If this is your first time here, we recommend you review the brief WELCOME! section above, but you may simply continue reading about hike #1 as well...
Reflective reading:
Reflective reading:
"Even if you help only one person, that is enough. You can do what I cannot. I can do what you cannot. Together we can do something beautiful for God." -- "God has created us so we do small things with great love." -- St. Mother Teresa
"When we look at a pruned vineyard, we can hardly believe it will bear fruit. But when harvest comes, we realize that the pruning allows the vines to concentrate their energy and produce more grapes. Grateful people learn to celebrate even amid life's hard and harrowing memories because they know that pruning is no mere punishment, but preparation." -- Henri Nouwen
The number ONE (1) represents the Judaic concept of monotheism, later adopted by Christianity and Islam. The world's three Abrahamic religions are unified by this belief in one supreme, omniscient & omnipotent deity, whether called Jehovah, God or Allah.
The number ONE (1) represents the Judaic concept of monotheism, later adopted by Christianity and Islam. The world's three Abrahamic religions are unified by this belief in one supreme, omniscient & omnipotent deity, whether called Jehovah, God or Allah.
Trail overview: Urban and forested hike on paved and dirt trails with moderate grades (elevation gain < 300') from Ballard Locks to Discovery Park.
Trail highlights: The local chapter of American Pilgrims on the Camino does a reflective walk along this path the second Sunday of every month. The Ballard Locks, an engineering marvel from the early 20th century, connected Seattle's freshwater Lake Union and Lake Washington to saltwater Puget Sound, expanding commerce and lowering Lake Washington by nine feet. A fish ladder (WC) on the south side of the locks (with viewing windows) allow salmon to climb 20 feet above sea level and access the streams and creeks of the Lake Washington watershed. Discovery Park offers well-signed forest hikes and beautiful views of Puget Sound.
Trail highlights: The local chapter of American Pilgrims on the Camino does a reflective walk along this path the second Sunday of every month. The Ballard Locks, an engineering marvel from the early 20th century, connected Seattle's freshwater Lake Union and Lake Washington to saltwater Puget Sound, expanding commerce and lowering Lake Washington by nine feet. A fish ladder (WC) on the south side of the locks (with viewing windows) allow salmon to climb 20 feet above sea level and access the streams and creeks of the Lake Washington watershed. Discovery Park offers well-signed forest hikes and beautiful views of Puget Sound.
Trailhead location: Parking is available on both the north and south sides of Ballard Locks. North trailhead (recommended) located at 3015 NW 54th St., Seattle WA...$2.50/hour. South trailhead located at Commodore Park (3330 W Commodore Way, Seattle, WA) which offers limited free parking.
Trail description: Begin at the entrance to Hiram Chittenden Locks (aka "Ballard Locks") and walk down the entry path, past the visitor center (WC) and enter the Carl English Botanical Garden by taking a right as you near the lock building, loop around uphill through the gardens and enjoy the viewpoint overlooking the entire lock complex. Cross the large lock and small lock using whichever gates are closed at the moment and continue south until you reach the fish ladder; enter the underground viewing area if desired. Take the path westbound along the south bank of the lock waterway and make your way uphill to the intersection of Commodore Way & 33rd Avenue.
Follow the signs to Discovery Park uphill along 33rd Ave and cross the railroad tracks using the pedestrian bridge. Continue south along 32nd Avenue and then Government Way, passing Kiwanis Ravine until you reach the entrance to Discovery Park. Continue along Discovery Park Blvd., then turn left at the parking lot entrance. When you see the information kiosk on your right, follow the 300' dirt path to reach the Loop Trail. We will walk this trail clockwise, so turn left at the junction, heading west. The Loop Trail is well-signed, so at each intersection, look for a trail marker if you are uncertain of the way forward.
When you reach the south parking lot (WC), continue across the entry road and along the Loop Trail until you reach the restrooms (WC) and water fountain. Shortly afterwards, the trail will open up to a large meadow, followed shortly by a series of viewpoints with gorgeous panoramas of Puget Sound...you can see Elliot Bay, Blake Island and Bainbridge Island.
Continue along the Loop Trail and when you reach the forested trail fork, take the path to the right (along the fence) instead of heading downhill. You will walk briefly along Discovery Park Blvd, cross a number of roads, then pass by Fort Lawton cemetery. Walk underneath Discovery Park Blvd., and proceed south on the trail until you reach our original trail junction. Continue back to the parking lot and then to the visitor center (WC). Exit the park and rejoin Government Way, retracing your steps down along 32nd Ave, the railroad overpass and 33rd Avenue. Enjoy another view of the Ballard Locks, then cross back over both locks (again, use whichever gate is closed at the time) until you reach the trailhead at the entrance parking lot.
Follow the signs to Discovery Park uphill along 33rd Ave and cross the railroad tracks using the pedestrian bridge. Continue south along 32nd Avenue and then Government Way, passing Kiwanis Ravine until you reach the entrance to Discovery Park. Continue along Discovery Park Blvd., then turn left at the parking lot entrance. When you see the information kiosk on your right, follow the 300' dirt path to reach the Loop Trail. We will walk this trail clockwise, so turn left at the junction, heading west. The Loop Trail is well-signed, so at each intersection, look for a trail marker if you are uncertain of the way forward.
When you reach the south parking lot (WC), continue across the entry road and along the Loop Trail until you reach the restrooms (WC) and water fountain. Shortly afterwards, the trail will open up to a large meadow, followed shortly by a series of viewpoints with gorgeous panoramas of Puget Sound...you can see Elliot Bay, Blake Island and Bainbridge Island.
Continue along the Loop Trail and when you reach the forested trail fork, take the path to the right (along the fence) instead of heading downhill. You will walk briefly along Discovery Park Blvd, cross a number of roads, then pass by Fort Lawton cemetery. Walk underneath Discovery Park Blvd., and proceed south on the trail until you reach our original trail junction. Continue back to the parking lot and then to the visitor center (WC). Exit the park and rejoin Government Way, retracing your steps down along 32nd Ave, the railroad overpass and 33rd Avenue. Enjoy another view of the Ballard Locks, then cross back over both locks (again, use whichever gate is closed at the time) until you reach the trailhead at the entrance parking lot.
Public transit options: Bus #44 stops at the entrance to Ballard Locks (north side of locks)