Forest glamping pods near Bellevue
Get easy access to two different lakes from this Seattle-area city.
- Bellevue
Forest glamping pods near Bellevue guide
Overview
Across Lake Washington from Seattle, Bellevue makes a good base if you want to be near Seattle but also want to be able to head east into more natural areas without having to fight traffic. There’s not much in town in terms of outdoor adventure, beyond boating on Lake Washington to the west of town and Lake Sammamish to the east. That said, you won’t have to go far to find some excellent hiking opportunities, particularly if you head southeast to Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, Squak Mountain State Park Natural Area, and the Tiger Mountain State Forest.
Where to go
Around Lake Washington
There are plenty of spots worth checking out in the Lake Washington area, both in Bellevue and in nearby cities. Lakefront parks worth checking out include Seattle's massive Seward Park and the similarly sized Saint Edward State Park on the northeastern shores of the lake. If you want to fish, head north to Kirkland, where there are lots of public piers (just make sure to get a license first).
Mount Rainier National Park
Featuring miles of hiking trails, fantastic rock climbing, and a bounty of colorful springtime wildflowers, Mount Rainier National Park is ideal for both day trips and overnight stays. There are four campgrounds in the park, and while they're only open seasonally, there are a few private spots in the area where you can camp year-round.
Leavenworth
East of Bellevue in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest sits one of Washington's quirkiest destinations: Leavenworth. Modeled after a Bavarian town, complete with hand-painted signs, timber-beam facades, and a beer garden, this popular tourist destination draws in wintertime crowds with its annual Christmas market and light display. Year-round camping is available in the nearby Lake Wenatchee State Park.
When to go
There's plenty to do in Bellevue throughout the year, from a summertime art fair to the annual Bellevue Jazz & Blues Music Series, held every October. The weather here is temperate, and while winters are mild, the region gets a ton of rain from late autumn well into spring. If outdoor activities are on your radar, it's wise to come in the summertime, when highs are usually in the mid- to upper-70s and there's generally not too much rainfall.
