The Pacific Northwest is known for its dramatic scenery. Zip lining is a great way to get off the ground and get a different perspective on the views while enjoying an exhilarating experience.
High Life Adventures
This one was my teenage boys' favorite and that was due to the "Zwing." This crazy contraption is a combination of a rope swing and a zip line. You jump off the tower and freefall until the swing part catches, then you zip down a line while swinging back and forth. Not for the faint of heart. There are a total of eight zip lines, and it is designed to build confidence as you go. It's a perfect beginner-to-advanced place to try, and the staff is great. The guys (many local first responders) are super fun and engage both adults and children in the fun. My teenagers loved being dunked in the water (there's an option for no soak, dip, or full soak) and there are a few other surprises along the way. Another thing High Life Adventures offers is a lodge where you can hang out after you're done with your adventure. Check out High Life's Zip n' Sip Bar for a meal or drink, featuring local craft beers, wine on tap, paninis, sandwiches, soup and its famous beer bread.
High Life Adventures, LLC, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 92111 High Life Rd., Warrenton, Oregon, 503.861.9875, highlife-adventures.com
Ziptrek Ecotours
Ziptrek has the longest zip line in Canada and the United States. The Sasquatch is a monster zip line that clocks in at a mile long and features epic views. The tours meet in Whistler Village, making it super convenient. The company offers various packages on different zip lines. It also offers a treetop trek for those who want a tamer experience. Ziptrek is open year-round and is one of the few places offering a winter zip line experience.
Ziptrek Ecotours, daily, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., 4282 Mountain Square, Whistler, B.C., VON 1 B4, Canada, 604.935.0001, ziptrek.com
Skamania Lodge Zip Line Tour
Located near the Columbia River Gorge, the beautiful Skamania Lodge was built to look like a historic National Park lodge. The zip line tour starts right at the lodge, and there are seven lines ranging from 100 feet to 900 feet in length. The lines zip through a rainforest canopy of Douglas firs. Led by experienced guides, this is a fun trip.
Skamania Lodge Zip Line Tour, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 1131 SW Skamania Lodge Way, Stevenson, 509.427.0202, zipskamania.com
Northwest Trek
A little closer to home, the Adventure Course at Northwest Trek is more than just zip lines. You must scale a 30-foot climbing wall to get on the course. In addition to six zip lines, there are suspended bridges, a cargo net and a high-wire tightrope. It is a challenging course. Note that Northwest Trek requires an adult on the course with children ages 17 years and younger.
Northwest Trek, daily, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., 11610 Trek Drive E., Eatonville, 360.832.6117, nwtrek.org
Sunny, summer days are perfect opportunities to get out and get up in the trees while having an adventure. This just scratches the surface of zip lining available in the Pacific Northwest. To find other options, check out the Chamber of Commerce or visitor's information site online for the area you wish to visit.