Rambled around the St. Edward State Park trails Wednesday morning.  Parking requires a Discover Pass as per normal and can fill up pretty quick (main lot was full and 2ndary lot half full even fairly early this morning.)  Restrooms were open and in good condition.  No blocking issues along the trails noted though some are rooted single track and somewhat steep.  There were a couple groups of people with kids in little wheeled strollers out on some of the rougher bits and while I completely respect their fortitude, folks likely would have a more pleasant experience by leaving the strollers in the car for anything other than the flat trails around the big seminary building.  Waterfront views off the beach are very nice, though much is still fenced off for habitat restoration.  Not much wildlife out today, a few squirrels, a few sparrow, blue jays, crows, etc though did hear but not see a bald eagle that must have been up in one of the big poplar trees along the water.  The rebuilt old seminary building is always super neat to see as well.  A nice walk if you are in the area and you can extend it by continuing over to the Big Finn Hill trails from the south east corner of the St. Edward property.  

Arrived at Saint Edwards around 2:40pm. All parking lots very quiet. I had to by a day pass as I'd forgotten to bring our Discover Pass.

We walked out to look at the Grotto, before taking that trail down to the lake. Stopped and chatted at the bench that overlooks the lake. Just a handful of people around. A mom with 3 little kids, 2 young girls and a small group of boys. There was one sailboat out and a motorboat full of people. 

I like the South Canyon Trail which dips down, crosses the water (barely trickling) and then heads back up to the Orchard and then Perimeter Trail. The sun was outlining many of the Big Leaf Maples, catching their moss in a vibrant green glow.

Finally, we stopped in to see the Catalyst Fine Art Gallery. It's a stunning gallery space. Arched ceilings and arched windows let the light poor in over the artwork.

2.8 miles

North trail, Shore, and Grotto are all in great condition, with one little coned off section on the Shore trail, but you can walk around it.

St. Edward was busy this morning with picnics and parties. The trails weren’t too crowded. The trail is mostly dry and dusty with lots of roots. Not much access to the lake due to restoration efforts. Don’t forget your discover pass and carpool if you can.

Quick walk around the St. Edwards state park trails this morning in the light sprinkles.  Parking can get tight on a nice day, weekend or event but plenty of space this morning - Discover Pass required as per normal.  Restrooms open and functional.  The trails are generally in decent shape with nothing blocking though there is one bit along the water that has eroded away and there is a small/easy detour plus some of the trails along the southern bit are pretty steep and fairly rooty.  Note Lake Washington is at it’s higher “summer” level so there is basically no beach area currently (underwater).  Some of the trails are open to mountain bikes but didn’t see any today. 

Wildlife included both grey and little brown squirrels, lots of nice summer bird song in the forested areas and at least two, maybe as many as four (hard to tell) bald eagles in the tops of some of the larger trees along the shoreline.  They were vocalizing fairly frequently but visually I only could just make out one behind a bunch of other branches preening itself.  I was standing there right under it being a little bummed I couldn’t get a photo when low and behold, one of its feathers floated down right next to me - super cool.  A nice little walk if you are in the area with just enough of a climb up from the beach to get the blood moving.