Living in Seattle, during winter, the sky is often gray for months, making it hard to see the sun, and the rain falls lightly but annoyingly, while heating costs seem to have skyrocketed.

However, there is one thing I have to admit, no matter how much I complain about this place.

Seattle is a city where, once you get through winter, you don't need to travel far to see nature.

Just stepping outside and moving a little will lead you to parks, lakes, and views of the ocean. On clear days, you can even see the snow-capped mountains in the distance.

At first, I didn't even know the name of the mountain. "What's that big mountain over there?"

I was told it's Mount Rainier. It's over 14,410 feet tall and can be seen from the city on clear days.

On days when it suddenly appears through the clouds, I find myself staring at it even after living here for years.

One of my favorite places is Discovery Park.

Located in Magnolia, it spans over 500 acres. It's said to be the largest park in Seattle.

The first time I went, I thought it was just a big neighborhood park, but I ended up walking for a long time.

There are forest trails, meadows, cliffs, and it leads all the way to the beach.

On one side, you can see Puget Sound, and on nice days, you can even see the Olympic Mountains across the way.

It's amazing how, just a short drive from downtown, you suddenly feel like you're on a trip.

Gas Works Park is also very Seattle-like.

It's right next to Lake Union, and they left the old gas plant facilities intact instead of demolishing them.

At first glance, you might honestly think, "Why didn't they clean up that rust?"

But sitting on the lawn and looking at the Seattle skyline across the lake, it's actually quite beautiful.

Boats pass by, seaplanes take off, and people are lounging on blankets.

The view of the old factory, the lake, and the modern buildings all together is quite surreal.

On Capitol Hill, there's Volunteer Park.

This place has a completely different atmosphere. There are many old trees, making it great for a stroll, and the Seattle Asian Art Museum is located within the park.

There's also a greenhouse, which is nice to explore on rainy days.

But if you want to capture a great photo of Seattle, you have to go to Kerry Park.

It's really small for a park.

When you first go, you might think, "Is this it?"

But people keep coming back for the view from there.

The Space Needle is right in front, the Seattle downtown unfolds, and on lucky days, you can see Mount Rainier in the background.

This is the iconic Seattle view you see in many photos.

And if I had to choose a place that feels closer to the everyday life of residents than tourists, I would mention Green Lake.

There's about a 2.8-mile walking path around the lake, so it's always bustling with people.

In the morning, you see runners, dog walkers, parents with strollers, and people walking alone with headphones on—everyone is there.

I also went out at first to exercise, but halfway through, I got tired and just sat on a bench to people-watch.

But that's nice too.

You don't have to wear hiking boots and go on a grand adventure to enjoy nature.

Walking around the lake with a cup of coffee is a perfectly good way to enjoy nature in Seattle.

That's what makes this city interesting.

There's the ocean, lakes, forests, and towering mountains in the background. Yet all of that is not separate from city life.

Even on the way to the grocery store, you can see the mountains, and if you're bored on the weekend, you can go to a park, and with just a little walk, you can sit by the water.

Thinking about the housing prices in Seattle can be disheartening, but on nice days when I go to the park, I find myself thinking this.

"Ah, this is why people live here."

While I can't forgive the heavy rain, the natural beauty of this city is truly something to be proud of, no matter where you go.