EXPLORE
The DALLES
I T I N E R A R Y
Burke-Gilman Trail
Arguably the most popular trail in Seattle , the Burke-Gilman Trail stretches 19 miles from Ballard ’ s saltwater shores to Bothell ’ s freshwater river .
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ONE TRAILHEAD CAN BE FOUND at the popular Golden Gardens , which sits nestled by the shore above Shilshole Bay . The other is found at Blyth Park . Though beautiful , Blyth is a hidden gem in comparison to its western counterpart . This is perhaps thanks to the fact that the trail only ends at Blyth in name alone . It connects to the Sammamish River Trail which runs all the way to Mary Moore Park in Redmond .
One of the nation ’ s first rail-to-trail pathways , the Burke-Gilman Trail has been credited with showing cities throughout the country how popular ( and relatively easy ) it is to repurpose decommissioned railroad tracks into recreational paths . The wide and flat nature of railroads makes them ideal for multiple uses , including walking , running , and cycling . Because the Burke-Gilman connects neighborhoods , landmarks , and cities , it ’ s used not just for recreation , but also commuting and sightseeing .
Popular spots along the pathway include the Ballard Locks , Seattle ’ s miniature Panama Canal ; Gas Works Park , a perfect vantage point for watching seaplanes take off and land at Lake Union ; and Kenmore Air Harbor in Kenmore , the unofficial ‘ Seaplane Capital ’ of the United States . ( We just made that up .
Let ’ s roll with it .)
While the pathway meanders through a variety of parks , it also skirts through residential neighborhoods and past businesses . Colorful murals decorate buildings . Art instalments can be found tucked beside the path . And , breweries , coffee stands and restaurants speckle the landscape — offering a welcoming watering hole for those who want a break along the way . Distance : 19 miles , end to end Elevation Gain : 393 ft . Dogs : Permitted on leash Difficulty : Easy to moderate Kid-Friendly : Yes
ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD PUZZLE ON PAGE 31 .
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