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Trip Report    

Seattle Olmsted 70 Section 7 (Westcrest Park to Myrtle Reservoir)

This December monitoring walk was a collaborative venture between the Section 7 and Section 10 stewards. Partnering for this 6-mile stretch—featuring 529 feet of elevation gain—provided an excellent opportunity to share perspectives on trail safety and ensure a seamless continuity between these two vital West Seattle segments.

Doehee Kim Doehee Kim
January 03, 2026
  • Road suitable for all vehicles

  • Section 7 of the Seattle Olmsted Circuit starts in the Greenbridge Neighborhood, traveling through Westcrest and Highland Parks before moving through the Longfellow Creek Natural Area to Greg Davis Park. Elevation is regained to and through Camp Long, site of the CCC-built Schurman Rock where legendary Mountaineers trained. The route finishes south down 35th Avenue SW along the unrealized South Bourne Parkway to Myrtle Reservoir Park and Seattle’s High Point (elevation 520 ft).

    SW Thistle St: Currently very mossy and slippery. There are also muddy sections; careful footing is required.

    Swell Stairway (20th & Holden): A tent that had been obstructing the narrow 138-step stairway in mid-December was confirmed gone during follow-up checks on both Dec 19th and Jan 3rd. The stairway is now fully clear for groups.

    There were some muddy patches on the Longfellow Creek trail; hiking shoes are recommended

    Logistics for Leaders 
    SW Cambridge St: This stretch has no sidewalks; caution and single-file walking are advised for groups.

    Restrooms: Facilities at Westcrest Park (vandalism) and Camp Long (seasonal) are closed, though porta-potties are available at both locations. The Greenbridge Neighborhood Center is not currently open for public restroom access (doorbell/mask required for entry). We recommend stopping at Highland Park, Dubsea Coffee, or the Southwest Public Library on 35th.

The Scouting Walk
We set out at 9:00 AM on a sunny and chilly day, with temperatures reaching the high 45s. This four-hour scouting mission was a collaborative effort between the stewards for Section 7 and Section 10 (Fern Brody). While the primary walk took place on Dec 17th, I conducted follow-up checks on Dec 19th and Jan 3rd to ensure all information for this 6-mile stretch is accurate for winter groups.

Longfellow Creek Legacy Trail & Beaver Pond
Longfellow Creek is one of Seattle’s few remaining free-flowing urban creeks and a true highlight of this section. The trail is a "hidden gem" that allows you to slow down and listen to the water as it twists through the greenbelt. A significant highlight is the Beaver Pond, a calm stretch of water shaped by resident beavers. During our walk, we spotted signs of their presence, including gnawed branches and lodge structures that help create a vital wetland habitat for birds and amphibians. The trail is mostly flat and easy to follow, crossing small footbridges through restored native plantings.

 Infrastructure & Stewardship Stewardship was a major theme of this walk. On Dec 17th, we encountered a Washington Trails Association (WTA) crew of six working to replace a degraded boardwalk south of Brandon Street. We had a great exchange with the crew, sharing Olmsted Circuit info cards and discussing the similarity to the "Emerald Necklace" project in Sammamish. On a follow-up visit today (Jan 3rd), I confirmed that the boardwalk installation is complete and has been done beautifully - it significantly improves the "mud factor" for winter walkers.

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NEW PRESSURE-TREATED LUMBER AND METAL DECKING INSTALLED BY WTA TO REPLACE THE OLD, ROTTING STRUCTURE


Additionally, I utilized the Find It, Fix It app to report a damaged sidewalk on 20th Ave and missing pedestrian crossing flags at 10th & Cloverdale.

Conclusion While winter dampness has brought some muddy patches, Section 7 remains a vital and vibrant green link in the Olmsted Circuit. The spirit of cross-organizational stewardship—evidenced by the WTA’s impressive boardwalk restoration and our productive partnership with the Section 10 steward—truly reinforces the value of the Olmsted vision. Despite the chilly morning air, the thriving ecosystem of Longfellow Creek and the crisp, sunny weather made for a highly rewarding winter outing. Our scouting concluded peacefully at Myrtle Reservoir, which remains in excellent condition.