Walked the Burke Gilman north up to Golden Gardens from the Hiram Chittenden locks on this beautiful though chilly Sunday morning. Parking at the locks is free and plentiful on Sunday. Restrooms at the locks are open and in good condition. Note - the fish ladder observation area is closed for remodeling. Our route ran up the bluff through the neighborhoods to Sunset Hill park, down through all the Golden Gardens trails then back along Burke Gilman. Total mileage for this messy loop is about 5.3 miles. No trail issues at all other than minding the “on your right” warnings along Burke Gilman.
Lots of folks out watching the boats, taking in views and walking their doodle poodles, etc around the neighborhoods and the big dog park at Golden Gardens. The Army Corp of Engineers is working on their rehab of the big lock and you can see the entire huge insides. Quite a bit of wildlife out, a heron pair making a new nest at the local rookery, lots of ducks at the Golden Garden wetland pond, three big bald eagles circling high over the locks while being harrassed by gulls and crows. Many people busy getting their boats ready for spring along the Shilshole marina and we had a Coast Guard Marine Protector class Coastal Patrol Boat run up the sound and a pair of F-18 F Super Hornets overfly us southbound while we were out. We also got to watch the BNSF Ballard local back onto the main and make its way south over the big bascule bridge. Fish & chips at the Totem House or Lockspot make a nice post walk recovery meal.
A nice little walk with a bit of forest and lots to see.
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