Salmon Creek Trail

Whether you’d like a peaceful break from everyday life or just some exercise, the Salmon Creek Trail is for you. This paved trail takes you through wetlands, around ponds, and across a natural habitat undergoing restoration. Within minutes you can leave city life behind and be immersed in picture-perfect scenery accompanied by the sound of birds. The trail is easily accessible, making it a perfect quick get-away.

Start at the trailhead on NW 36th Avenue and head east on the 10-foot wide multipurpose trail. There is a steep decline at the beginning, but the trail is essentially flat from there on. Right from the start you will be treated by the beauty of Salmon Creek as it meanders through wetlands. The sounds of traffic are quickly replaced by bird songs.

Watch for duck and heron, and be sure to look for the wood duck boxes in the trees along the trail. Wood ducks are an essential part of wetland preservation and restoration. Female wood ducks typically build their nests in tree cavities but will also use nesting boxes.

After 1.5 miles, you will come to a trail junction. This makes a good turnaround point if you would like a shorter hike. Otherwise, go left and follow the trail as it traverses a habitat enrichment project designed to bring salmon back to Salmon Creek. Keep left whenever you come to a trail junction.

At 2.5 miles, you will come to a trail junction near a softball sports complex. This makes a good turnaround point unless you would like to use the restrooms on the east side of the fields.

WTA Pro Tip: If you’d like a more wheelchair friendly walk, you can access the Salmon Creek Trail from Salmon Creek Park or the softball field parking lot, both off NE 117th Street.