Exploring the Great Outdoors: Outdoor Activities in Bellevue

The great outdoors provides an endless array of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Bellevue, Washington is a great place to explore the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest with its abundance of outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a day of hiking, a weekend camping trip, or just a leisurely stroll, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Bellevue.

Hiking

Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Bellevue, with an extensive network of trails to explore. From the challenging Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park to the tranquil Mercer Slough Nature Park, there is something for everyone. The trails vary in length and difficulty, so hikers of all levels can enjoy the scenery and take in the fresh mountain air. If you’re looking for a longer hike, you can take on the Coal Creek Falls Trail, which is 5.5 miles long and offers stunning views of the cascade.

For those who prefer a more leisurely stroll, there are plenty of easy-going trails, such as the Lakemont Ravine Trail. This trail is just over 1 mile long and is perfect for a family hike or an afternoon outing. For those looking for an even easier route, the Mercer Slough Nature Park has a number of paved trails that are perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Camping

For those looking for a weekend camping trip, Bellevue has plenty of amazing options. From primitive campgrounds to RV sites, there are plenty of places to pitch a tent and enjoy the great outdoors. For a more rustic experience, the Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park has primitive camping sites that are perfect for a weekend getaway. The park also offers a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to rock climbing and horseback riding.

For those who prefer a more luxurious camping experience, the Lake Sammamish State Park offers RV sites and cabins with beautiful views of the lake. The park also has a variety of amenities, including a swimming beach, boat launch, and picnic areas. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature.

Boating

Bellevue is also a great place for boating enthusiasts, with the nearby Lake Washington offering plenty of opportunities for exploration. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely cruise around the lake or a more adventurous outing, there are plenty of options. You can rent a kayak or canoe for a day of paddling, or take a guided tour of the lake in a motorized boat.

The lake is also a great spot for fishing enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of fish, from bass and trout to salmon and steelhead. There are also plenty of boat launches and marinas around the lake, so you’ll have no trouble finding a spot to cast your line.

Cycling

Cycling is a great way to explore the great outdoors in Bellevue. There are plenty of trails to explore, from the flat and easy Mercer Slough Nature Park to the more challenging Coal Creek Falls Trail. The trails range in difficulty, so cyclists of all levels can find something to enjoy.

Bellevue also has some great road cycling routes, such as the Lake Washington Loop. This route takes riders around the entire lake, offering stunning views of the Cascade Mountains, the Olympic Mountains, and the city of Bellevue. The loop is about 20 miles long and is perfect for a day of exploring.

Golfing

Bellevue is a great place for golfers, with plenty of courses to choose from. For those looking for a challenge, the Crossroads Golf Course is a great option. The course is a par 72, 18-hole layout with plenty of water hazards and bunkers to test your skills.

For those looking for a more relaxed game, the Bellevue Municipal Golf Course is the perfect spot. This course is an 18-hole, par 62 layout that offers a less challenging game, perfect for a leisurely day out on the greens.

Frisbee Golf

Frisbee golf is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in Bellevue. The Bellevue Disc Golf Course is a great place to test your skills, with 18 holes spread out over a natural terrain. The course is open to all levels of players, so it’s perfect for a day of family fun.

The Mercer Slough Nature Park also has a disc golf course, which is perfect for beginners. This course is shorter and less challenging, making it ideal for those just learning the game.

Paddleboarding

Paddleboarding is a great way to explore the great outdoors in Bellevue. The Mercer Slough Nature Park offers a great spot for paddleboarding, with plenty of calm waters to explore. The park also has a number of trails, making it a great spot for a leisurely paddle around the lake.

The Lake Washington Loop is also a great spot for paddleboarding. This route takes riders around the entire lake, with plenty of stunning views and challenging rapids. It’s the perfect place for an adventurous day out on the water.

Tubing

Tubing is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors in Bellevue. The Lake Sammamish State Park offers a great spot for tubing, with plenty of calm waters and stunning views. The park also offers a variety of other activities, such as swimming, fishing, and boating, making it the perfect spot for a day of outdoor fun.

If you’re looking for a more adventurous outing, the Coal Creek Falls Trail is a great spot for tubing. The rapids on this trail are perfect for a thrilling ride, and the views of the cascade are sure to take your breath away.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is a great way to explore the great outdoors in Bellevue. The Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park is a great spot for horseback riding, with plenty of trails to explore. The park also offers a variety of other outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and camping, making it the perfect spot for a weekend getaway.

The Lake Sammamish State Park also offers horseback riding, with plenty of trails to explore. The park also has a variety of other amenities, including a swimming beach, boat launch, and picnic areas, making it the perfect spot for a day of outdoor fun.

Fishing

Fishing is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors in Bellevue. The Lake Washington Loop is a great spot for fishing, with plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of fish, from bass and trout to salmon and steelhead. The lake is also surrounded by plenty of boat launches and marinas, so you’ll have no trouble finding a spot to cast your line.

The Mercer Slough Nature Park is also a great spot for fishing, with plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of fish, from panfish to bass. The park is also a great spot for a leisurely stroll, with plenty of easy-going trails and paved paths to explore.

Birdwatching

Bellevue is a great spot for birdwatchers, with plenty of opportunities to spot a variety of birds. The Mercer Slough Nature Park is a great spot for birdwatching, with plenty of trails and ponds to explore. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, making it a great spot to take in the sights and sounds of nature.

The Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park is also a great spot for birdwatchers, with plenty of trails to explore. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, making it a great spot to take in the sights and sounds of nature.

Summary

Bellevue, Washington is a great place to explore the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest with its abundance of outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a day of hiking, a weekend camping trip, or just a leisurely stroll, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Bellevue. From hiking and camping to boating and fishing, there are plenty of ways to explore the great outdoors in Bellevue. Whether you’re looking for a challenge or a leisurely day out, you’re sure to find something to enjoy in Bellevue.