Outdoor Resources

Welcome to our Outdoor Resources page!

This page is designed to provide you with some information to help you plan your next outdoor adventure! From websites we suggest for trip planning to tips about gear and packing lists. If there are additional questions you have about your next adventure email us at outdoor@uw.edu.

Useful trip planning websites

Route/Trail Finding

GAIA GPS – free, detailed topographical maps for navigating outdoor recreation spaces, there is an option to subscribe to a paid account that will open more map features. Make sure you download any routes/maps prior to going out on your adventure.

WTA (Washington Trails Association) – comprehensive database for trail information in Washington State. You can use their hike finder map to locate your next adventure. You can search by trail length elevation, trail features and more!

AllTrails – Trail maps and reporting for navigating outdoor recreation space. There are free and paid versions.

Weather Reporting

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) – weather predictions by location up to 7 days.

NWAC (Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center) – local avalanche and snow hazard reporting.

Windy – multi-faceted and interactive weather reporting up to 7 days.

Land Unit Websites

• National Parks Service – For updates on all National Parks. If you are going to one of our 3 National Parks in Washington, please check their specific websites:
  • Olympic NP
  • North Cascades NP
  • Mount Rainier NP
• National Forest Service – For updates on all National Forests. If you are going to one of our 6 National Forests in Washington, please check their specific websites:
  • Olympic NF
  • Gifford Pinchot NF
  • Okanogan-Wenatchee NF
  • Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF
  • Colville NF
  • Umatilla NF
  • National Forest Interactive Visitor Map
• Bureau of Land Management – For updates on the Oregon-Washington offices (there are quite a few, so please check the district website that you will be visiting)
• Washington State Parks – For updates on Washington State Parks, including Sno-Parks. Please check the individual park listing that you will be visiting by going to the “Find a Park” tab at the top of the page.

Packing Lists

Below is a packing list resource created by the Outdoor Wellness Team. In the resource you will find information about the 10 essentials and packing lists for hiking, backpacking, camping, climbing, water sports and winter sports.

Gear Stores

• Discount Gear:
  • Steep and Cheap
  • Sierra Trading Post
  • Backcountry
  • REI Outlet
• Used Gear:
  • REI Used Gear
  • Outdoor Gear Exchange
  • Wonderland Gear Exchange
• Gear Rentals
  • Play it Again Sports – Various Locations
  • Ascent Outdoors – Ballard
  • Turntables and Trails – Lake City Way
  • Gearhouse – Capitol Hill
  • Bothell Ski and Bike – Kenmore
  • Eastside Cycle and Ski – Totem Lake