Beyond the city skyline, Bellevue is a launchpad for some of the most unique outdoor experiences in the Pacific Northwest. From scenic rail biking through the forest to paragliding your troubles away, these adventures are less about lounging and more about moving.

If you're ready to trade your usual trail for something a little more thrilling, here are 8 outdoor experiences to get your heart rate up, without ever straying too far from the city.

Floating Sauna & Cold Plunge on Lake Washington

From September to May, Von Sauna turns on the heat at Carllion Point in Kirkland, Bellevue's northern neighbor. Experience the healing experience of a cedar-paneled, wood-fired floating sauna moored on Lake Washington, Nordic-style. You're here to experience the restorative powers of hot-cold therapy in a social sauna setting, and the cold plunge is unforgettably rejuvenating. 

Rock Climbing or Bouldering with Edgeworks Bellevue

Go outdoor rock climbing with Edgeworks Bellevue, which offers a variety of courses in the great outdoors. From day excursions to multiday climbing courses, there's plenty to choose from. If you're really enthusiastic about rock climbing and its community, the 4-day Alpine Rock Course truly seems like a really good time. 

Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad

A scenic 70-mile road trip north of Bellevue lies a scenic excursion onboard a real working steam engine train. Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad has all kinds of experiences, including rides with brunch, the Easter bunny, whiskey tastings, Halloween spirit, and a Christmas train with the Clauses. 

Driftboat Tours & River Rafting

Triad River Tours offers river adventures to the north of Bellevue. In the summer, the Nature Connection tour is their highest rated river tour. Known as the "Magic Skagit" tour, the trip is super chill and has comfortable high back seats, plus it can accommodate seniors and people with disabilities. Take a road trip 94 miles north of Bellevue to Howard Miller Steelhead Park, and you can hop onboard a 20' Koffler Aluminum Driftboat, heated with propane space heaters, for a winter excursion on the Skagit River to take in all the Bald Eagles that live in the area. From Christmas time through the end of January, there's and Eagle Festival celebrating their southern migration to hunt for Chum Salmon. During the regular season, Triad River Tours runs whiteriver rafting experiences in the Skagit River, on overnight expeditions and more. 

Paragliding at Tiger Mountain

Tucked into the Issaquah Alps just 30 minutes from Bellevue, Tiger Mountain is home to Poo Poo Point, the region’s premier paragliding launch site. It's a really big deal and world renowned in the paragliding community. From here, you can hop on a tandem paragliding experience with Northwest Paragliding and soar off a ridge with panoramic views of Lake Washington, forested slopes, and Mount Rainier on clear days. It's thrilling, and actually peaceful. It might change your life. 

[Watch the Bellevue Bound video podcast episode where Trey goes paragliding, on YouTube or Spotify.]

Learn to ride a horse

There's quite the equestrian community here on the Eastside (that means the literal east side of Seattle). Bridle Trails State Park is one example. You can arrange for lessons there with Gold Creek Equestrian based out of Woodinville just 13 miles north of Bellevue, or meet the horses and get riding lessons at Cougar Mountain Stables based 8 miles south of Bellevue. 

Hot Air Ballooning Over Woodinville Wine Country

In the serene Woodinville Wine Country, just 13 miles north of Bellevue, is your shot at hanging out in a hot air balloon. You'll fly over Sammamish River Valley, vineyards, and enjoy some serious Pacific Northwest views. You can get sunrise flights or sunset flights from June through mid September with Over The Rainbow Ballooning or Seattle Ballooning.

RailCycle Mt. Rainier

Head south on I-5 from Bellevue, and strap in for a scenic, 90-minute drive to RailCycle Mt. Rainier. You'll pass rolling farmland and forested foothills, and through small towns of Eatonville and Elbe. When your backdrop turns into river valleys and dense greenery along historic tracks, you've reached your destination. Hop aboard a two-person pedal-powered rail bike and cruise along a historic train track through the forest with mountain views in the distance. This relaxed ride is part adventure, part nostalgia, and one for the books. 

So if you’re looking for a reset, an adventure, or just something a little different, you don’t need to go far. Bellevue is your launch point for the unexpected.

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