Showing posts with label Outdoor Excursions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Outdoor Excursions. Show all posts

Interlaken Park

Interlaken Park is one of the most understated recreational areas in Seattle. Often overshadowed by the better known Volunteer Park in Capitol Hill, and the expansive Washington Park in the Broadmoor neighborhood, Interlaken Park sits just between these two off of East Galer Street and Interlaken Drive in the northern most part of Capitol Hill.
This park spans more than 50 acres and includes miles of hiking trails and bicycle paths which might challenge even experienced hikers. The trails are steep and wind quite a bit, offering Interlaken's visitors a rigorous workout.
Miniature canyons grace the trails, and towering trees provide shelter from the sun on warm summer days. One of the most remarkable things about Interlaken Park is that save for the faint chirping of small birds, the park is completely and utterly devoid of sound. Visitors can experience the beautiful and absolute quiet of the wilderness at Interlaken, which sits just three miles from busy downtown Seattle.
Interlaken Park is accessible via car or bus routes 12 or 43.

West Seattle's Treasure... Alki Beach

On the shore of West Seattle sits Alki Beach, a two and a half mile stretch of sand and pebble bordering the Puget Sound.
The cool beach, gentle waves, and crisp air attract families from all over the Seattle area, and are quite popular with seagulls and in the summer months, even seal pups! Alki is a perfect spot for swimming, playing in the surf, or sunning on the beach.Alki Beach offers breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountain Range, as well as sparkling visions of the city and the Space Needle. Along Alki Avenue, beachgoers can find cafes and restaurants in which to take refuge from the day.
Alki Beach is the area of Seattle where the first European-American settlers landed in 1851. Chief Sealth of the Duwamish and Suquamish Tribes served as a mediator between the European settlers and the Native-American inhabitants.
Often a place of recreation where Seattleites choose to cool off in the summer, Alki Beach is open and can be enjoyed year-round. If you are seeking solace, you may want to visit Alki in autumn. Though considerably colder, the area is more peaceful and virtually devoid of crowds.
Alki Beach is accessible via car or public transportation, specifically the 56 and 37 bus.

Solace in Seattle: View from Olympic Sculpture Park

The beauty and peace of this spot can be summed up neither in words nor photograph. You must experience it for yourself. Even on a chilly day, there is something warm and restful about sitting by the water's edge at Olympic Sculpture Park, gazing onto the bay.