Region offers many summer outdoor activities
For people excited to get out this summer but maybe not quite ready to jump into the pending post-mask world with both feet, Seattle has a broad range of outdoor activities that offer a change of scene and good exercise.
In these days of constant change, it’s best to double-check event details with the organizers before heading out the door — and bring a mask in case they are required.
U-Pick Berries or Flowers
What’s more summer than a fresh-picked berry that doesn’t even make it to the basket? Seattle is ringed with organic farms offering a season of fresh picking, from June strawberries to July’s blueberries and raspberries. Some even offer less common ones, like aronia and marionberries.
People should start a search at the PickYourOwn website, checking the Washington page for each farm’s highlights, https://www.pickyourown.org/WA.htm. Call or check a farm’s Facebook page to see that the fields are open for harvesting that day.
In addition to berries, mega-farm Remlinger Farms in Carnation, https://remlingerfarms.com/, offers pony rides by day and firepit dinners by night, available by separate reservation, as well as a park. On a smaller scale, local favorite Bybee Farms in North Bend, bybeenimsfarms.com/, offers views of Mount Si.
At Cottage Heirloom Gardens in Duvall, cgblueberries.blue/), visitors can find berries and, later in the season, pick bouquets of sunflowers for their fall tables.
Out on the Water
In kayaking, distancing comes built-in. Seattle’s Agua Verde Paddle Club kayak and paddleboard rentals, https://aguaverdepaddleclub.com/, in Portage Bay offers easy access to tour the houseboats of Lake Union, the flora and fauna of the University of Washington Arboretum or just people- and boat-watch. Reservations are not necessary for rentals, which cost $21-$28. As of this publication, rentals are open every day but Wednesday, but hours change seasonally.
Canoes and kayaks are available at the UW’s Waterfront Activities Center near Husky Stadium, https://www.washington.edu/ima/waterfront/boat-rentals/, open Thursday through Sunday in June, and Wednesday through Sunday in July for $14-20. Reservations are required.
Green Lake Boat Rentals has crafts for every age and activity level. It even welcomes dogs. Find kayaks, row boats, pedal boats, water bikes, sailboats, fishing or beach gear and a “water hammock” for the ultimate lounge pad. Rates are normally $25-30, but residents who arrive before noon can grab any rental for $18. No reservations are necessary. A café offers snacks, sandwiches and ice cream. Call or check the web site for open hours.
Game On
Golf and tennis are two activities that have remained popular through the pandemic, since it’s easy to play them with distance from partners. In Seattle, Interbay Golf Course and Driving Range, http://www.premiergc.com/, has mini golf, a driving range and a full course. There is a maximum of four players per golf or five for mini golf, and at the range, masks are currently required if sharing a stall. It is open daily, and rates vary.
As well, the 705-yard Green Lake Pitch & Putt, http://www.greenlakegolfcourse.com/, also open daily, now requires same-day reservations by phone at (206) 632-2280. Rates are $10 or $8 for seniors and children.
Numerous public park tennis courts are available through reservations through a city permit. Call 206-684-4764 for information. In addition, two popular indoor courts have reopened.
At Sand Point Tennis Center, camps, singles nights and tournaments have resumed, and masks are optional for fully vaccinated guests.