Magnolia Tidelands Park — Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024

This time of year we have to make the most of the brief calm between storms, by the time you read this it will be raining again.  Not many hikes you'd want to go on in the dark, tides dictate that is the only time it can be done.

From Ballard, across the Locks (open until 9), into Discovery Park and to North Beach.  Past the Lighthouse, South Beach, and to Elliott Bay Marina.  Seattle Parks calls it Magnolia Tidelands Park.    USGS map

Tide was out farther today, a few more nights it could be done this tide cycle.  The last bit before the Marina I left the beach and took the trail since that part is rocky.  Through Interbay, across the Ballard bridge and to the start.  Four hours, must be 10 miles.  

This walk could be shortened some by taking the bus or starting along the loop rather than Ballard.  Why not make an evening of it:  nice dinner, romantic, moonlit walk on the beach, then drinks after.  Ladies?

Putting together the list for when the days are longer, mostly just walking to stay in shape right now.  Wondering what you guys have planned I haven't heard of?  I'm gonna find the other trail to Hidden Lake Lookout from Saddle Point Road.  Also Horseshoe Basin Stehekin as a day trip - less than 20 miles and good trail.  Raging Creek Trail, I hiked some a few years ago, found the intersection with the old trail from Chiwawa River crossing.  Panther Creek Trail (White River), I have looked but not gotten to Panther Creek and trail start.

Lower elevation, shorter time frame - a trail I found behind the quarry in Darrington, possibly to mines.  Trail up the crest of Jumbo Mountain.  Buck Creek Trail behind the campground (Suiattle), start is a little screwed up from the fire.  To name a few...you?