Soaring Over Seattle’s Eastside: An Unexpected Pacific Northwest Adventure

I stood atop Poo Poo Point, heart racing and adrenaline pumping as I stared out at the green landscape stretched out before me. The Seattle skyline glimmered in the distance. But my attention was fixed on the colorful paragliders dotting the sky around me. In just moments, I’d be joining them, launching off this 1,800-foot peak on a tandem paragliding flight with Northwest Paragliding over Issaquah, Washington.

“Ready?” Austin Cox, co-founder and instructor at Northwest Paragliding, asked.

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” I quipped, giving Austin a goofy thumbs up. Before I could second-guess myself, we were running down the grassy slope. Then, suddenly, my feet left the ground, and we were airborne, floating peacefully above the treetops of Tiger Mountain.

Gliding over Issaquah’s historic downtown, I could see the landmarks below—the salmon hatchery, Lake Sammamish glittering in the sunlight, and hiking trails weaving through the foothills. I realized this bird’s-eye view was the perfect way to take in all of Seattle’s Eastside.

Seattle’s Eastside

An often overlooked region, Seattle’s Eastside offers visitors a unique blend of outdoor adventure, small-town culture, and urban sophistication.

The adjacent cities of Bellevue and Issaquah provide a perfect blend of urban amenities and natural wonders, making them ideal destinations for travelers seeking to explore beyond the typical tourist track.

While Seattle draws millions of tourists each year, crowd-adverse travelers are discovering the appeal of nearby Eastside communities like Issaquah and Bellevue. These rapidly growing cities strike a delicate balance – close enough to enjoy Seattle’s world-class attractions yet removed enough to maintain their own distinct character and considerably more relaxed pace of life.

This inclusive, adventure-for-all spirit seems to permeate the entire Eastside region. Over the next few days, I set out to explore more of this area.

Urban Sophistication Meets Natural Beauty

The city of Bellevue boasts a more cosmopolitan experience while still maintaining easy access to nature. Often called Seattle’s “sister city,” Bellevue grew from a sleepy suburban community into a thriving urban center thanks to tech giants like T-Mobile, Pokemon, Amazon, and more, which have headquarters there.

Downtown Bellevue presents a gleaming collection of skyscrapers housing tech companies, luxury hotels like the Hyatt Regency Bellevue (where I stayed), and high-end shopping. But, stepping away from the urban core, a surprising amount of green space takes over. In fact, Bellevue is known as a “city in a park,” with more than 100 parks spread throughout its neighborhoods.

“What I love about Bellevue is we’re really brave here. We do big things quickly, and we try to bring everyone to the table early,” said Meegan Martinsen, associate director of Experiences at Visit Bellevue.

This approach seems to be paying off. Tourism in Bellevue brings in nearly $2 billion annually, with about 2 million visitors each year to such places as the Bellevue Zip Tour or the Bellevue Botanical Garden, a 53-acre urban oasis that welcomes 400,000 visitors annually with no admission fee.

Experience the Convenience of Bellevue’s Bellhop

One of Bellevue’s most innovative tourism initiatives is a free transportation service called Bellhop. These on-demand electric shuttles function like Uber or Lyft but are completely free for users traveling within downtown Bellevue.

“It’s awesome,” Martinsen said. “It’s free, point-to-point, on-demand, electric transportation shuttles. You just request it, and they come and pick you up between 10-15 minutes, and they’ll take you anywhere in downtown Bellevue.”

The city is also launching several new programs aimed at foodie travelers, including guided food tours and a multi-week culinary event featuring well-known chefs.

“We’re just about to launch some really big culinary tourism initiatives,” Martinsen said. “We’re looking at a four-week event with really well-known chefs coming in.”

Bellevue excels with food, but for outdoor lovers, it’s also home to kayaking and outdoor education through the REI Boathouse. Located off of old Historic Bellevue on Lake Washington,  outdoor enthusiasts enjoy ziplining at Bellevue Zipline Park and hundreds of miles of trails to hike and bike.

One of the best ways to experience the area’s scenic beauty is from the water. I joined a sunset cruise with the Bellevue Lake Cruises’ Duffy Boat Tours on Lake Washington, taking in views of the Seattle skyline and Mount Rainier as we glided past waterfront mansions and tree-lined shores.

A Small Town with Big Appeal

Issaquah bills itself as a “small town with a big backyard,” and it doesn’t take long to see why. Despite being just 20 minutes from downtown Seattle, Issaquah maintains a distinctly rural feel. The historic downtown is lined with shops and restaurants housed in beautifully preserved buildings from the early 1900s.

One of Issaquah’s most unique attractions is the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, located right in the heart of downtown. Our group arrived just as the fall salmon run was beginning, with fish fighting their way upstream to spawn in the same waters where they were born years earlier. It’s a glimpse into the life cycle of these iconic Pacific Northwest fish. The hatchery grounds have also been turned into an environmental science center that’s open to the public year-round.

The area also boasts an artistic installation drawing international attention: a 14-foot-tall troll sculpture by Danish artist Thomas Danbo. Named “Jacob Two Trees,” the sculpture is part of the “Way of the Bird King” series and features unique touches like “a ponytail holder and bracelet made by the Snoqualmie tribe out of sacred cedar.”

A Playground for Outdoor Enthusiasts.

Nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, Issaquah sits surrounded by thousands of acres of pristine wilderness. Hikers and mountain bikers flock to the “Issaquah Alps” to explore an extensive network of trails.

“We have some of the most world-class trails in the country,” said Christy Garrard, executive director of Visit Issaquah. “Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Issaquah Alps Trails Club, Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust, Washington Trails Association and Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, the area boasts hundreds of miles of trails for all skill levels.”

One of the most popular hikes leads to Poo Poo Point on Tiger Mountain. This challenging but rewarding trail serves as both a scenic viewpoint and the launch site for paragliders.

The hiking trails around Issaquah are particularly appealing for solo adventurers, offering well-maintained paths and a strong sense of community. Many trails connect to the Cougar and Squak Mountains to Sound Greenway, providing options for everything from quick nature walks to full-day adventures. The extensive trail system allows hikers to explore the region’s diverse ecosystems, from lakeside paths to mountain summits, all within minutes of downtown Issaquah.

The Real Magic of Seattle’s Eastside

While the urban amenities are impressive, the real magic of the Eastside lies in its natural beauty and wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities. The region offers a four-season playground.  Activities ranging from hiking and mountain biking in the summer to skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.

“We teach snowshoeing or do snowshoe tours up at Mount Baker, Rainier, Snoqualmie Pass,” said Dave Swan, an instructor and regional guide lead with REI Boathouse. “We teach mountain biking and wilderness survival skills, map and compass skills, how to ride a bike for adults and kids, and rock climbing indoors and outdoors.” He also highlighted the area’s commitment to making outdoor recreation accessible to all.

Safety is also a major selling point for visitors, especially solo female travelers like myself. “I’ve done a lot of solo hiking all around this area and have never felt that something’s not right here. Never had that experience at all,” Garrard said.

For travelers seeking an authentic Pacific Northwest experience beyond the usual Seattle tourist trail, the Eastside communities of Issaquah and Bellevue offer a perfect blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie looking to paraglide off Poo Poo Point, a foodie eager to explore the burgeoning culinary scene, or simply someone in search of a more relaxed alternative to the bustle of Seattle, the Eastside has something for every type of traveler.

 

Click Here for Discounted Accommodations in the Seattle Area.