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

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  • Introduction to Indoor Rock Climbing

    Introduction to Indoor Rock Climbing

    Thursday, July 25, 2 - 4 PM, Edgeworks Bellevue (Crossroads) 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

  • Mindfulness Outdoors – Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trail Adventure

    Mindfulness Outdoors - Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trail Adventure

    Thursday, Aug. 1, 2 - 7 PM, Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Trail Join the BC Wellness Center for an afternoon of mindfulness and nature on the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trail. We will meet at the trailhead and take a walk in the woods. Together, we will learn and practice mindfulness techniques, and share in the ...more about Mindfulness Outdoors – Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trail Adventure

  • Lake Union Kayaking

    Lake Union Kayaking

    Thursday, Aug. 8, 2 - 4 PM, Northwest Outdoor Center, Lower East Queen Anne on Lake Union Join us for an afternoon on the water to take in the Seattle skyline from a kayak! We will meet at the Northwest Outdoor Center on Lake Union. No experience is required; we'll provide all equipment and instruction. ...more about Lake Union Kayaking

  • Summer Outdoors Office Hours

    Summer Outdoors Office Hours

    In-person only: Tuesdays, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, G 250 D Here to be your outdoor resource. Join me, Peter Prescott, in person for questions and trip planning help. Maps, forecast, locations, trip reports, gear questions and more!

  • San Juan Island Bike Tour & Overnight Adventure

    San Juan Island Bike Tour & Overnight Adventure

    Friday & Saturday, Oct. 11 - 12, 2024 See the San Juans via Pedal Power! Meet in Anacortes, load your overnight gear into our support vehicle, and board the ferry for a one hour crossing to San Juan Island. Once in Friday Harbor, enjoy a leisurely bike ride across the island to a campsite on ...more about San Juan Island Bike Tour & Overnight Adventure

  • Introduction to Indoor Rock Climbing

    Introduction to Indoor Rock Climbing

    Tuesday, Oct. 22, 6:30 - 8:30 PM - Edgeworks Bellevue Join the BC Wellness Center for an evening 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 dawning a harness and head up the big wall as ...more about Introduction to Indoor Rock Climbing

  • Wild Horse Wind Farm Tour & Mountain Bike

    Wild Horse Wind Farm Tour & Mountain Bike

    Friday Oct. 25, 11 AM – 4:30 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 and how ...more about Wild Horse Wind Farm Tour & Mountain Bike

  • Mt. Rainier Overnight Hut Trip

    Mt. Rainier Overnight Hut Trip

    Thursday and Friday, Nov 21 - 22, Ashford WA Required Planning Session: Monday, Nov 18,  1:30 - 3 PM These Rainier huts are managed by the Mount Tahoma Trail Association. There is no better way to spend the night in these beautiful mountains and get the best views of Rainier, weather permitting. No experience is necessary. The ...more about Mt. Rainier Overnight Hut Trip

  • Outdoor Office Hours – Monday & Wednesday, 10:30 – 11:20 AM, G250 D

    Outdoor Office Hours - Monday & Wednesday, 10:30 - 11:20 AM, G250 D

    Here to be your outdoor resource! Join me in person for questions and trip planning help. Maps, Forecast, Locations, Trip Reports, Gear Questions and MORE … In-person, G250 D

  • Introduction to Snowshoeing

    Introduction to Snowshoeing

    Thursday, Feb. 13, 3 - 6 PM, Snoqualmie Pass Often when it's raining in Bellevue, just 40 minutes away from campus there's a Winter wonderland! Join the BC Wellness Center to get outside and learn the basic skills needed to navigate in the snow with snowshoes! No experience required. Snowshoes and Instruction are provided. (16 Spots Max) ...more about Introduction to Snowshoeing

  • Introduction to Rock Climbing / Bouldering Social

    Introduction to Rock Climbing / Bouldering Social

    Wednesday, Feb. 26, 5 - 7 PM, Edgeworks Bellevue - Bouldering Gym Join the BC Wellness Center for an evening of indoor rock climbing. No experience or gear is required. Learn the basics and safety around indoor climbing, and spend two hours bouldering with a group of fellow BC adventure friends. (20 Spot Max) Registration coming soon!

  • Mt. Rainier Overnight Hut Trip

    Mt. Rainier Overnight Hut Trip

    Thursday and Friday, March 13-14, Ashford, WA Required Planning Session: Monday, March 10,  1:30 - 3 PM The Rainier huts are managed by the Mount Tahoma Trail Association. There is no better way to spend the night in these beautiful mountains and get the best views of Rainier, weather permitting. No experience is necessary! The required planning ...more about Mt. Rainier Overnight Hut Trip

  • South Paw Legacy Forest Walk

    South Paw Legacy Forest Walk

    Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2 - 5 PM, Tiger Mountain Trailhead Come see the Tiger Mountain Legacy Forest. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was planning to clear-cut the  “South Paw” forest in 2023 but the clearcut has been delayed. This legacy forest is located on the usual and accustomed lands of the Snoqualmie Tribe and is home ...more about South Paw Legacy Forest Walk

  • Winter Outdoors Office Hours: Mon. & Weds.  11:30 – 12:20, G 250 D

    Winter Outdoors Office Hours: Mon. & Weds.  11:30 - 12:20, G 250 D

    Here to be your outdoor resource.  Join me (Peter Prescott) in person for questions and trip planning help. Maps, Forecast, Locations, Trip Reports, Gear Questions and More! In-Person: G250 D

  • Mindfulness Outdoors: Robinswood

    Mindfulness Outdoors: Robinswood

    Thursday, April 18: 2 - 4 PM, to Robinswood Park Join the BC Counseling Center and Wellness Center for a day of mindfulness and nature during Earth Month! We will meet on the Bellevue College Campus and walk to Robinswood Community Park where we will learn and practice mindfulness techniques, and share in the benefits ...more about Mindfulness Outdoors: Robinswood

  • Introduction to Indoor Rock Climbing – Photo Gallery Added

    Introduction to Indoor Rock Climbing - Photo Gallery Added

    Wednesday May 8, 2 - 4 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 as ...more about Introduction to Indoor Rock Climbing – Photo Gallery Added

  • Mindfulness Outdoors: Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trail Adventure – Photo Gallery Added

    Mindfulness Outdoors: Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trail Adventure - Photo Gallery Added

    Thursday, May 16: 2 - 6 PM, Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trail Join the BC Wellness Center and Counseling Center for an afternoon of mindfulness and nature on the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trail. We will meet at the trailhead and take a walk in the woods. Together, we will learn and practice mindfulness techniques, and share ...more about Mindfulness Outdoors: Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trail Adventure – Photo Gallery Added

  • Introduction to Mountain Biking – Sustainability Bike Month Event

    Introduction to Mountain Biking - Sustainability Bike Month Event

    Thursday, May 23, 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 register online and meet at the trailhead ...more about Introduction to Mountain Biking – Sustainability Bike Month Event

  • Lake Union Kayak Cleanup – Puget Soundkeepers

    Lake Union Kayak Cleanup - Puget Soundkeepers

    Thursday, June 6: Northwest Outdoor Center, 2 - 4 PM Join Puget Soundkeeper for a Lake Union Kayak Cleanup! During the patrol, you will help us monitor marine pollution and remove debris from our waterways. Volunteers do not need any prior kayaking experience and will be provided with all necessary equipment and training. We will meet ...more about Lake Union Kayak Cleanup – Puget Soundkeepers

  • Guided Overnight Backpacking

    Guided Overnight Backpacking

    Required Planning Session: June 10 1:30-2:30 PM, G 114 Overnight Backpacking Trip: June 13-14 Prepare for a summer outdoors with the skills and knowledge needed for overnight backpacking. We'll be heading into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness or Teanaway Forest, depending on weather and snowpack.  This event includes an educational planning session, gear rentals and a ...more about Guided Overnight Backpacking

  • Outdoor Recreation Leadership: Master Chef for the Backcountry Traveler

    Outdoor Recreation Leadership: Master Chef for the Backcountry Traveler

    Monday June 3, 3 - 7 PM, SE Middle Fork Snoqualmie River PE 239 Outdoor Recreation Leadership students host this event! Join these emerging leaders for a new Adventure Outdoors and build your adventure community: Join the Bellevue College Wellness Center for a pleasant evening of hiking and introduction to backcountry cooking. No cooking or ...more about Outdoor Recreation Leadership: Master Chef for the Backcountry Traveler

  • Outdoor Recreation Leadership: Invasive Plant Removal, Kimball Creek

    Outdoor Recreation Leadership: Invasive Plant Removal, Kimball Creek

    Wednesday June 5, 2:45 - 5:30 PM, Kimball Creek Slough PE 239 Outdoor Recreation Leadership students host this event! Join these emerging leaders for a new Adventure Outdoors and build your adventure community: Join us in a plant restoration along the Kimball Creek Slough and gain the opportunity to get service hours and learn more ...more about Outdoor Recreation Leadership: Invasive Plant Removal, Kimball Creek

  • Outdoor Recreation Leadership: Guided Hike with Optional Cold Plunge

    Outdoor Recreation Leadership: Guided Hike with Optional Cold Plunge

    Tuesday June 11, 3:30-7:30 PM, Dirty Harry's Balcony PE 239 Outdoor Recreation Leadership students host this event! Join these emerging leaders for a new Adventure Outdoors and build your adventure community: Join us on a hike up Dirty Harry's Balcony along the I-90 corridor! Plus, if you're feeling adventurous, bring your extra socks and a ...more about Outdoor Recreation Leadership: Guided Hike with Optional Cold Plunge

  • Spring Outdoor Office Hours: Mon and Weds, 10:30 – 11:20 AM 

    Spring Outdoor Office Hours: Mon and Weds, 10:30 - 11:20 AM 

    Here to be your outdoor resource.  Join me, Peter Prescott, in person for questions and trip planning help. Maps, Forecast, Locations, Trip Reports, Gear Questions and more! In-Person: G250 D

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 December 9, 2024