Location: Vashon Island Address: 9500 S.W. Dock St., Vashon Acreage: 193 This is the 500th park I’ve written about on this blog. 500! Now on with the show… I spent a sunny day last year with my family touring a handful of really great parks on Vashon Island, and Dockton may be my favorite. We… Continue reading Dockton Park, Forest & Natural Area
Category: boat launch
Waterway 18
Location: Fremont/Wallingford Address: 2199 N. Northlake Way, Seattle Acreage: Approx. 0.3 Although Seattle has no shortage of waterfront parks, it’s always exciting when new spots are discovered or old spaces are upgraded. It’s thanks to Friends of Waterway 18 that this mini park exists in its current state today. That group of neighbors partnered with… Continue reading Waterway 18
Snohomish River Front Trail
Location: Snohomish Address: Access at 1st Street and Avenue D, Snohomish Length: One-third mile If you’re in the Snohomish area for antiquing or fall farm visits, take time to stroll the Snohomish River Front Trail. This short trail is the best way to get close to the scenic Snohomish River. The trail connects two parks… Continue reading Snohomish River Front Trail
Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
Location: Renton/Eastside Address: 1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N., Renton Acreage: 57 With its lakefront setting that’s hugely popular for boating and swimming, Gene Coulon Park seems like it would be destined only for summer fame. Don’t be caught in that trap: this is one of the best area parks for winter walks. The park’s long,… Continue reading Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
Lake Sammamish State Park
Location: Issaquah/Sammamish Address: 2000 N.W. Sammamish Rd., Issaquah Acreage: 512 It doesn’t matter if you live on the Eastside or in Seattle, if you haven’t been to Lake Sammamish State Park you should schedule a trip. This huge recreation area manages to strike a careful balance between people and nature. Ballfields and popular swimming beaches… Continue reading Lake Sammamish State Park
Groveland Beach
Location: Mercer Island Address: S.E. 58th St. and 80th Ave. S.E., Mercer Island Acreage: Approx. 3 One of only two Mercer Island beaches that are guarded in the summer (the other is Luther Burbank Park), Groveland Beach looks across Lake Washington from the island’s western shore. This park’s location is especially pleasing because the view… Continue reading Groveland Beach
Lake Wenatchee State Park
Location: Eastern Washington Address: 21588 State Route 207, Leavenworth Acreage: 489 On a winter Seattle day it’s nice to daydream about a sunny summer vacation. Turquoise water, the smell of pine trees and bright blue skies make Lake Wenatchee the perfect place to let your mind water to. I stopped by Lake Wenatchee on my… Continue reading Lake Wenatchee State Park
Martha Washington Park
Location: South Seattle Address: 6612 57th Ave. S. Acreage: 9.6 A wide, gently sloping lawn greets you as you enter Martha Washington Park in South Seattle. You can access this park from either the north or west, but either way you will follow the field dotted with trees down toward Lake Washington where you can… Continue reading Martha Washington Park