Make a Reservation

Snowshoe the beginner-friendly 1.2 mile Gold Creek Pond trail, then grab burritos at a hole-in-the-wall spot nearby.

Here's your plan for snowshoeing at Gold Creek Pond followed by burritos at Rio Bravo

Beginner-Friendly Snowshoe at Gold Creek Pond

Snowshoe around the scenic 1.2 mile loop at Gold Creek Pond, accessible from Seattle, perfect for beginners seeking a stunning winter landscape.

Snowshoeing

✅ Before you go 
• Rent basic snowshoes and trekking poles from REI ($18 for REI members or $18 + $100 deposit for non-REI members). If you’re not an REI member, you can join with a one-time payment of $20 for a lifetime membership (rei.com/membership/join). You can reserve gear online (seattle.rentals.rei.com/portal)
• Bring or purchase a Sno-Park pass. The pass allows you to park in the Gold Creek area while you’re out snowshoeing. You can purchase a daily pass for non-motorized winter sports online for $20 or a season pass for $40 (epermits.parks.wa.gov/Store/SNO/SnoChoice.aspx). They ticket frequently in this area so don’t skip this!
• Dress warmly! You’ll be hiking in the snow, so try to wear a wool or synthetic base layer, tall insulated/waterproof boots, a warm snow jacket, snow pants, a hat, scarf, and waterproof gloves. If you have short boots, we recommend getting gaiters. These will help keep snow out of your shoes, especially if there is deep powder. (amzn.to/2FTILeY)
• Get your daypack together. Fill your pack with snacks, water, sunscreen, sunglasses (skin protection is still important in the winter!) and a thermos of your favorite hot drink. We went with hot water and brought Theo drinking chocolate (https://theochocolate.com/drinking-chocolate-dark-chocolate/)
• Check the weather (https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=47.4935&lon=-121.7831#.Y7TX8-zMIRU) and road conditions (https://www.wta.org/go-outside/seasonal-hikes/winter-destinations/winter-safety-tips) before you go. This is a popular trail, so AllTrails reviews will give you a good sense of the trail conditions (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/gold-creek-pond-loop)
• ~1 hour to Gold Creek Pond from Seattle (https://goo.gl/maps/EWgpFrPwbPe7E3me7)
• Park along the road. The road typically does not require tire chains, but tends to get icy closer to the trailhead
• This is a busy trail, but there is a good amount of street parking. On a nice weekend day, plan to arrive by 9:30am


Snowshoe 1.2 mile loop around Gold Creek Pond

Enjoy warm, hearty burritos at Rio Bravo in North Bend after a snowy adventure. Expect a wait during peak hours, with options to eat inside or out.

Lunch at Rio Bravo

💪 Pro tips:
• If there isn’t a table available inside, you can still wait inside until your food is ready then take it to a table outside. Your burrito will keep you warm ;)
• Don’t arrive toooo hungry. At peak lunch times, there might be a ~30 min wait for food. Order chips and salsa to hold you over. The chips are so warm and good

Grab lunch at Rio Bravo 🌯

This snowshoeing trail is the perfect morning activity

outdoors with magical views and massive burritos afterwards.

You'll drive an hour out of Seattle to Gold Creek Pond,

clip on your snowshoes, shake out your hand warmers, and then you're ready to go.

It's a flat trail from the street parking to the pond,

then about a mile loop with views like this the whole way. Because of the moving water,

the pond is only partially frozen. So some parts

look like this and some parts look like this.

We brought a thermos of hot water and some hot chocolate mix to warm us up,

which was needed because we also spent way too long taking

self timer photos. When you're done in the snow, drive

We were lucky enough to grab one, but a lot of people ate outside too.

If it's nice enough to snowshoe, it's nice enough for a burrito.

check the weather and get ready for a great day outdoors.

The Amazon Spheres are an iconic landmark in downtown Seattle! Typically, they’re only reserved for Amazon employees, but on some weekends, you can make a reservation to go inside! 🌱

Here's your plan for exploring diverse plants inside the Amazon Spheres with scenic views and relaxing spots

Explore the gardens in the Amazon Spheres🌿

Explore lush gardens with 40,000+ plants inside the Amazon Spheres! Make a reservation to visit this urban botanical wonder in downtown Seattle.

Garden Exploration

✅ Before you go
• You 100% need a reservation to visit the Amazon Spheres! Make one here: https://www.seattlespheres.com/the-spheres-weekend-public-visits 🌳
• You can make a reservation to go inside on the first and third Saturdays of each month! The spheres are open from 10 AM to 6 PM. ⏰
• Reservations open 15 days before! I recommend making a note in your calendar to make your reservation right when it’s opens! It was difficult to get one! 📆
• You’re asked to keep your visit to about an hour, so others can explore too! 🐠
• Look, but don’t touch!!! It helps keep the plants safe and healthy! 🌵
• Bring an ID! You’ll need it to check in at the front desk before you head in! 🪪

💪 Pro tips
• Don’t miss the cute photo op at the top of the Spheres with the iconic sign! 📸
• If you’re interested, check out the South Lake Union Market in the summer: https://slumarket.com 🛍️

Explore the gardens!

It's maybe the coolest mix of urban life and nature in Seattle.

The Amazon spheres are an iconic landmark downtown,

Typically these are only available for Amazon employees,

but on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month,

anyone can make a reservation to go inside.

The spheres are home to more than 40,000 plants from dozens of different countries.

We saw some pretty cute creatures inside too.

This little guy with the neon orange spots was my favorite.

different levels and taking in all of diversity.

There's a little sunroom where you can relax in the top too,

And if you time it out perfectly in the summer months,

you can walk straight out of the spheres to the South Lake Union Public Market.

Golden Curry in Kent feels like one of those no-fuss places where the food speaks for itself. The buffet has all the comforting staples — dal, butter chicken, biryani, fresh naan — and the flavors are solid and homestyle. It’s the kind of spot you come to when you’re missing familiar food or just want a filling, unpretentious meal. Nothing fancy, just warm, satisfying Indian food that hits the spot.


Here's your plan for indulging in unlimited authentic Indian dishes and desserts at Golden Curry buffet

Eat all you can at this Indian Buffet

Feast on unlimited, homestyle Indian staples at Golden Curry's buffet in Kent — from butter chicken to biryani. Perfect for when you can’t pick just one dish!

Indian Buffet Dining

✅ Before you go
• Go on an empty stomach — the buffet is generous and you’ll want to try a bit of everything. Lunch hours are usually calmer than dinner, especially on weekends.

💪 Pro tips
• Start with the chaat or pakoras and pace yourself — the butter chicken and biryani deserve room on your plate. And don’t skip the dessert station (gulab jamuns are usually worth it).

🍛 Indian Buffet Fix at Golden Curry, Kent

Wouldn't you love to eat as much as you can

at this Indian buffet called Golden Curry in Kent,

from sizzling starters to rich flavorful main courses,

I couldn't stop going back for the Malaykota.

Every entree tasted authentic and delish,

I'm definitely going back when I can't decide what Indian food I'm craving,

and all of it just for $30 a dinner and $25 if you swing by for lunch,

and you get unlimited Mangola Se soda and chai refill.

Let loose, get messy, and set your inner child free at Wicked Rae’s — Seattle’s most joyful, no-rules paint experience. It’s playful, therapeutic, and wildly fun. Book your session at www.wickedraes.org



Here's your plan for letting loose with paint, dancing, expressing freely, and having fun messily at Wicked Rae’s

Get Messy: you don’t even know you need this!

Unleash your creative chaos at Wicked Rae's in Seattle—throw paint, dance, and get messy in a no-rules, joy-filled painting session.

No-rules paint session

✅ Before you go
• Book your session online ahead of time — spots fill up fast, and you don’t want to miss out!

• Wear clothes you’re okay getting messy in — this is all about fun and freedom.

• Arrive a few minutes early to get your protective gear and instructions.

• Bring your playful spirit and be ready to let go of all rules.

• Check their website for any special events or themes before you head over. Hi

💪 Pro tips
• Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting paint on.

• Let go of perfection — this is about expression, not a masterpiece.

• Use your whole body — dance, jump, and throw paint if you want.

• Trust your instincts and enjoy the music; it’s your creative soundtrack.

• Don’t rush — soak in every moment of freedom.

• Bring a friend for double the fun or go solo for a personal recharge.

Let yourself be chaotic 

Here's your nudge to let loose and get messy on purpose at Wicked Rae’s

You book yourself a session and reach their studio in West Seattle.

They give you the tools and basic directions.

but way more fun and you'll want to come back to experience this release again.

The best part is you don't even have to clean up

the mess and you get to take your at home.

Launch, or rent, your boards from East Lake and paddle on over to Gasworks Brewing. 

Here's your plan for paddle boarding from East Lake to a brewery, then returning your board

Brews and boards on Lake Union 🍻🏄‍♀️

Launch your paddle board from Eastlake's public shoreline, enjoy easy rentals and waterfront access for a fun adventure paddling on Lake Union.

Paddleboard Launch

✅ Before you go
• This is a public beach area in a residential area. 
• There is plenty of street parking but be mindful of the neighborhood.

💪 Pro tips
• The beach is an access point for other paddle boards. 
• There are tables and chairs to lounge in too.

Launch from East Lake

Paddle up to Gasworks Brewing on Lake Union, tie up at their dock, and enjoy a cold brew and snacks with waterfront views and laid-back vibes.

Brewery visit

✅ Before you go
• There is a dock you can tie on or a small beach area to walk up if the docks are full.

💪 Pro tips
• The line can get pretty long to order, so make a friend while you wait in line.
• Bring plenty of sunscreen.

Brewery paddle up

Return your rented paddle board at E Louisa St shoreline in Eastlake. Relax in beach chairs or explore nearby public waterfront spots after your paddle adventure.

Paddleboard return

✅ Before you go
• make sure your phone is charged so you’re able to return your board.

💪 Pro tips
• lounge in one of the chairs or explore the smaller public beaches nearby!

Return your paddle

The weather is finally starting to get warmer in Seattle,

so come with me to paddle board to a brewery in South Lake Union.

but I ended up renting one from this self-service locker in East Lake.

There's a QR code on the locker service that explains everything.

It's super simple once you take out the paddle board,

you close it back up and then you're able to launch from the beach area.

I would say it's about a 15 minute paddle over.

the scariest part was just crossing the lake because of all the other boats,

but Luckily there weren't that many this day,

You're able to paddle right up to the brewery and leave your paddle on the dock.

and they're always playing bumping music.

I've had the nachos before that are pretty good.

I also randomly ran into one of my friends,

We stayed for maybe 1 hour and then I had to start

heading back because I was renting by it the half hour,

headed back to our boards and got right back to the water.

I was nervous about the return process for the paddle board,

I used the link they sent me and was able to unlock the locker,

put the paddle back in along with the oar and the life jacket,

It was such a lovely way to spend an afternoon and I honestly can't wait to do it again.