The hiking frenzy that swept through Seattle during the pandemic appears to have plateaued. Recent market research from Nielsen indicates a notable decline in the popularity of hiking, marking the first significant downturn in over ten years.
Throughout the 2010s, Seattle experienced a hiking renaissance, with the activity reaching unprecedented levels of popularity. Then came the pandemic, amplifying interest in outdoor pursuits as people sought safe recreational options. However, as restrictions ease and life returns to a semblance of normalcy, the fervor for hiking seems to have waned.
Nielsen’s latest data, gathered from surveys conducted between January 2022 and February 2023, reveals a drop of approximately 100,000 local hikers from the peak of the pandemic. While still substantial, this decline may not immediately translate to noticeable changes on the trails, given the previous surge in hiking’s popularity.
The Seattle metro area, encompassing King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties, boasts a population of around 3.24 million adults. According to Nielsen’s 2023 findings, about 36% of adults in this region reported hiking in the past year, down from the pandemic peak of 40%.
Despite the recent dip, hiking remains a prevalent outdoor activity in Seattle. However, this decline contrasts with the remarkable ascent witnessed over the past decade. In 2010, hiking trailed behind activities like gardening, swimming, camping, and bicycling in popularity among Seattleites. But by the end of the decade, it had surged ahead, becoming one of the most favored outdoor pursuits.
The spike in hiking’s popularity was not unique to Seattle but mirrored a national trend, particularly prominent in areas blessed with breathtaking natural landscapes. Millennials were at the forefront of this surge, possibly influenced by cultural phenomena like Cheryl Strayed’s bestselling memoir “Wild” and the rise of social media platforms like Instagram, which glamorized outdoor adventures.
The recent drop in hiking participation may also reflect a generational shift. Nielsen’s data suggests that Gen Zers exhibit slightly less interest in hiking compared to their millennial counterparts. While 41% of Gen Z young adults in the Seattle area reported hiking in the past year, this figure falls slightly short of the 45% recorded among millennials.
Nevertheless, hiking remains a beloved pastime in Seattle, with enthusiasts of all ages still hitting the trails to explore the region’s natural beauty. While the pandemic-induced hiking boom may have subsided, the allure of the great outdoors continues to beckon to adventurers in the Emerald City.