Hike of the Week
Was it desperation or inspiration that drew me to Golden Gardens on this cold day in February? Truth is, there are times that even hard-core hikers consider abandoning the mountains for safer territory. With wind-chill factors down to subzero temperatures and mountain snow the consistency of porcelain, this seemed a good opportunity to rediscover the magic of Golden Gardens, one of my favorite city parks.
By Karen Sykes | February 23, 2006
Hike of the Week
If you're wondering where to hike when the snow is at sea level, check out a local park such as the Longfellow Creek Legacy Trail in West Seattle. It is one of the best in-city trails I've found. Hiking it is like reading a story with your feet as the trail parallels Longfellow Creek with streamside views, links to other parks and art by local residents.
The story of Longfellow Creek is still being written -- the trail is a work in progress by Seattle Parks and Recreation, neighborhood committees, volunteers and other land management agencies too many to list.
By Karen Sykes | January 13, 2005
Location: Seattle.
Length: More than a mile.
Level of difficulty: Flat-to-moderate grass and gravel paths.
By Cathy McDonald | January 6, 2005
Hike of the Week
When you are short on time and are desperate for a taste of wilderness, Schmitz Preserve Park may fulfill that need.
Doubtful? So was I. It was the last place I expected to find the deep peace of an old-growth forest. Having just moved to West Seattle and being fed up with mountains of boxes, I took time out to explore nearby Schmitz park.
By Karen Sykes | May 6, 2004
Hike of the Week
It will take several visits to sample Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, a savory spring destination for hikers with a generous chunk of old-growth forest and a sense of wilderness that defies logic. You might find yourself asking -- how could a park in the middle of a city feel so wild?
This is one of the largest city parks in the country at 696 acres, with seven miles of hiking and biking trails, a zoo and aquarium, gardens, beach, museums and historical displays.
By Karen Sykes | March 4, 2004
Hike of the Week
This 800-acre city park may be more familiar to runners, bicyclists and equestrians than to hikers who don't live on the east side. Seven and a half miles of trails wander through second-growth forest, wetlands and streams. Some trails are hiker-only and late winter/early spring are the best times for hikers, especially during the week. In summer the park is busy, but on a recent quiet Thursday we saw three deer and a great blue heron less than a mile from the trailhead.
By Karen Sykes | January 23, 2003
