Distance: This park has over 6 miles of trails to explore.
Elevation Gain: Trails are flat to steep.
Season: Year-round
Directions: From I-5, Take Exit 173 to Northgate Way and turn west. Cross Meridian. Northgate Way becomes NW 105th Street. Cross Aurora Ave. N (Highway 99). Turn right on Greenwood Ave N. Turn left on NW 110th St (look for the crosswalk lights above the street). After 6 blocks, NW 110th Street becomes NW Carkeek Park Rd. NW Carkeek Park Rd. winds down into the valley for 1/2 mile to the park entrance. Watch for the Park Department rainbow sign on your left. Drive down the hill to the parking area near the playground or the stream.
Description: Carkeek Park has forest, wetlands, beaches and meadows. In the fall you can watch salmon spawn in Piper’s Creek. In the spring and summer you can check out the beach at low tide. Trails are open year-round. And if you get tired of walking, you can play at the playground.
Links: A trail map can be found at http://www.seattle.gov//parks/environment/trails/images/Carkeek.pdf. Read about the history of Carkeek Park at http://www.seattle.gov/parks/parkspaces/carkeekpark/history.htm.
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