Listening to advice to get out in nature each day, our members offer some recommendations for parks in our neighborhoods that provide exercise, relaxation, and even some socially distant conversation. Have other spots you enjoy? Recommendations gratefully accepted.
Commune with Nature at Pine Ridge Park
20330 83rd Ave W, Edmonds
http://www.edmondswa.gov/visit-a-park-text-15/parks-map/pine-ridge-park.html
This mini forest is conducive to relaxation, de-stressing and meditation. Pine Ridge Park is small, with two woodsy trails and a pond, but it is peaceful, and about the only sounds you will hear are the melodious songs of birds. Frequently ducks and other birds can be spotted on the pond.
Have a Picnic Lunch at North Neighborhood Park
18510 44th Ave W, Lynnwood
https://www.lynnwoodwa.gov/Community/Play-Lynnwood/Parks-Trails-and-Open-Space/North-Lynnwood-Park
This small park has a paved path around the perimeter for a short, easy walk. It also has two covered picnic tables, so you can bring a picnic lunch to eat in fair or rainy weather. Share a meal with a friend, where social distancing is easy, if you sit six feet apart on the table benches.
Take a walk through woods in Terrace Creek Park
48th Ave W near intersection with 236th St SW
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/terrace-creek-park
The paths are wide enough to offer social distancing, with the trail wandering through trees and along a creek, which is flowing nicely this time of the year. A small parking lot, not a lot of people. Good for a couple of miles round trip.
Wander the trails of Yost Park in Edmonds
9535 Bowdoin Way, Edmonds
http://www.edmondswa.gov/yost-park-discovery.html
More than one choice for walks in the woods, over footbridges with a creek running through. Admire the large evergreen trees and logs, enjoy a little tree bathing, since the swimming pool is currently closed.
Go off-trail on the former golf course behind the Mountlake Terrace Senior Center
23000 Lakeview Dr, Mountlake Terrace
https://www.mltseniorcenter.net/
Although the senior center is still closed, we can park in their lot and head out behind the building for a stroll across the grassy land, to Lake Ballenger. For a longer walk, the Interurban trail is easily reachable from there.
Find a change of scenery along the Shoreline Interurban trail
17500 Midvale Avenue N, Shoreline
Starting at the Veteran’s Memorial Square to the north of the building, you can head north, past the back of Sky Nursery with many interesting plants lining the path, and up to Echo Lake. Heading south from City Hall takes you to the bridge across Aurora Ave from where you can see the progress on the massive building project by Central Market.
Make a pleasant loop around the water reservoir at Horizon View Park
19800 47th Ave NE, Lake Forest Park
https://www.cityoflfp.com/DocumentCenter/View/9241/Third-Tree-Walk-Updated-with-Pictures_5-19-2020?bidId=
Walk less than a mile where on a clear day you can spot Rainier, the Cascades, Baker, and the Olympic Mountains. Make a second or third loop to add on some extra miles. Trail, grass, and quiet street allow for easy social distancing.
Enjoy Hamlin Park 16006 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98155
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/hamlin-park-shoreline
The city of Shoreline has a great inventory of past walks, ranked by easy to difficult. http://www.shorelinewa.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation-cultural-services/recreation-programs/adults/walks-library
Links are included in the Walks Library (and reproduced here):
Easy Walks: Up to 2 miles with mostly flat terrain and possibly an occasional hill. Suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.
Echo Lake Interurban Walk – Easy – 2.6 miles
Hillwood Neighborhood Walk – Easy – 1.9 miles
North City to Shoreline Park Loop Walk – Easy – 2 miles
Spartan Recreation Center Loop Walk – Easy – 2 miles
Moderately Easy Walks: Up to 3 miles with some hills or occasional uneven terrain. Mostly still suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.
Kruckeberg Garden Walk – Moderately Easy – 2.2 miles
Paramount Park and Twin Ponds Walk – Moderately Easy – 2.1 miles
Ridgecrest Loop Walk - Moderately Easy - 2 miles
Moderate Walks: Up to 3 miles with some hills, trails, uneven ground or stairs. Not suitable for stroller or wheelchairs
Jackson Park Perimeter Walk – Moderate – 2.2 miles
Richmond Beach 2 Parks Walks – 2.9 miles
Richmond Highlands Bear Trail - Moderate - 2.7 miles
Difficult Walks: Up to 3 miles (or more), with many hills, trails, uneven ground or stairs. Not suitable for stroller or wheelchairs.
Richmond Beach 4 Parks Walk – Difficult – 3.3 miles