Since we aren't equipped for hiking in the snow or adverse weather we are always looking for good urban hikes in the Puget Sound area. We had been here before but hadn't done any hiking around the park. We thought we'd give it a try again and we were pleasantly surprised at the hiking trails. As expected, the trails were muddy in spots, but they are well maintained and there are no washouts or blowdowns to deal with. We chose the North Trail down to the Beach Trail. From the parking lot the North Trail drops down to lake level in about .6 miles (I believe). It's rated "most difficult" on the park map. It's not really a problem for most kids going down, but you will have to hike one of the trails back up and some kids may have difficulty. The trails rated "most difficult" would likely be a good workout for many adults as well. The Beach Trail runs along side of Lake Washington and is rated as "easiest". There are many areas along the trail where you can stop and dip your feet in the lake and a few flat, sandy areas where you could spread out a picnic blanket on a nice day. There were a couple of hollowed out tree stumps we found along the trail - we call them Hobbit Houses. One that was large enough for me to go into without having to crawl. After we were done exploring lakeside, we took the Seminary Trail (rated "more difficult"/moderate) back up the hill. I believe it was about .6 miles in length. We walked around the Seminary grounds and the kids played on the play equipment before we headed home. This hike was our 21st hike. We have 24 more to go before the end of July 2012 to reach our family goal of 45 hikes in a year. To see more about our hike go to: http://1retromama.blogspot.com/2012/01/saint-edward-state-park-kenmore.html .

This was a very quick jaunt at St Eds to test out our new child carrier backpack. Our baby girl is FINALLY big enough to fit in the backpack! It was a busy Sunday afternoon at the park and the rangers were definitely on patrol, checking windshields for the Discover Pass. We had gotten a ticket the previous weekend (easily remedied by purchasing the pass) so we made sure ours was on display this weekend. The ranger was friendly even though our dog barked at him. :)

We spent last Sunday morning at St. Edward State Park in Kenmore. It’s a short drive from our house which made it convenient. We’d been traveling all week and didn’t feel like spending a lot of time in the car. The State Park is a former Catholic seminary and became a park in 1977. It’s primarily wooded and offers great hiking and mountain biking. We opted for the “shortcut” to the lake by taking the Grotto trail. Yes it’s very short, but also very steep, slippery, and a few abrupt edges. It’s not recommended for strollers or inexperienced child hikers. We had to hold on to Ethan‘s hand most the trail, though he fell once and skinned up his knees. Once we got to Lake Washington, we enjoyed a snack and leisurely made our way back to the car via the north trail. The north trail is a mild incline through beautiful views of cedar and fir trees. Ethan took time to watch spiders on webs, draw banana slugs moving across the trail, and explore all the great holes in trees and on the ground. In addition to the great hiking, there is a very impressive play structure for kids. It’s similar to the ones we’ve seen in McMinnvile and Lincoln City, Oregon. It’s huge, themed, and all wood. On Sundays, you can also catch a game of Crickett on a nearby field. The last couple times we’ve been here we’ve seen the teams out playing. I don’t understand the game but do wish to watch a match some day. Definitely visit the park if you’re in the area. Read more, and view photos, at http://www.brettandlaura.com/2011/08/26/st-edward-state-park/

Easy walk in the park with my mom and my daughter - three generations on the trail! Trails in the park were in great shape, and I had no problem pushing a stroller, with dog on leash, on the gravel trail from the upper parking lot towards the front of the park. FYI, Discovery Pass is now required at this park and usage fees are $10/day or $30/year, according to the signs they had posted.

This is a great park for day visits. Spent the evening running the trails, getting familiar. There are a few blow downs, but nothing so bad you can't get around. Muddy in some areas, and lots of mountain bikers to share the trail with. Also ventured out into the county park next door. Between the two there are lots of trail options. Will definitely be back.