Trip Report
Hamlin Park - local private Day Hike
I took my dog on a 4-mile ramble from our home, clockwise, through Hamlin and South Woods parks to check how the woods are doing following recent floods and winds. Excellent drainage.
Courtenay Schurman
- Sun, Dec 14, 2025
- Hamlin Park
- Day Hiking
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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My dog and I did a 4-mile loop through both parks, clockwise from our home entering on the west side of Hamlin and traveling east then south to the northeastern corner of South Woods and out the southwest corner near the old dog park; that gate has been closed to cars at times but it was open today.
I wanted to see how the local woods were holding up following the previous week's flooding in the PNW, and both parks are in pristine condition except for minimal small-branch debris here and there, nothing unusual for December. Both have excellent drainage and well-constructed trails, which means even with heavy rains, footing is quite decent, and there was almost nothing to indicate super-saturated soil except one puddle (which my dog appreciated for drinking).
While the new paved path construction on 15th NE looks wonderful, the Hamlin parking lot on the east side is still fenced off and closed with big machines and portable work units dotting the lot. And in South Woods we found evidence of wind in the SW corner by the gate to what used to be the off-leash dog park area.
We were out for about 95 minutes and I was pleased I could do this in tennis shoes without getting wet or muddy feet.
We enjoyed 15 bird species and a few Little Free libraries on the way there and back.
Several people were out with their dogs (6 cars in one lot, 7 in another), but not as many as I would expect on a dry weekend between rain and windstorms. I didn't see a single child.
Hang onto your hats for round two with the Pineapple Express - but do enjoy either park, they're lovely this time of year for solace and birdsong. We even heard a raven.