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climb mt. hood � kayak lake union Stay within the city li mits,i and do some exploring of Seattle's waterways. Rent your k�yak on west Lake Union at the Northwest Outdoors Centef. (21 00 Westlake N.; 206/281 -9694) Weave your way through U 7ion Bay and into Lake Washington. mountain bike belfair �ahuya state park Just 45 minutes away if yqu catch the ferry on time-over 200 miles of rolling terrain opi:ln to mountain bikers, horses and motorbikes. It's easy to gei lost in the maze of trails, so make sure to keep an eye on the�trail markers. Terrain is not too diffi cult, but meant for high sp�eds. hike mt. rainier national park r a d h o1 u r s ilu On a clear day, this 14,000-pl us-foot presence looms over Seattle and Tacoma-it's the largest sing le-peak glacial system in the nation. Its striking beauty is most accessible for hikes at Paradise and Summit Lake. Downhill skiing at Crystal Mountain is often your best choice within three hours of Seattle. And to climb the summit, be prepared for a grueling, frigid experience-less than half who attempt it ever complete the mission. Call the Rainier National Park Service (360/569-221 1) for more information. mountain bike capital forest All skill levels are welcome, but the hard-core are most satisfied. You can go for three to seven hours through this expanse of single-track, rigorous terrain, primarily a slick clay surface. Located near Olympia, about 2 hours from Seattle. Contact the Department of Natural Resources (800/527-3305) for more information. Drive� th ree hours south to Portland, OR toward the 11 ,235- foot :Mt. Hood, a year-round mecca for summit climbers. Timb�rline Mountain Guide Service (503/636-7704), will direct those without experience. Of the approaches to the top, �almer is the easiest, a 5,300-foot non-technical climb, whil� the Sandy Headwall side is for serious climbers only. asceind mt, saint helens This �ctive volcano was chopped to 8,365 feet after explod ing iri 1980, and provides some amazing sights for the tourist and dhallenges for hi kers and climbers. Monitor Ridge is the most�popular for skiing; peer into the crater then put on your skis and head back down. Call 206/247-5800' for permits. � .iI:ႀ!2::::'::::! Josh Dill is an outdoor enthusiast based in seattle,