The parking lot is closed to limit crowding but will reportedly reopen on October 19, 2020.  The park is open for walking but no bicycles are currently allowed on the paved shoreline trail.

We incorporated the 2.4 mile paved shoreline trail into our overall 7.35 mile walk.  The park was not too crowded and everyone was careful to mask up and keep a social distance.

Our walk started near Genesee Park, which we walked through and then followed the Lake Washington shore to Seward Park.  After looping Seward Park, we followed Orcas Street west, up and over the hill where we connected to Rainier Avenue.  We walked along Rainier Avenue through Columbia City, where there were many places to eat and drink.  We had brunch at Taco City Taqueria, highly recommend it.  After brunch we continued on Rainier Avenue and back to our parked car near Genesee Park.  Total mileage: 7.35 miles.

Seward Park was absolutely beautiful as always. I ran the perimeter loop. There was a decent number of people where u wouldnt feel crowded but still felt a sense of community.

It was a rainy day in the mountains so I decided to set out for a quick walk through Seward Park. I spent some time using my tree book to identify some of the larger trees I saw along the way. I took the "Spine" trail, the wide gravel trail through the middle of the park, most of the time. I branched off and took the "Erratic" trail for a bit too. A bit muddy in this portion of the trail. Social distancing was respected and it was a nice nature getaway for a day I couldn't make it to further away hikes.

As always, please be respectful of others and our community. This is NOT a good place to meet your friends because you are tired of being at home. I witnessed several groups who clearly didn't all live together.

That much said, Seward Park is a great place in the city to get outside. Seward Park, also known as Bailey Peninsula was once an island before Lake Washington was lowered in the early 20th century. There is an easy, ~3 mile, paved loop hike along the water. There are also numerous well groomed trails and open fields where appropriate distancing may be practiced. Be aware that all facilities, including bathrooms and picnic tables are closed.

We hiked about logging ~5 miles. The lush trails are quiet and restorative for the times we are in.