When you think of things to do in the Emerald City, many things may come to your mind, like visiting the Space Needle or riding a ferry. Visiting Bellevue Zip Tour probably isn’t one of them, but you know what? It should be!
This aerial adventure park is located 15 minutes east of Seattle, Washington and promises an exciting three hours of adrenaline-pumping adventures the likes of which you won’t find nearby.
Never been zipping through the trees and not sure what to expect? Read on, my friend!
I’ll tell you everything you need to know so you can take your thrills to new heights with complete confidence!
Get Started at Bellevue Zip Tour
You’ll begin your Bellevue Zip line tour in the parking lot at 14509 SE Newport Way in Bellevue. Their trailer/office is located on the edge of the lot and this is where you’ll sign in.
It’s also where you’ll pay $4 for a pair of gloves (if you didn’t bring your own), and weigh in.
Yes, you heard me correctly. They have a strict weight limit of 250 pounds and ask everyone to step on a scale to ensure they don’t exceed this limit.
Put your worries aside, though. The scale is off to the side, and no one but the person checking you in (not even you) can see your weight.
You’ll also need to sign a waiver, but you can save some time by doing this online before you get there.
You may also enjoy reading How to Spend a Weekend in Seattle
Getting Your Ziplining Gear On
Once everyone in your party signs in, you’ll take a short walk up the hill to meet your guides. Safety is their number one priority, and they’ll walk you through each step of getting your gear on.
You’ll be accompanied by two instructors who will make sure your safety harness is on correctly before you start the course.
Getting up in the Treetops
Of course, before soaring through the tree canopy on a zipline high above the forest floor, you’ll have to climb a ladder to get to the first platform.
If you can do that, you’ll be able to do everything else on the course.
From the time you take your first step up the ladder until you’ve completed the adventure course, you’ll always be hooked to a safety line (actually, more than one) to keep you from falling.
As crazy as it seems to step off a perfectly safe platform into thin air, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience you can’t get just anywhere!
Photo Credit: © 2022 Jim Ferri at www.neverstoptraveling.com
Enjoy the Outdoor Adventure at Bellevue Zip Tour!
Your group will spend the next couple of hours taking turns crossing the seven zip lines that make up the zip line tour.
Each line ranges in length from 78 to 458 feet. The highest platform you’ll be on is 80 feet high and you’ll be zipping along at speeds up to 35 mph.
You’ll also cross two suspension bridges. You can cross one at a time or make it more thrilling by bouncing each other all the way across. It’s up to you!
You may have heard stories of someone getting hurt slamming into a tree at the end of a zipline. That won’t happen here.
When you get close to the end of the line, there are blocks that act as breaks to slow your approach. The instructor will then make sure you are safely on the platform.
Your group will take turns crossing each zip line before moving on to the next one.
Visiting Seattle Soon? Read This Next: 28 Essentials for the Ultimate Seattle Packing List
Things You Should Know Before You Go Ziplining in Seattle
Is Zip Lining Scary?
Not gonna lie, it sure can be! If you’re afraid of heights, a zip line tour may not be for you. However, most people get more and more comfortable with each line they do.
Remember, the safety harnesses are there to protect you and will keep you from falling, so have fun with it!
Will We Still Zip Line if It’s Raining?
If you’re new to the area, welcome to Western Washington, where it rains 150 days a year!
Yes, your zip line tour will continue even in the rain. It will only be canceled if the weather becomes dangerous, as in lightning, hail, high winds, etc.
Otherwise, check the weather app and come prepared accordingly!
What Should You Take With You
You’ll be outside for 2 1/2 to 3 hours and up in the tree canopy for most of that time. You can bring snacks, a water bottle, chapstick, and anything you think you’ll need to be comfortable.
However, keep in mind you have to be able to carry all this with you, even on the zipline.
Also, don’t count on having easy access to all your pockets since the safety gear makes some of them inaccessible.
Are Cameras Allowed on the Course?
Yes! You can bring your camera/phone/selfie stick, etc. The only caveat is you’ll have to accept the risk that it could be lost or broken if you drop it. It’s not hard to hold your phone when you’re ziplining, but be sure to turn the volume so you can call it if you do drop it.
What Else Does Bellevue Zip Tour Offer?
The most recent addition is a climbing wall. The wall is available for group reservations, open climbs, climbing classes, and climbing camps.
They also offer Bellevue Challenge Course which includes a low course, a high course, and a verticle playpen. These are great activities for team building!
Final Thoughts
We had a great time at Bellevue Zip Tour! There were six or seven in our group and several had never been ziplining before. There were some fears to work through, but we did and would absolutely recommend it!
If you’re looking to go ziplining in Washington or, more specifically, a Seattle zip line course, add this one to the top of your list!
Happy Zipping!
Karee
More Articles From the Our Woven Journey:
- How to Spend a Weekend in Seattle
- 28 Essentials for the Ultimate Seattle Packing List (2023)
- Culture and Luxury Come Together During Seattle Museum Month
This article was produced and syndicated by Our Woven Journey.
Karee Blunt is a nationally syndicated travel journalist, focused on discovering destinations and experiences that captivate and inspire others through her writing. She is also the founder of Our Woven Journey, a travel site focused on inspiring others to create memory-making adventures with their loved ones. Karee is passionate about encouraging others to step out of their comfort zone and live the life they dream of. She is the mother of six kids, including four through adoption, and lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest. You can learn more about Karee on her about me page.