This article appears in print in the November 2018 issue. Click here to subscribe.

Tech has taken over for timber as Seattle’s dominant industry, but a new recreational activity in town—axe throwing, a sport in lumberjack competitions for decades—promises to bring out the grizzled woodsman in whoever gives it a try. It’s “the true Pacific Northwest experience,” says Dave Quinn, who opened the area’s first axe-throwing venue, Axe Kickers (from $20/hour; White Center, 10843 First Ave. S, 570.245.8361), in July. The nearly 3,000-square-foot facility offers nine (fenced, naturally) lanes for taking aim at a wooden bullseye with National Axe Throwing Federation (NATF)–standard 1.25- to 1.75-pound axes.

Scoring is similar to that for a game of darts. Something to consider for your next birthday—or bachelor—party: Axe throwing is both safety-certified by the NATF and suitable for ages 10 and older.