Outdoor Recreation

Adventure Awaits! A Wellness Center adventure will expand your outdoor adventure knowledge while creating a community of others who value the effect of green space on your personal wellness.  Bike trips, open water paddles,  rock climbing, guided hikes and overnight excursions — these adventures are created to be repeated for years to come. 
#GetOutThere
  • Art Hike

    Art Hike

    Wednesday, July 26, 2:45 - 8 PM, Snow Lake Combine a walk in the woods with a chance to document your adventure with Art.  No Hiking or Art experience is required.  Moderate hike; 4-6 miles round trip, 800-1100 feet elevation gain, Snow Lake has views like you're hiking in the Swiss Alps only 45 minutes ...more about Art Hike

  • Guided Hike – Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trail

    Guided Hike - Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trail

    Thursday, Aug. 3, 2 - 6 PM Just 40 minutes from campus is a forest landscape that you cannot miss. Take this opportunity to learn about a new trail and spend the afternoon with others who appreciate the healing effects of nature. No previous hiking experience is required, but the ten essentials are recommended. 15 person ...more about Guided Hike – Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trail

  • Introduction to Rock Climbing

    Introduction to Rock Climbing

    Thursday, Aug. 10, 2 - 4 PM Learn the basics of indoor rock climbing at Edgeworks Bellevue.  The session will include bouldering and top rope climbing -- challenge by choice!  No previous experience required. Put life into perspective while hanging 30 feet off the ground, proud of what you have accomplished. 18 person limit, registration open ...more about Introduction to Rock Climbing

  • San Juan Bike Tour

    San Juan Bike Tour

    Friday & Saturday, Oct. 13-14, 2023 San Juan Island Tour San Juan Island by pedal power! Meet in Anacortes, load your overnight gear into the support vehicle, and board the ferry for a one hour crossing to San Juan Island. Once in Friday Harbor, enjoy a leisurely ride across the island to a campsite on ...more about San Juan Bike Tour

  • Wild Horse Wind Farm Tour and Mountain Bike

    Wild Horse Wind Farm Tour and Mountain Bike

    Friday, Oct. 20, 11 AM - 3 PM, Wild Horse Wind Farm - Lunch Provided  The wind and sun of Kittitas County are a tremendous natural resource for producing clean, renewable energy. Set high on a ridge, the Renewable Energy Center provides visitors with an up-close look at the facility’s 149 wind turbines, as well ...more about Wild Horse Wind Farm Tour and Mountain Bike

  • Introduction to Indoor Rock Climbing

    Introduction to Indoor Rock Climbing

    Monday, Nov. 20, 4 - 6 PM, Edgeworks Bellevue Join the BC Wellness Center for an afternoon of indoor rock climbing.  No experience or gear is required.  Learn the basics and safety around indoor climbing, practice a few moves on the bouldering wall, then dawn a harness and head up the big wall as high ...more about Introduction to Indoor Rock Climbing

  • Guided Group Sunset Hike – Rattlesnake Ledge

    Guided Group Sunset Hike - Rattlesnake Ledge

    Friday,  Dec. 1, 2 - 6 PM, Rattlesnake Ledge  Meet at the Rattlesnake Ledge trailhead for a group hike. Great experience for first-time hikers or first-time night hikers, anyone is welcome to join! Basic hiking information and topographical maps will be provided.  Come prepared with comfortable walking/hiking shoes, a day pack with water, food, clothing ...more about Guided Group Sunset Hike – Rattlesnake Ledge

  • Costa Rica Study Abroad scholarships

    Costa Rica Study Abroad scholarships

    Are you ready for an adventure? We're looking for a few students who want to expand their wellness, sustainability and recreational knowledge.  Visit the Costa Rica Experience to see full details about this class and amazing travel scholarship. Twelve scholarships have been funded through the Office of Sustainability. Pura Vida! 

  • Fall Outdoors Office Hours

    Fall Outdoors Office Hours

    Monday/Wednesday 11:30 AM - 12:20 PM, In person, G200E Here to be your outdoor resource.  Join Peter Prescott in person for questions and trip planning help. Maps, forecast, locations, trip reports, gear questions and more! In person, G250 D

  • IKON Wintersports Pass Student Pricing

    IKON Wintersports Pass Student Pricing

    Love to Ski or Board and want to visit even more mountains this year? We're now offering the IKON PASS College Club Pricing for current BC students. $799 for the IKON PASS; $559 for the IKON BASE PASS. Note! Price increases coming Oct. 13: IKON PASS $839 / IKON BASE PASS $599 as of 10/13/23. Sign ...more about IKON Wintersports Pass Student Pricing

  • Get Out There … Is your favorite trail/park open?

    Get Out There ... Is your favorite trail/park open?

    A walk in the woods is a great way to clear your head and center yourself.  Here are few resources to plan your next trip! Washington state parks website WTA- Hiking during COVID Pandemic and Trail Closures https://www.wta.org/go-outside/social-distancing-hiking-in-the-time-of-coronavirus

  • Winter Outdoor Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday  11:30 AM -12:20 PM

    Here to be your outdoor resource.  Join me (Peter Prescott) via Zoom or in person for questions and trip planning help. Maps, Forecast, Locations, Trip Reports, Gear Questions and More! In-Person: G200E Join Zoom meeting  Meeting ID: 815 4792 0758

  • Guided Snowshoe

    Guided Snowshoe

    Thursday, Feb. 2, 3 - 6 PM - Snoqualmie Pass Join the BC Wellness Center for an afternoon adventure into a Winter wonderland.  Snowshoes and the instruction to use them is provided. You provide transportation and Winter weather clothing. Learn how to extend your hiking season year-round. Sign Up Online (15 Spot Max) (Last Day to ...more about Guided Snowshoe

  • Introduction to Indoor Rock Climbing

    Introduction to Indoor Rock Climbing

    Wednesday, Feb. 15, 4 - 6 PM, Redmond Vertical World Join the BC Wellness Center for an afternoon of indoor rock climbing.  No experience or gear is required.  Learn how to boulder and have a chance to Top Rope climb as well.  The view from the top of a 30 foot wall can help put ...more about Introduction to Indoor Rock Climbing

  • Introduction to Mountain Biking

    Introduction to Mountain Biking

    Tuesday, March 7, 3 - 5:30 PM, Olallie Trail Bike Rental/Helmets Available (10 bikes available, Max 15 Riders) Join the BC Wellness Center and others for a group ride along the Olallie Trail. Learn about the skills and equipment needed to make trail riding your new outdoor passion. Participants meet at the trailhead for a group ride ...more about Introduction to Mountain Biking

  • Mount Rainier High Hut Overnight

    Mount Rainier High Hut Overnight

    Thursday and Friday, March 9-10, Ashford WA Required Planning Session: Monday, March 6, 1:30 -2:20 PM These Huts are run by the Mount Tahoma Trail Association.  There is no better way to spend the night in the snowy mountain and get the best views of Rainier, weather permitting. No experience is necessary.  The required planning session will ...more about Mount Rainier High Hut Overnight

  • Guided Group Sunset Hike – Rattlesnake Ledge

    Guided Group Sunset Hike - Rattlesnake Ledge

    Friday, March 17, 3 - 7 PM, Rattlesnake Ledge Meet at the Rattlesnake Ledge trailhead for a group hike. Great experience for first-time hikers/night hikers; anyone is welcome to join! Basic information and topographical maps will be provided.  Come prepared with comfortable walking/hiking shoes, a day pack with water, food, clothing and a light source ...more about Guided Group Sunset Hike – Rattlesnake Ledge

  • Garfield Ledges Night Hike — an Outdoor Leadership Event

    Garfield Ledges Night Hike -- an Outdoor Leadership Event

    Tuesday, June 13, 7:30 -11 PM, Middle Fork Trailhead  Join us at Garfield Ledges for a night hike and stargazing (weather permitting). Clear your mind with a  guided riverside forest meditation, great way to prepare for finals. We will meet onsite near North Bend, Minimal hiking experience is required, headlamp can be provided or bring your.  The ...more about Garfield Ledges Night Hike — an Outdoor Leadership Event

  • Iron Chef Backpacking Cooking Contest – an Outdoor Leadership Event

    Iron Chef Backpacking Cooking Contest - an Outdoor Leadership Event

    Monday, June 12, 4 - 7 PM, Three Forks Park, Snoqualmie/North Bend Join us for an evening of outdoor cooking in the beautiful North Bend wilderness! Engage in friendly competition in small groups, and use local resources to enhance your meals for the final judging! We will provide all cooking supplies and food -- you ...more about Iron Chef Backpacking Cooking Contest – an Outdoor Leadership Event

  • Snoqualmie Tunnel Bike Ride – an Outdoor Leadership Event

    Snoqualmie Tunnel Bike Ride - an Outdoor Leadership Event

    Wednesday, June 7, 4 - 8 PM  Mountain bike through the Snoqualmie tunnel and along the Palouse to Cascade trail. The Snoqualmie Tunnel is a former train tunnel that is 2.2 miles long; we provide the bikes and lots of light to ride through. This is a can't-miss event for anyone looking for a fun and ...more about Snoqualmie Tunnel Bike Ride – an Outdoor Leadership Event

  • Backpacking 101

    Backpacking 101

    Thursday, April 20, 12:30 - 1 PM, an Earth Week Event! Learn the steps, skills and resources to help you plan great outdoor adventures in this free workshop. Trip planning, trail resources, free topo maps, and gear demo/discussion. This is the first step to a full summer of adventures in our beautiful Pacific Northwest forests. (35 ...more about Backpacking 101

  • Wilderness Bike Ride – Earth Week Social

    Wilderness Bike Ride - Earth Week Social

    Friday, April 21, 2 - 5 PM, Olallie Trail We provide the bike, helmet and instruction to get out on a basic trail for an afternoon of self-powered adventure! Hurry; last day to register is Thursday, April 20! Register for Event with Bike Rental (10 bikes available) Register for Event and provide your own bike ...more about Wilderness Bike Ride – Earth Week Social

  • Introduction to Mountain Biking

    Introduction to Mountain Biking

    Tuesday, May 16, 2 - 5:30 PM, Olallie Trail Bike Rental/Helmets Available (10 bikes available - Max 15 Riders) Join the BC Wellness Center and others for a group ride along the Olallie Trail. Learn about the skills and equipment needed to make trail riding your new outdoor passion. Participants will meet at the trailhead ...more about Introduction to Mountain Biking

  • Introduction to Sea Kayaking

    Introduction to Sea Kayaking

    Wednesday, May 24, 4 - 6 PM - Northwest Outdoor Center Take in the Seattle skyline from the seat of a double kayak.  All instruction and equipment is provided. Last day to register is May 19! Register for event! (20 spots available)

  • Guided Backpacking

    Guided Backpacking

    June 9 - 10, (Required Planning Session Monday, June 5, 1:30 - 2:30 PM) Get the skills, instruction and training to make backpacking a lifetime activity. The required planning session will prepare you with the trip planning skills and equipment knowledge to repeat trips all summer long. Gear rentals available: Backpack, Sleeping bag/pad, and tent. (11 spaces ...more about Guided Backpacking

  • Summer Adventure Celebration with Outdoor Recreation Leadership Program

    Summer Adventure Celebration with Outdoor Recreation Leadership Program

    Bookmark this page - more events are coming soon! Outdoor Leadership students plan events to host through the Wellness Center. Watch for three - four additional events to be added for the final two weeks of Spring quarter.  Support the Outdoor Recreation Leadership program! Events are planned and hosted by PE 239 Outdoor Leadership Students ...more about Summer Adventure Celebration with Outdoor Recreation Leadership Program

  • Spring Outdoor Office Hours – Mon.  11:30 AM – 12:20 PM & Weds. 10:30 – 11:29 AM

    Here to be your outdoor resource.  Join me, Peter Prescott, via Zoom or in person for questions and trip planning help. Maps, Forecast, Locations, Trip Reports, Gear Questions and more! In-Person G200E Zoom link, Meeting ID: 849 8613 8557

Adventure Resources

We’ve curated a number of resources to help you enjoy the great outdoors and to recreate safely. If you have questions or don’t know where to start, you can always drop in on our weekly Office Hours. We’re here to help you!

Find a New Place to Hike through Washington Trails Association

Find your next hike through the Washington Trails Association — an online hiking resource with trip reports and trail details. A lifetime of hiking to explore in the great PNW wilderness.

30 Within 30!

It’s easy to get outdoors, even under any conditions! Visit our page of 30 things to do outdoors within 30 minutes of Bellevue College (for $30 or less!)

King County Backcountry Trails

Bellevue College is located in King County, which has nearly twice the land area of the state of Rhode Island. In addition to being a major metropolitan area, King County’s geography includes everything from sea to lakes and mountains. If you enjoy hiking through lush forests, mountain biking on great single track trails or riding your horse on a mountaintop ridge, come explore King County Parks’ 180 miles of backcountry trails!

Need a Map – Don’t Leave Home Without It

  • Download standard or geospatial PDFs of King County’s recreational trail maps! From Big Finn Hill park in Juanita to Vashon-Maury Island park on Vashon Island, the King County Parks’ backcountry system offers trails with year-round accessibility for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Each of the map brochures focuses on a different backcountry location and its trail features. Print or download a map to take along.
  • On-the-go Backcountry maps! Free Printable Topographical Maps for Anywhere from Caltopo. Visit Caltopo.com to find a map for where you’d like to go. (It says it’s the best kept secret about maps worldwide.)

Find a Bike Route

Find bicycle route maps for the Puget Sound region: King County, Kitsap County, Pierce County, Snohomish County:

Send Us Your Best Photo

In 2010, scientists reported a summary of over 100 studies focusing on the effects of art on physical and psychological health. It turns out that photography allows you to express yourself while bringing focus to positive life experiences, enhancing self-worth, and reducing the stress hormone cortisol.

We want your best photos! Send your photos to bcwellnesscenter@bellevuecollege.edu and we’ll use them to spread our shared passion for outdoor recreation.

Last Updated September 11, 2023