Seattle is a major locale in the Pacific Northwest. Its history, culture, arts and geographical location make it a popular destination for singles year round. Nearby Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, and the many area waterways have thousands of opportunities for getting outdoors and taking part in dozens of sports. Health savvy resident singles and like-minded visitors can find much to keep them busy, whether they set out on their own or join a singles group. Indoors or out, possibilities for active singles abound in the Emerald City.
Sailing
From Puget Sound to the San Juan Islands, northwest waterways are accessible by ferry, canoe, kayak, power and sailboats. Sailing is a hugely popular sport, with yacht races numbering in the hundreds every year. Seattle Singles Yacht Club, or SSYC, offers free sailing classes, races and cruises. SSYC participates in the crazy "Duck Dodge" on Lake Union and Sea Fair in summers. They also have volleyball, wallyball (like volleyball, but on a racquetball court) and other periodic events. You don't have to own a boat to join.
Dancing
Hep Cat Productions on Denny Way offers swing classes for all ages. Hep Cat is "Seattle's premier organization for classes in Swing Dancing, Lindy Hop, and Authentic Jazz Dance." You don't need a partner to take classes, and if you sign up for a class, you can attend the weekly dance for no charge. Chris Chapman, who runs the operation, and his instructors, take the lessons to any group event or party outside their program. Just book well in advance.
Mountaineers
When is the last time you hiked up a 14,000-foot mountain? Mount Rainier may not be a weekly event, but the Seattle Mountaineers Singles branch gets out to the high spots on occasion. Day hikes in the alpine meadows or week-long backpacking trips may be invigorating, but they'll take groups out for beach walks and then come back for volleyball and a potluck dinner. Check their schedule of events as other recreational activities come up often.
Running
Tie those new sneakers on and start running--with about 400 others in Seattle. If you love running, this is a great way to meet people. From track and field events to weekly runs, the Seattle Running Club has a variety of activities that include road racing and cross-country races. The snow-capped landscapes of the Northwest fly by as you share the course. Membership is $ 40 per individual, 2010 rates, and includes a tech shirt or racing singlet.
Cycling
If you'd prefer to see things on wheels, the Cascade Bicycle Club has all kinds of events to get you fit via the bicycle. This is "the largest daily rides program in the U.S., coordinating more than 1,300 daily rides annually for our 13,000+ members." Local day rides are regular happenings, but they also have multiple-day trips to outer lying areas. If you are a serious rider, take off on one of their European trips. And when you get tired of your bicycle, there's a bike swap and annual bike Expo.
Other
Get a few single friends together and walk around Green Lake, rent canoes on Lake Washington from U. W., or stroll Alki. Head over to Volunteer Park and climb the water tower for a great view of the Seattle. A well-known singles group in the city is Events and Adventures. Their programs range from whitewater rafting trips to local fairs and holiday gatherings. There are also dining clubs, craft groups, yoga centers and parenting groups for singles.
Participating in any of these can be great fun, and you never know who you'll meet.
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