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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  • 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

  • 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

  • Guided Snowshoe Hike – Source Lake Basin

    Guided Snowshoe Hike - Source Lake Basin

    Thursday, Feb. 8, 2 - 5 PM, Source Lake Basin (Alpental Valley- Snoqualmie Pass) Join the BC Wellness Center for an afternoon adventure into a Winter wonderland. Snowshoes and the instruction to use them are provided. You provide transportation and Winter weather clothing! Learn how to extend your hiking season year-round. Register now! (15 spot max)

  • Introduction to Indoor Rock Climbing

    Introduction to Indoor Rock Climbing

    Monday, Feb. 12, 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 dawning a harness, head up the big wall as high ...more about Introduction to Indoor Rock Climbing

  • Mt Rainier High Hut Overnight

    Mt Rainier High Hut Overnight

    Thursday and Friday, March 7-8, Ashford WA Required Planning Session: Monday, March 4, 1:30 -2:20 PM These huts are managed 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 provide you ...more about Mt Rainier High Hut Overnight

  • Introduction to Mountain Biking

    Introduction to Mountain Biking

    Tuesday, March 12, 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 will meet at the trailhead ...more about Introduction to Mountain Biking

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

    Winter Outdoor 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

  • Mindfulness Outdoors: Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trail Adventure

    Mindfulness Outdoors: Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trail Adventure

    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

  • Introduction to Indoor Rock Climing

    Introduction to Indoor Rock Climing

    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 Climing

  • 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 Events

    Outdoor Recreation Leadership Events

    PE 239 Outdoor Recreation Leadership students will be hosting events in June! Join these emerging leaders for a new Adventure Outdoors and build your adventure community Registration opens May 22!

  • 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 March 21, 2024