Seward Park

I am continually amazed by how much beauty is packed into this city and how lucky I am to live here.  Today was no exception.  We went to Seward Park, which juts out on a small peninsula into Lake Washington, and hiked from the top of the hill down to the lake, and then we climbed back up a series of not-as-accessible trails to the starting point.  In 2010, the trails were given names, and signposts at each of the trail junctions clearly mark the trails with appropriate symbols of difficulty.

On the way down, we followed the service road, also known by a spectacularly unpronounceable Duwamish name - Sqebeqsed.  The trail is perfect for wheelchair users -- mostly a very gradual downhill grade on a hard-packed dirt and gravel path, surrounded by old growth forest.

Sqebeqsed Trail at Seward Park

Trail surface

Beginning of trail and big trees

The trail continues down the hill through the forest, eventually reaching Lake Washington, with a view of the Seattle skyline at the bottom.

Lake Washington with Seattle in the background

On the way back, we took less-accessible trails.  Mud, rocks, roots, and steep hills necessitated extra pushing and help.

Why Woodpecker Trail gets a "diamond" for difficulty

Despite the extra challenges, the uphill trip was well worth it, due to the surrounding woods, the solitude of the trails, and the glimpse of a pileated woodpecker.  Near the end of the hike, we again took a less-developed trail back to the car, but this time the path was once again hard-packed and clear of obstacles.

Andrews Bay Trail