South Magnolia

Magnolia is a Seattle neighborhood and is the largest in Washington by area.  Magnolia is bordered on the north by Salmon Bay, on the west by Puget Sound and Elliott Bay, on the south by Elliott Bay and Smith Cove and to the east by Thorndyke, beyond which lies Interbay.  It is only 4 square miles and is the home of Discovery Park and Seattle’s oldest lighthouse. Discovery Park is a naturalist’s wonderland with beach walks, woodlands, and meadows. Located on a peninsula, Magnolia is accessible only by bridge, giving it a secluded island feel.  Its name derives from an explorer who mistakenly took the trees on the community’s bluff to be magnolias, although they were truly madrona trees.

seattlemagnolia.com

on the trail

south Magnolia Stairways

4.5 miles round trip, 646 feet of elevation gain

Start and finish at Magnolia Village taking in views west from ever sloughing Perkins Lane West.  Readers and architecture buffs may stop at Magnolia Library en route to the up and down of glacial deposits through Pleasant Valley. Ella Bailey Park will please kids and others who've navigated the 405 stairs up and 327 down. This urban hike follows Walk 13 in Seattle Stairway Walks, South Magnolia.

Magnolia Boulevard Viewpoints

2.0 miles round trip, 100 feet of elevation gain

An easy two mile walk along Magnolia Bluff overlooking Elliott Bay with very little elevation gain. Enjoy views of the Space Needle, along Seattle's waterfront to Alki Point and Bainbridge Island, and Mount Rainier if the weather permits.

• Suitable Activities: Day Hiking, Urban Walking
• Seasons: Year-round
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Easy
• Length: 4.5 mi
• Elevation Gain: 646 ft
• High Point: 354 ft

• Land Manager: City of Seattle
• Parking Permit Required: None
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 16
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 16