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Elaine Falls Special to the Ebbtide Seattle and the Puget Sound area offer a variety of outdoor parks with all kinds of features, whether you are looking for a beach, forest, views, or all three; Seattle Parks have it all. Here are a few of my favorites. Picnic Point, located in North Edmonds, is perfect for a barbecue at the beach. From Highway 99 and 128th Street SW head south about 2 miles; turn right onto Shelby Road; go west for 1-1/3 miles to Y intersection; bear right onto Picnic Point Road; from here the entrance is about 1-1/2 miles. There are not many trails as but it is a nice place to spend a sunny afternoon. The park offers a railroad overpass, picnic facilities, restrooms and barbecues for public use. This offers a beautiful sunset with views of Whidbey Island and the Cascades. Carkeek Park is not far from the Shoreline campus. Take 3rd Avenue to 110th Street and head west, or take Metro route 28. The park has a main 1 mile loop, as well as many other side trails. There is some beach access, a playing field and picnic tables. Park patrons can walk through the woods or on the beach. The public beach is not very long and many choose to walk near the railroad tracks. Parking can be scarce on sunny days. Not the best park in Seattle, but close to school if you just need a break. Discovery Park is the best park in Seattle. Located just south of the Locks in Ballard, take Emerson to Gilman or Metro routes 19 or 24. There are north and south parking lots, as well as parking at the visitor's center near the main entrance. The Loop Trail is 2-3/4 miles and goes around the entire park and is perfect for a before sunset stroll. The Beach trail begins at near the West bluffs and is shorter but much steeper. Discovery Park is so wonderful because it is so large and well maintained. This park is a must! The Arboretum is one the most well known parks in the Seattle area. Sitting on Lake Washington, just south of the 520 Bridge, this park is full of beautiful views of the lake, University District and surrounding areas. It is also a great place to watch boats. The park rests south of Husky Stadium and has two main areas, the waterfront walk and the arboretum walk. The waterfront walk gives park-goers a chance to walk on man-made wooden paths over the water. This is a very pretty walk, and there's a good chance you will see some wildlife in this area. The arboretum walk takes you through the park area and walkers will see landscaped gardens with Northwest plant life. This area of the park also has shoreline area that can be used to launch a personal boat (inflatable or kayak) you can float around the channels or under the freeway. This is a nice place to go if you are in the U-District and are in need of some nature. The last Seattle park on the list in is West Seattle, and it's not Alki. Don't get me wrong - Alki is nice, but it is more of a beach than a park. Lincoln Park is situated on the west side of the hill and offers beautiful views of the peninsula and Olympic Mountains. The sunsets are sweet and this park is too! Take I-5 to the West Seattle Bridge exit; follow signs to Fauntleroy Way SW; stay on Fauntleroy Way, the park will be on your right. You can also follow signs to the Vashon Ferry, the park will be before the ferry. This park offers numerous trails, beachfront access, play areas and much more, the only parking lot is at the entrance. Again, a beautiful place for sunsets and playing around. Saint Edwards Park in Kirkland, is the largest area of undisturbed land on Lake Washington. Take Juanita Drive; head west on NE 145th the park will be on this road. This pristine park was home to a catholic seminary until 1977 when it was sold to the state. There are plenty of trails, beach access and large playing fields above the wooded areas. The old seminary building adds charm to this east Lake Washington park. Cougar Mountain is the biggest park on the Eastside. Take I-90 East; take the Lakemont Boulevard Exit; turn left onto Cougar Mountain Way, this will turn into SE 60th Street; turn right onto Cougar Mountain Drive, there will be a gate about one mile up the road. Although the surrounding areas have been developed, this park will make you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere. While there is no beach access, there are many streams, ponds and even waterfalls through the extensive trails. DonŐt be surprised if you see some wildlife! If you just want a day of wandering in the woods this is the place to go. The Northwest gives us all a chance to experience the beauty of the area. Remember: these parks are a privilege. © 2002 Shoreline Community College™ |