Frederick Law Olmsted Sr. knew that a single large park could not meet the needs of a city; as a result, park systems became a hallmark of the Olmsted legacy. This month as we celebrate the 120 year anniversary of Seattle City Council approving the Olmsted parks plan with a new self-guided tour!
The idea for the Seattle Olmsted 50 trail was hatched February 15 in a Queen Anne coffee shop. Seattle Mountaineers Urban Walk Committee Chair, Peter Hendrickson met with Bob Siegel who offered support for launching a long Seattle walk similar to his work with San Francisco’s Crosstown Trail (17 miles) and support for Boston’s Walking City Trail (27 miles). Hendrickson had previously completed a 25-mile walk through several Olmsted parks with FSOP board member Stuart Johnston, and so linking these park jewels seemed an obvious route for Seattle’s own long urban trail.
With support from Friends of Seattle’s Olmsted Parks tour leader and board member Sue Nicol and the FSOP website reference material, the team began development of the trail from Ballard Locks to Rainier Beach.
The total route is 50km (31 miles), divided into five 10k sections. Each section has comprehensive, field-tested information, including elevation, turn-by-turn directions, accessibility, points of interest – even transit, toilets and treats!
Everything you need to embark can be found on the Seattle Olmsted 50 webpage. If you’d prefer some guidance or some company, the Mountaineers Urban Walk Committee is hosting section walks for members and guests (see the website for more information).