What a crisp, lovely afternoon for a neighborhood jaunt.

Kelsey Creek is a haven for folks seeking reprieve from Bellevue's metropolitan qualities. The farm is a treat for families and kids. Folks hoping for a bit more quiet can cross the creek to join a short (and steep) series of woodland trails. It's also a great area to park and string together other parks like Willburton, Larsen Lake and Phantom Lake. You can even walk to the Bellevue Botanical Garden and make it a day.

Most of the recent snow has melted but the trail was muddy and slick in some areas. No animals were out this time, but I always appreciate the local fungus and boardwalks. #LoveLocalTrails

We went for a post holiday walk/ hike at Bellevue Botanical Gardens today!  It was 48 degrees with partially cloudy skies when we pulled in at 10:15. The upper lot had about 8 cars parked there. The bathrooms were open and the holiday lights were on. If you want to beat the crowds and not prepay online for entry to the light show after dark hours try viewing during daylight hours. The gift shop and hot beverage station was also open. Each year I am surprised to see new light additions to the holiday display. After viewing all the light displays we followed the outside loop and wound down to the ravine experience suspension bridge on the Tateuchi Trail and then took a right on the Lost Meadow trail down to the Bellevue International School grounds. Continuing 3 short blocks on surface streets we entered Kelsey Creek park at the south end. Trails here were saturated soil and there were some serious, slippery, mud sections. Hiking poles would have been helpful here and we were glad to have worn hiking boots. We followed the Tributary Creek below the barn and pasture area and went right over Kelsey Creek.  Then made a counterclockwise loop on the hillside. Chickadees, Juncos and sparrows were flitting everywhere in the forest. After visiting the animals in the farm area we exited KC at the north end and walked the 3 blocks back to the SE corner of Wilburton Hill Park. There was evidence of several downed trees cleared from the bomb cyclone. We followed the perimeter loop through the woods around the baseball complex and soccer field back to the Botanical Gardens through Yao Gardens. We ended up with 4.7 miles. Another great day out in nature with friends.

Disclaimers

Quick-and-dirty version

Access: Main Street entrance (Park info: Wilburton | Kelsey)
Round Trip: 6.8 miles
Elevation Range: 40'-236'
Essential Gear: none
Dog-friendly: yes

Connecting the two parks requires going through the international school and two short streets. En route are two small hills, Wilburton and Belridge, for the high point-focused crowd.

The Trail

Wilburton Hill Park: Excellent trails with paved portions through the scenic Bellevue Botanical Garden with awe-inspiring sculptures. Infinite route possibilities. 

Kelsey Creek Park: Decent trails, some were muddy due to recent rain. Without much research, the animal farm at the center of the park was a surprise find. Infinite route possibilities.

My Route

1. [Wilburton Hill Park]:
   1. From the Main St./124th Ave NE entrance, work counterclockwise through the west half of the park
   2. [OPTIONAL] Wilburton Hill high point sits by the coffee bar in the botanical garden.
   3. From the south end, head east through the international school.
   4. Walk briefly over 128th Ave SE and SE 4th Pl to Kelsey Creek Park's main lot.
   5. After the park, retrace through SE 4th Pl to Wilburton Hill Park.
2. [Kelsey Creek Park]:
   1. Work through the trails clockwise while enjoying the sight of farm animals.
   2. Re-enter Wilburton Hill Park via 128th Ave SE and hike through the rest of the trails in the east half.
   3. [OPTIONAL] Belridge Hill high point sits near NE 2nd St. by the residential entrance.
   4. Return to the north lot to finish.

Highlights

• Surprise find of farm animals, including Shropshire sheep, cows, mini horse, Nubian goats, and a shy pig!
• Finally crossed Kelsey Creek on foot after years of driving over it on the street.

Lowlights

• Drizzles before noon
• Muddy in Kelsey Park from recent rain

After a long hike yesterday, I was glad when my friend picked a mellow stroll thru the gardens and some of Kelsey Creek. Lots of summer color in the gardens, worth checking out if your garden is looking a bit tired, inspiration for a garden center visit! Kelsey Creek looks to be a fun outing for kids, chickens, bunnies, goats and horses and a glassed in beehive so you can see how honey comes to 'bee'. I only got 4 miles to add to my hikeathon total, shooting for 100, have 6 more to go! 

Let's party, it's Superb Owl Sunday! Y'already know I had to hit a quick 4.9 mile run to get the pre-game jitters out. A great opportunity to #LoveLocalTrails

The best part of Bellevue is without a doubt its urban trails. I visited two. Kelsey Creek's steep stairs were slick, but overall it was a beautiful day. The sheep and goats were out enjoying the light drizzle.

Trails were a bit muddy through the southern section of Willburton Hill, but nothing out of the ordinary. It was a nice jaunt out of the park, through the international school, and back to Kelsey Creek.

The way is steep back up towards Larsen Lake Blueberry Farm from Kelsey Creek, but you're rewarded with some gentle graveled trail if you can make it towards the top.

#WTAStaff