In-City Nature Walks for Seattle, Eastside and South Sound Families

Carkeek Park

Distance: Make a one-mile loop by walking along Piper’s Creek, west into the wetland areas, and then coming back on the Brick Road and Hillside Trail. More adventurous families can trek on the other hillside trails on the north and south sections of the park. Download or print a trail map.

Location: 950 N.W. Carkeek Park Rd., Seattle

Description: Expansive Carkeek Park in North Seattle offers many options for families to explore. Hiking along Piper’s Creek affords the chance to see spawning salmon in the fall. Trails also traverse hillsides and ravines, traveling through wetlands, forests and even a historic orchard. Walk over the bridge to the beach for even more discovery. Kids will love swishing through leaves on the lawn, playing in the nature-inspired playground (with a salmon slide!) and visiting the beach. Bonus: They can wave at passing trains.

Parking: Drive (carefully) down the narrow, winding road into the ravine and park in the upper parking lot by the playground for the quickest access to the beach. Continue around the bend and down a bit more to park by the large lawn bordering Piper’s Creek. Flush toilets are located next to the playground.

Schmitz Preserve Park

Distance: The main loop is about 1.4 miles, and there are 0.3 more miles of spur trails in the park. Take one of the trails south off Admiral Way up the ravine, cross the wetland and hike back down to the stream.

Location: 5551 S.W. Admiral Way, Seattle

Description: The trails in West Seattle’s Schmitz Preserve Park will make you feel like you’ve traveled deep into the woods. This preserve holds one of the few remaining stands of old-growth timber left in the city. Walk into a steep ravine as the sound of traffic recedes behind you. Listen for the gurgle of water in the creeks and the chatter of birds in the treetops. Kids will love splashing in the streams and seeing the huge old trees.

Parking: A good place to park is along Southwest Admiral Way at Southwest Stevens Street. You can find restrooms and an imaginative playground at the nearby Alki Playground (also known as Whale Tail Park).

Discovery Park

Distance: With its 12 miles of trails, Seattle’s incredible Discovery Park offers a hike for every mood. Find a free trail map at kiosks around the park, or print one at home.

Location: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd., Seattle

Description: Wander through the deep forest, look for ducks in the ponds, venture out on grassy headlands or descend the steep bluffs to Puget Sound. Try the short Wolf Tree Nature Trail (note that dogs are not allowed on this particular trail) and add on a trip to the nearby duck ponds. Or park at the east or south parking lot, and hike the 2.8 mile Loop Trail. Keep in mind that you cannot park a vehicle at the beach area by the lighthouse and it’s a long trek to reach it by foot, with a steep uphill hike on the way back.

Kids will love the amazing playground near the east parking lot, among many of the fun things to do at the park. Explore the Environmental Learning & Visitor Center, wander the beaches and tromp along wetland boardwalks.

Parking: The park address corresponds to the east parking lot, where you’ll find the visitor center and indoor restrooms. There are also north and south parking areas in the park (park in the north parking lot for the short Wolf Tree Nature Trail).

Cowen Park and Ravenna Park

Distance: It’s about 0.75 miles one way along the main Ravenna Ravine Trail, also called the “Service Road” trail (don’t let the boring name put you off). More adventurous tots will enjoy following either the North or South Trails to return to your starting point, creating a 1.8-mile loop. Start at either park and wander as far as you like.

Location: Cowen Park is located at 5849 15th Ave. N.E., Seattle. Ravenna Park is located at 5520 Ravenna Ave. N.E., Seattle.

Description: Local residents and visitors alike adore Seattle’s twin connected greenspaces of Cowen Park and Ravenna Park. Hidden in a steep ravine, a peaceful stream gurgles enticingly among lush ferns. Towering sequoias create mystical alcoves for nature play. A giant boulder and wooden boardwalks provide more fodder for young imaginations. Kids will love walking the wide and easy trails, splashing in the streams, getting muddy, and playing at playgrounds at both ends. The Cowen Park playground has some impressively high swings.

Parking: Cowen Park trails begin north of the playground, and enter under the impressive 15th Avenue Northeast bridge. Find parking along the street. Park in the small lot for Ravenna Park, or find on-street parking. Restrooms are located at both ends.

Seward Park

Distance: There are around 6 miles of trails in the park, and 2.4 of these are the paved loop at lake level. You can make a nice hike for little feet by walking the main trail through the center of the park, and including some of the trails that branch off.

Location: 5900 Lake Washington Blvd. S., Seattle

Description: At Seattle’s Seward Park, many folks are familiar with the paved multi-use trail ringing the park’s peninsula. But fewer people are aware of the nature trails that run through the middle of the park — trails featuring grand old trees and lush undergrowth. The main trails are wide enough for strollers, and adventurous kiddos will enjoy the more rustic feel of the side trails. Visit the Seward Park Audubon Center near the entrance and learn about what you can see in each season. Kids will love climbing on roots and logs, spotting owls in the winter and spring, and playing on the playground and the beach on Lake Washington.

Parking: Park in one of the parking lots near the entrance, or drive farther in toward the amphitheater area and access trails from there.

Lincoln Park

Distance: There are just over 5 miles of trails in the park. We did a 2-mile loop from the parking area on Fauntleroy, along the beach, up the bluff and back to our car. This hike is easy except for the steep climb up from the beach at the northern end of the park. Consider hiking this counter-clockwise to walk down instead of up. Or stick to the Bluff Trail, and enjoy more distant views of the water through the trees.

Location: 8011 Fauntleroy Way S.W., Seattle

Description: At West Seattle favorite Lincoln Park, expansive woodlands are interspersed with play areas and picnic tables. Families will enjoy wandering paths through the forest and walking along the waterfront, taking play breaks in between. Some areas of the forest are more open, allowing for play time among the trees. Ravens croak as they fly overhead and a fresh marine breeze rustles the leaves. Kids will love watching ferries and meeting Bruun Idun, the giant troll! (Find her near the Colman Pool.) And don’t miss the recently renovated south playground.

Parking: There is a large parking area along Fauntleroy Way, good bus service and several restrooms throughout the park.

Llandover Woods

Distance: Llandover Woods has a 0.7-mile trail, with 60 feet of elevation gain.

Location: 14499 3rd Ave. N.W., Seattle

Description: Tucked in a quiet corner of Northwest Seattle, Llandover Woods is a small greenspace offering a trail that is just under a mile long. It’s the perfect size for little feet to wander. The first few yards of the trail descending into the woods seem unremarkable, but turn the corner and find yourselves strolling among towering trees and wild greenery all around. For a relatively small space just a stone’s throw from people’s homes, this spot provides a quick and immersive dose of nature. Kids will love looking for tiny native forest flowers, many of which are white or pale pink, and trying to spot fall fungi. Families may enjoy a coffee and treat at nearby Diva Espresso.

Parking: The entrance is off of the corner of 3rd Avenue Northwest and Northwest 145th Street in a gravel lot. There are no restrooms or other amenities.

Next up: Eastside nature walks