We rode our bikes from Medina over the 520 bridge through University of Washington and then out to Golden Gardens park. The 520 bridge is closed to traffic this weekend but open for bikes and pedestrians. It is a wonderful experience to go across this very scenic bridge without the noise of traffic. The air quality is excellent and you can see the mountains beautifully.  It is protected bike path for most of the way except for a section in Ballard. Go all the way to the end of Golden Gardens Park and there's access to a natural section of beach and tidal flats. We were lucky to arrive there close to low tide which was a -1.8. On the way back we stopped at the Ballard seafood festival and had a great salmon lunch and enjoy people watching.

28 mi RT

From Lake Forest Park to Matthews Beach: Improves path, some leaves on the path, but clear and still passable for bikes and by foot. Beware of the occasional car that accidentally drives on the path, in the past week I’ve seen 3!

520 floating bridge is closed to traffic this weekend but the bike/pedestrian path is open. What a treat to cross the bridge without traffic noise. 

We biked from Medina to the Chittenden locks. Lots of interesting things to see and people watching along the way. Protected path almost the entire way except of course for the 1.5 mile "Missing Link" in Ballard. The city of Seattle has been trying to complete this segment for many years but unfortunately the local industries have fought it with endless court battles. It will be nice when they finally complete it.

21 mile RT

The Burke is definitely a xc-ski trail this weekend. Lots of tracks from yesterday in the area of the trail near Matthews Beach in North Seattle. Walked along the trail just before 9 am, just saw one person walking. From all the skiing and people walking on it yesterday, it was easy for us to walk on with just hiking boots. Didn't come across any icy spots. 

Stopped at Matthews Beach and saw a couple enjoying skiing through the park (on what would be the concrete path during non-snowy weather). Including them, saw 7 people scattered throughout the park. It pays to go out early if you want to avoid people. The park is also easy to walk through because people have been mostly sticking to walking on the would-be path. We walked through some of the snowy fields of the park with our pup and would estimate it was 6-8 inches. Also saw a very impressive snow family that people built yesterday. 

We made this a loop trip.  We started in Gas Works Park taking the Burke-Gilman Trail to the Ballard Bridge, crossing over it and then connecting to the South Ship Canal Trail for the return trip.  The South Ship Canal Trail  ends at the Fremont Bridge so we crossed that and reconnected to Burke-Gilman Trail back to Gas Works Park.

The halfway point is Fisherman's Terminal where you have lunch options.  We chose the Highliner Public House.  Other meal options include Chinook's, Little Chinook's, Bay Cafe, or Green Market & Deli. 

It was a pleasant summer day for strolling.  Cyclers, joggers, and other walkers were out.  Everyone was courteous and mostly masked.

There was a minor little construction detour on the Burke-Gilman Trail between 9th Avenue NW and 11th Avenue NW, well marked, no big deal.  Gas Works Park and its parking lot were closed so we had to park on the street.  Note that this is an urban walk.  Total distance, roughly 7 miles, all flat except for stairs at the Ballard and Fremont Bridges.