ages+ +about stages out
Secret Urban Hikes Green spaces that offer a pintsize outdoor adventure By Bryony Angell
W
hen my son was a preschooler, I wanted to introduce him to hiking, but I knew he wasn’t ready for long trails (or drives). We began exploring the wealth of tucked-away wild areas in the Lake Washington region. We discovered some jewels, from short wetland walks to a 2-mile hike with significant elevation gain. These short trails are part of official open space in and around Seattle; each offers different ecosystems to explore and different nature memories to treasure. Bonus: Since they’re in urban areas, these trails are accessible in all seasons.
Licorice Fern Natural Area Pinehurst, Seattle Licorice Fern is one of several Thornton Creek natural areas in North Seattle that are being lovingly restored with the help of a neighborhood group. Licorice Fern offers a quiet creek-side stroll, with logs and benches to sit on and listen to the water. This watershed is where I brought my son when he was still an infant, to experience the sounds and sights of nature on a small scale. Look for pileated woodpeckers or evidence of beavers. GOOD TO KNOW: Stay on marked trails and remember that this is a residential area as well as a sanctuary for wildlife. The closest retail area (and restrooms) is the large Safeway grocery store at the intersection of N.E. 125th St. and 15th Ave. N.E. in the Pinehurst neighborhood. FINE PRINT: Less than 0.5 mile of trails. Enter the green space at the end of N.E. 130th St., a few blocks west of 15th Ave. N.E. Park on 12th Ave. N.E. and walk down to the entrance. Find more information on the Friends of Licorice Fern Facebook page (search “Friends of Licorice Fern Natural Area”).
Llandover Woods Greenspace Northwest Seattle Just south of Shoreline, Llandover Woods feels like a secret forest at the edge of the city. Deep, heavily wooded ravines make this park seem like stepping into the mountains. The 0.6-mile-long loop trail is wide and well maintained, and the twitter of the golden-crowned kinglet’s song high in the conifers might be the only sound you hear other than your footfalls. It’s also possible to extend the walk by passing through the neighborhood in one big loop. GOOD TO KNOW: Find the closest public restrooms at the retail area of N.E. 145th and Greenwood, or head to the fantastic Central Market nearby in Shoreline for a pit stop and snacks. FINE PRINT: The shorter loop is 0.6 mile. The park entrance is at N.E. 145th St. and Third Ave. N.W., where you’ll find ample parking. seattle.gov/parks
Madrona Woods Madrona, Seattle This greenbelt above Madrona Park and Beach in the Madrona neighborhood of Seattle offers a quiet retreat from the sound of cars on Lake Washington Blvd. Maintained by the dedicated Friends of Madrona Woods, the 9-acre forest features trails, a daylighted Madrona Creek and waterfall, and the novelty of a weathered
1940s-era Ford sedan lodged into the hillside. The trails are hilly, with reinforced plank stairs, and branch off across the slope to emerge into the neighborhood or the lakeside park below. NEARBY BONUS: Madrona’s cute shopping district is close by, with kid-friendly destinations such as Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream and Cupcake Royale. FINE PRINT: Madrona Woods has several access entries on 38th Ave. and E. Spring St., as well as a crosswalk from the Madrona Park Beach below. Park on the street. madronawoods.org
Lakeridge Park Rainier Beach, Seattle Lakeridge Park, a 35-acre wooded canyon in the Rainier Beach area, might be the most overlooked gem of the Seattle parks system. Once called Deadhorse Canyon, the area has a gravel trail that runs a half mile round-trip along the west side of the canyon overlooking Taylor Creek below. The trail ascends quickly, and soon you are looking across the ravine, feeling like you are at bird’s-eye height. The drop-off can be intimidating, but the trail is wide and even, and our boys loved running across the well-fortified, hand-railed wooden bridge that spans rougher terrain. NEARBY BONUS: Adjacent to Lakeridge Park, on Rainier Ave. S., Lakeridge Playfield has a playground and a ball field (and restrooms). FINE PRINT: Up to 0.5 mile round-trip. The trailhead is at a bend in the road where 68th Ave. S. becomes Holyoke Ave. S., just a block from Rainier Ave. S. There is a pullout for three cars, a kiosk and a Seattle Parks and Recreation sign. seattle.gov/parks
O.O. Denny Park Kirkland Just up the road from better-known Saint Edward State Park, O.O. Denny Park is a 46-acre green space along Lake Washington that encompasses the Denny Creek watershed area. Park in the lot across the street from the lakefront area and find a trailhead at the north end that leads to a 1.5-mile loop trail. Interpretive signage at the halfway mark explains the restoration and history of the area. As you descend through tall trees, look for a 600-year-old Douglas fir tree nicknamed “Sylvia,” the biggest tree in King County. As you loop back down by Denny Creek, kids will have fun playing “hot lava” on the wood pavers on muddier sections of the trail. NEARBY BONUS: After the hike, cross the road to the Lake Washington section of O.O. Denny Park for a lakeside picnic and playground time. Find more trails at nearby Big Finn Hill Park. FINE PRINT: An approximately 1.25-mile loop, with around 200 feet of elevation gain. Find a trail map at alltrails.com. O.O. Denny Park, 12032 Holmes Point Dr. N.E., Kirkland. kirklandwa.gov ■ Bryony Angell loves nature, art and mid-century architecture, and can find a way to connect all three to parenting. Read more of her writing at bryonyangell.com. parentmap.com • May 2019 • 23