So here’s to Rodi, the pup whose playful spirit and unwavering affection helped push me out the door and into a life of adventure at a time when I had nothing to lose. Written by Jenna Herzog for RootsRated.

There is a string of mountains in Colorado I hold near and dear to my heart, where green high-alpine valleys dotted with wildflowers like confetti meet dizzying rock spires, and steep, grassy hillsides tumble into the shimmering waters of untouched lakes. The effort to reach this pristine wilderness is not for the faint of heart: Getting there often involves steep elevation gains, poorly maintained trails, or sometimes, no trail at all. It took me four years to find these spots, and I could spend a lifetime discovering every valley, ridgeline, and high alpine creek among them. This glorious sense of discovering something new is at the heart of exploring the wilderness, but it’s getting harder and harder to do these days. People are getting outdoors in record numbers, which is generally a positive, but one downside is the increasing difficulty of finding that "secret" spot that no one knows about. But it’s these very places that keep the adventure alive. Here, a few tricks to finding your secret wilderness spot. Start Training You’ll need to get in good fighting shape to conquer the necessary terrain in finding most secluded spots. Meg Atteberry Generally speaking, the more secret the spot, the more shape you’ll need to be in to find it. So before starting your quest to discover your wilderness hideaway, you’ll want to be prepared for longer distances and tougher terrain. As unromantic as it sounds, finding a great hideaway is a numbers game in many ways. If you’re able to hike longer, tougher trails, you’ll open up more terrain. Furthermore, you can outhike the crowds that plague many of the easier routes. Starting a training regimen can often feel tougher than the hike itself. Whatever method you choose (running, the gym, swimming), be sure to include plenty of hiking in the mix. Load up a heavy pack and hit the trail or treadmill. If you are confined to a treadmill, be sure to put the incline as high as possible to simulate those tough hills in the wilderness. Integrate this technique into your weekly training routine, and you’ll start seeing results in four to six weeks. Explore Often You aren’t going to find your wilderness Shangri-La from the confines of the couch. The more you explore a wilderness areas, the more apt you are to find that perfect camping nook or undiscovered mountain vista. A good place to start is an area that has a lot of hiking trails, such as a National Forest. Try creating your own custom route by connecting various trails. Investigate the road less traveled by hiking lesser-trafficked trails. This doesn’t always pay off, as some trails simply suck. However, you may discover a gateway to an idyllic perch or a secret fishing spot. Scouting trails not only helps you get a lay of the land, but it lets you keep tabs on a particular area. For example, my favorite wilderness area is well-known for its brutal elevation gains and downed trees. But those obstacles also work in my favor a bit by deterring less determined hikers. It also means I can count on a bit of suffering to explore new trails. Hone a Keen Eye for Clues You aren’t going to find pristine wilderness on a local Facebook group—these idyllic nooks and crannies are everyone’s private stock and they aren’t about to shout it over the internet. So you’ll have to do your own homework, starting with a good old-fashioned pen and paper. While you are out and about, keep tabs on backcountry campsites you find. Jot down important notes such as mileage, difficulty, and a description of each site. If you travel with a digital GPS, you can mark your position on a map. Keep your eyes peeled in unlikely places, such as Jeep roads and remote destinations. Sometimes a great camping spot is right near the road, but you have to walk in for a bit. Instead of passing an area by, get out of your vehicle and sniff around. With a little practice, you’ll learn how to spot a potential site by using your instinct. Don’t be afraid of using a topo map. Topo maps give valuable insight into terrain and navigation. When you’re planning your trip, be sure to spend plenty of time examining terrain using tools such as CalTopo and Google Earth. The Best Spot May Be Around the Next Bend A little bit of persistence can make a big difference in finding your secret spot. Meg Atteberry I’ve found beautifully secluded peaks right in plain sight. Sometimes, all you need to do to find them is be willing to keep going. For example, after you set up camp, do a little exploring around your campsite. You may be sharing that gorgeous high-alpine lake, but you just might be the only one climbing that steep ridge for the better view. With a little extra effort, you discover stunning landscapes that everyone else is missing, right under their nose. Get Off the Trail Sometimes, the best spots aren’t near a trail at all. With a little compass know-how and navigation expertise, you can explore virtually any point on the map. Use your navigation skills to plan a cross-country or off-trail route to discover truly unspoiled terrain. This technique requires a healthy bit of backcountry know-how and plenty of safety preparation. Always leave your planned route, with a GPX file if possible, with someone you trust. Be sure to let them know where you are going, what you are doing, when you plan on being back, and what to do if something goes wrong. You can also try starting with an area you are extremely familiar with. Plan your route in an easy-to-navigate area, such as a place with a predominant land marker so you can orient yourself quickly. Wherever You Go, Leave No Trace Wherever you find your secret spot, be sure to treat it with respect and follow LNT principles. Meg Atteberry Remember, always follow Leave No Trace principles when traveling over backcountry terrain. Don’t disrupt the environment and be sure to camp on durable surfaces, such as dirt patches, rock, sand, and gravel. Avoid stomping or camping on vegetation. If you are in an area with lichen or other bio soils, be sure to not tramp or camp on them. Lastly, if you are in a larger group, fan out over delicate terrain in order to avoid tamping down a trail. With a some effort and a sense of adventure you can uncover your perfect wilderness hideaway. Get out and start exploring—you never know what you’ll discover, and where. Written by Meg Atteberry for RootsRated.

Winter’s arrival in Seattle may mean gray skies, chilly temperatures, and shorter days—but the cold season doesn’t mean a shortage of fun for those of us who love adventures in the outdoors. From snowy peaks to holiday festivities, now that it is December some of the area’s best perks are ready to be taken advantage of in the months ahead. Here, our top recommendations for winter adventures in Seattle, from an icy plunge in Pontiac Bay, to snowshoeing in the North Cascades, so you can get the most out of the season this year. 1. Night ski at Snoqualmie Pass. Just an hour’s drive from downtown, The Summit at Snoqualmie is Seattle’s most convenient way to get a quick fix of powder. And if you want to really maximize your time on the slopes, visit at night: It will mean less time in line, so in just a few hours you’ll feel as if you’ve gotten in a full day. The Summit stays open until 10 pm, so it's also a great way to get in a mid-week adventure after work. 2. Go for a run in your holiday best. We know you've been waiting all year to bring out your holiday rally. RVWithTito.com Nothing makes a footrace festive like the collective jingling of bells tied to the feet of fellow runners. Join for Jingle Bell walk/run, Run Run Rudolph 5K, or Street Scramble at the Market, and you’ll get in the holiday spirit while dashing through a sea of Santa hats. 3. Chow down at Winter Feast. One of Seattle’s favorite outdoor markets, the Fremont Market, held every Sunday, is a perfect place to pick up last-minute holiday gifts. Come December 13, you’ll be able to sample the local grub, too, as 20 food trucks will be parked near the  Burke-Gilman , serving up delicious dishes at the annual Winter Feast . 4. Soak up the lights at Leavenworth. Holiday lights add some extra festive flair to Leavenworth. Travel Weaver LLC Leavenworth is not only a kitschy Bavarian-themed tourist town but also the launching pad for weekend excursions full of climbing, hiking, or biking in the summer, and snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter. Come see it during Bavarian Icefest, held MLK weekend, January 17-18, and the village will take on an extra-festive flair. You'll be able to make snow sculptures, sled, and see fireworks from the village decked out in lights. 5. Take the Polar Bear Plunge. Take 2016 head-on by throwing yourself into Lake Washington’s frigid winter waters at the annual January 1 Polar Bear Plunge. There's a few options for how to do it: Run into the 49-degree water in the company of hundreds of other crazies at the official event at Matthews Beach, warm up by jogging the Resolution Run 5K through Magnuson Park before jumping off the park’s boat launch, or take the challenge even further by rounding up some friends to submerge yourselves in Puget Sound’s 43-degree water at Golden Gardens or Alki Beach. 6. Cycle Chilly Hilly. Chilly Hilly will take you up, down, and around Bainbridge Island. Alejandro Gil A decades-old tradition, Chilly Hilly is a much-loved annual race that circles the perimeter of Bainbridge Island. Jump on the ferry with your bike, and join over 5,000 other cyclists for the tough 33-mile ride on February 28. There may be a lot of hills to climb, but stick with it and you’ll be treated to Puget Sound views, a fun vibe, and hot chili and baked goods at the finish line. 7. Warm up at an outdoor fire pit. When you find yourself longing for summer’s sweet campfires, do yourself a favor and head to a restaurant or bar equipped with an outdoor fire pit. Westward ’s fire pit overlooking Lake Union has the best views, Quoin  boasts the best atmosphere, and the Shelter Lounge will let you satisfy your cravings when you inevitably want to start roasting s’mores. 8. Tromp in the snow. Snow play makes you happy. Molly O. While Seattle doesn’t usually get snow in the city, there’s usually ample of it to be found in its nearby hills. Strapping on a pair of snowshoes or cross country skis and exploring the evergreens blanketed in white is a Pacific Northwest experience that can’t be missed. Head to the North Cascades, Snoqualmie Pass, or Lake Wenatchee State Park and you’ll quickly find yourself in a winter wonderland. 9. Sample the brews at Winter Beer Fest. So many beers, so little time! traveljunction One of the best things about getting outside in the winter is sipping on a dark, spicy seasonal brew at the end of the adventure. But with so many local breweries to choose from, how to know which one to choose? Come to Winter Beer Fest on December 4-5 at Magnuson Park and you’ll be able to sort out the conundrum by sampling varieties made by more than 50 Washington breweries. 'Tis the season for tasting, after all. 10. Visit a state park—for free. From Bridle Trails to Saint Edward to Wallace Falls , Seattleites are lucky to have a lot of beautiful state parks nearby. They’re well worth the price of admission (the Discover Pass is required to park in the lot) any day of the year, but the deal is especially sweet when that price is free—which it will be this winter on January 1, January 17-18, and March 19. Consider it a present to yourself and put one (or all) of those dates on the calendar. Written by Samantha Larson for RootsRated.