Trip Report
Shoreview & Boeing Creek Parks
My dog and I enjoyed 27 bird species on a 3.25 mile "Goat's head" (from GPX track) clockwise loop along the perimeter of both parks with excursions into the Creek area.
Courtenay Schurman
- Thu, May 15, 2025
- Shoreview & Boeing Creek Parks
- Naturalist & Day Hiking
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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My dog and I arrived at 6:25 a.m. this morning, and I'm guessing Shoreline residents didn't get the memo about keeping dogs leashed - I saw more dogs off-leash than on. Fortunately, no poop bags needing removal.
We did a clockwise tour of the park, noting the differences between the restored area over by the OLA (Off Leash Area) near the Community College, where red bark, plantings, and gravel have been put down between the parking lot (where there is a porta potty) and the Overlook, and other areas of the park including the restored area near "Hidden Lake" (see photo below) that has really shown remarkable recovery since the dam was removed in 2022. However, the foliage near the boardwalk itself could use some trimming to keep it accessible.
The same needs to be done in the main recreational area (where tennis courts are accessed) - in several steep spots tape and colored ribbons mark sharp screws sticking up where step planks have eroded with use.
I didn't remember quite as many over/unders before, perhaps they are newer from November's windstorms, I'm not sure. But the primary trail through Doug Firs and near the dog park (where most people walk) is in great condition; since I like lesser-traveled, quieter trails we probably traversed areas fewer people use so less demand to remove obstacles. Fun park.
It's been a few years since I've visited this park. We parked on the north side on the road and did a "goat's head" GPX track covering the whole perimeter with excursions into the middle along the creek. Highlights included 27 bird species (there hadn't been a recent eBird report so I figured I'd see what the park had to offer), a great look at "Hidden Lake" which has been restored and has much grown-in vegetation so as to look completely different, and a return to my all-time favorite Doug Fir, a tree I nicknamed "Beatrice" during pandemic walks.
Perhaps the park caretakers are letting the creekside trail (where Earthwatch has set stepping stones across the stream) be reclaimed by erosion and water -- we made it, but my 10-year-old dog struggled in a few steep places with his footing on the sandy bank. We'll stick to the main trails from now on.
All in all a lovely little birding outing, 3.25 miles and great balm for the soul.