Hike 17: Bothell-Kenmore-Lake Forest Park

Driving there:  In downtown Bothell, park at the Bothell Landing Park.

Bothell Landing park.

After looking around the park, we crossed the bridge to the Sammamish river trail and turned right.   The trail merges into the Burke-Gilman trail, which is another old railroad grade.

There are several pedestrian/bike tunnels on this section of trail.

The trail is mostly along Bothell way, and some places are kind of noisy.  It's all paved, so wear comfortable shoes.  The trail users are mostly on bikes, with a few pedestrians.  And no horses! 

Heron nests in Kenmore.

 We followed the trail through Bothell and Kenmore, to Lake Forest Park (Ever since I learned to read I've been confused and amused by that name).  As we get closer to Seattle, the trail is alongside the lake and the views improved.  At 153rd we called it a day.  We're almost to Seattle!

Hike 16: Redmond-Woodinville road to Bothell Landing

Driving there:  On the Redmond-Woodinville road, just south of NE 150th, there's a gravel parking lot on the west side of the road.

Looking west from Red-Wood road.

We continued west on the Tolt pipeline to the Sammamish river, then turned north onto the Sammamish river trail.  It's kind of nice to be on level ground again.

Sammamish river reflections

Today's walk was about 4 miles.  Lots of bicycles and walkers here.  The last half was a little rainy, but we survived.

Old schoolhouse at Bothell Landing Park.

Cabin at Bothell Landing Park.

We crossed the river a couple of times, and ended up in Bothell Landing Park.  It's an interesting side trip, with a few old buildings to look at.

Hike 15, Tolt pipeline 168th to Redmond-Woodinville road

Driving there:  From the Redmond-Woodinville road, at the Hollywood Schoolhouse, go east on NE 146th Pl.  The road changes from 146th to 156th to 160th to 143rd and then 168th Ave NE.  Park where the pipeline crosses the road.

Today's hike was short, about a mile. There's not much to say about the Tolt pipeline, it goes up and down and you're always looking into the backyard of somebody's McMansion.

155th Ave NE

Looking east across 155th

  

Looking west across the Sammamish valley.

 

The weather was good, but changing rapidly.  There were a few small ups and downs, and then a long steep downhill roll into the Sammamish valley. 

Hike 14: Tolt pipeline, 216th to 168th

Driving there:  From Redmond, take the Novelty hill road east.  Turn left on Trilogy parkway.  Trilogy Pkwy becomes NE 133rd.
Turn right onto 218th Ave NE.
Turn left onto NE 140th Pl.
NE 140th Pl becomes 216th Way NE.
Turn right onto 216th Ave NE (not a typo, check your map:-)
Look for parking where the Tolt pipeline crosses the road.

Tolt pipeline looking west from 216th.

 

In a couple of places you can actually see the pipeline.  It's pretty exciting...

Looking east across Avondale road to the Cascades.

Lots of ups and downs and suburban backyards along this trail.