Sports and Recreation

Seattle offers sports from skin diving to mountain climbing; its residents boast that its location and climate make it possible to sail in the morning and ski that afternoon. The extensive city park system includes more than 5,000 acres of parkland and boulevards. The many state parks in the vicinity provide recreational and camping facilities.

A variety of local outdoor recreation books and maps are sold in the Travel Store at AAA Washington/Inland offices in the metropolitan area.
Spectator sports run the gamut in Seattle. There is automobile racing at two major raceways in the area: Pacific Raceways in Kent, (253) 639-5927, and Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, (360) 805-6100. Racing schedules vary.

The NFL's Seattle Seahawks play football at Qwest Field at 800 Occidental Ave. S. Major league baseball is represented by the Mariners, who play at Safeco Field; the 47,116-seat stadium with a retractable roof is at First Avenue S. and S. Atlantic St.

The Sonics play NBA basketball in KeyArena at Seattle Center, as do the WNBA Seattle Storm. The Seattle Thunderbirds play hockey in KeyArena as well. Area college teams participate in all major sports.

During the August Seafair, Lake Washington provides a course for hydroplane races. Boating is available on freshwater Lake Washington, saltwater Puget Sound or both, thanks to the locks and canal connecting the two. A multitude of marinas provides moorage facilities. Any type of craft can be rented, from small sailboats or canoes to large seagoing yachts.

Golf courses, both municipal and commercial, are plentiful, as are driving ranges and pitch and putt courses. Some private clubs extend reciprocal privileges to visitors who are members of certain out-of-town golf clubs. The Seattle Parks and Recreation Department owns three 18-hole courses operated by Premier Golf Centers; phone (206) 285-2200 for information.

Hiking and horseback riding enthusiasts will find miles of forest trails in nearby areas and mountains. The U.S. Forest Service and Park Service, phone (206) 470-4060, can provide information about trails. The telephone directories contain listings of stables and academies.

Fishing opportunities are plentiful. Freshwater fishing is available from piers at Green Lake and Lake Washington, in county parks and in area lakes and streams. The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, phone (425) 775-1311, is the best source for freshwater license requirements and information.

Spot Tail Salmon Guides offers private salmon fishing and saltwater fly-fishing trips daily; phone (206) 283-6680. Piers 57 and 86 are public fishing piers on Elliott Bay. Charters for Puget Sound or deep-sea fishing off the coast can be arranged; consult the telephone directories.

White-water rafting, float trips and bald eagle sightseeing tours are offered on rivers in the Cascades and Olympics. The season for white-water rafting is April through September; bald eagle sightseeing tours take place December through February. Rates for such trips are commensurate with offerings, but the average fee for a full-day excursion is $60-$90.

Reservations for trips can be made through the following agencies: Alpine Adventures, (206) 323-1220 or (800) 723-8386; Downstream River Runners, (206) 910-7102; River Recreation, Inc., (425) 741-5901 or (800) 464-5899; Riverrider.com, (206) 448-7238 or (800) 448-7238; and Rivers Inc., (425) 822-5296. Most agencies' offices are open weekdays during working hours.

Kayaking is available on area lakes including Lake Union. Rentals and tours are available from Northwest Outdoor Center on Lake Union, (206) 281-9694; and Moss Bay Rowing & Kayak Center, (206) 682-2031 or (877) 244-8896. Alki Kayak Tours offers guided sea kayaking trips, (206) 953-0237. Parasailing on Elliott Bay is offered during the summer months; contact Pier 57 Parasail at (206) 622-5757.

Mountain climbing and skiing are possible at many challenging spots in the Seattle area. Guided trips to the summit of Mount Rainier as well as instructions in climbing techniques are available. Major ski areas within a short drive of the city are noted under the listings for Snoqualmie Pass, Skykomish and Crystal Mountain.

Swimming and scuba diving are favorite summer sports. There are saltwater beaches at Alki and Golden gardens and freshwater beaches on Lake Washington and Green Lake as well as several public swimming pools within the city. The telephone directory provides information about scuba diving instruction and equipment rental.

Since the 1890s bicycling has been a popular sport in Seattle. The city has 90 miles of signed bike routes and 30 miles of bike-pedestrian trails. The free Seattle Bicycling Guide Map details the city's extensive network of bicycle lanes, bicycle trails and streets commonly used by bicyclists. The map is available at area bicycle shops, branches of the public library and from the City Transportation Department; phone (206) 684-7583.

The Burke-Gilman Trail, designed for bicycling and hiking, extends 15.5 miles from 8th Ave. N.W. and Leary Way to Tracy Owen Station Park at 61st Avenue and SR 522. The trail skirts the University of Washington campus and offers good views of the area. North of Lake Washington it connects with the Sammamish River Trail, which then continues another 12 miles to Marymoor Park.

One of Seattle's most popular bicycle paths is the 3-mile paved trail bordering Green Lake in the park of the same name. Many other routes connect with the city parks; others are along the waterfront.

Bike rentals are available at Bikestation Seattle, 311 Third Ave. S., phone (206) 332-9795; and at Gregg's Greenlake Cycle, 7007 Woodlawn Ave. N.E., phone (206) 523-1822.

Facilities for tennis and other sports also are available. The city park department maintains nearly 100 public courts, some of which are lighted for night matches; several private tennis clubs extend reciprocal privileges to travelers. Commercial ranges for rifle and skeet shooting are listed in the telephone directory. City parks have facilities for both jogging and lawn bowling. For further information phone (206) 684-4075.