Trip Report
February GoWalk! L4 Urban Walks: 3 to 7 miles, 400 to 750 feet of elevation gain - Seattle Olmsted 50: Section 4
Pleasant walk through area of magnificent homes overlooking Lake Washington.
Gary Salmi
- Sat, Feb 22, 2025
- February GoWalk! L4 Urban Walks: 3 to 7 miles, 400 to 750 feet of elevation gain - Seattle Olmsted 50: Section 4
- Seattle Olmsted Circuit: Ballard Locks to Rainier Beach to Ballard Locks
- Urban Walking
- Successful
- Road suitable for all vehicles
-
The expected river of rain was kind enough to hold off until we finished. The paved paths were reasonable clear with no ice. A significantly large truck transported crane body blocked path at one point. This obstacle was carefully safety circumnavigated. All dogs encounter where leased and well behaved.
Pleasant walk through area of magnificent homes overlooking Lake Washington. Walk was 4.7 mi and 570ft ascent. Our leaders - several, as lead traded among participants, was guided expertly. There was an opportunity to visit the Kurt Cobain tribute bench (left a Olmstead-trail sticker) and nearby Denny Baine Park (no unclothed individuals were noticed). The park had only one port-a-potti, while sufficient for our group; two such have been typically seen. The closed Viretta Park was passed on the return route. Highlight of the walk was a spectacular, yet cautious, walk through 'valley of gnomons' with the ever present watchful glances (none of the valley occupants spoke to us). Our return route from Madison Park to Washington Park was along a historic bike route established by John Olmstead in about 1903. The blue-and-white tile street names embedded in the sidewalk were noticed and appreciated as unique aspects from 1904.