Magnolia Tidelands Park — Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025

This is a good one for when you realize you wasted the day watching football but still want a little exercise, more fun than just a walk around the neighborhood.

  I took the bus both to and from this time, saving my legs but not any time - would if I timed it better, but I caught the last bus and didn't want to miss it.  33 leaves Elliott and Prospect, heading for Discovery Park's north parking lot.  Make your way to North Beach and start of beach walk.  USGS map

Past the Lighthouse (working drinking fountain), down South Beach, out of Discovery Park to Elliott Bay Marina.  Great views across the water - you can see 5 Ferry routes (Edmonds-Kingston, Seattle-Bainbridge, Seattle-Bremerton, Fauntleroy-Vashon and Vashon-Southworth) on this walk.

Tide needs to be +4 feet or lower for there to be enough beach.  Water was way out when I passed through, and it wasn't all the way out yet.  I took the path through the woods the last bit since it is rocky here - first timers should just tough it out on the beach, rock section is short.

Then walk the lower Magnolia Bridge back to the bus stop at Elliott and Prospect.  If driving, park below the bridge near Smith Cove Park and walk the ramp to the bus stop in the middle of the bridge (north side).

Three hours bus to bus.  No rain, wind, or other hikers.  Tide is such you could do this the next couple days - weather might not be so friendly.

Wondering what obscure hikes you have planned for the coming year - Grizzly Creek/Fisher Pass and The Bat are on my list.  Also South Cascade Glacier if there are no more fires.  Grassy Point from Milk Creek, Pilot Peak/Bachelor Creek loop.  Sulphur Creek Trail beyond the crossing, high route from Methow Pass to East Creek.  I could go on...you?