The New York Times’ Travel section wrote that Columbia City “feels like a microcosm of [Seattle] itself, a gumbo of art galleries, bike shops, yoga studios and butchers, where it’s easier to find homemade tamales or good pulled pork sandwich than a macchiato.” Explore this area with its multitude of parks and quaint neighborhoods. Walk along Lake Washington, and see the Rowing Center. Find many local favorite bakeries, shops and restaurants in this Historic Landmark District. Check out the Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays, May – October, 3:00 to 7:00 (next to the Start Point, and one block from Light Rail – perfect for picking up something fresh for dinner, just at the end of your walk).
Distance & Trail Rating: 6K and 10K. Rating: 2A.
Online Start Box: Registration is available on the Online Start Box. For registration information, go to ava.org, or try this link. Once you’ve registered online, the walk directions and map will be available for you to download. Or you may register at the Physical Start Box, as described below:
Start Location: All the Best Pet Care. 4805 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98118. Start Box is purple plastic folder – kindly ask for it at counter.
Start Location Hours: Mon – Sat: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sun: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Amenities: Restrooms: yes | Pets: see “Comments” | Strollers: medium | Wheelchairs: no
Comments: No restroom at Start Location, but restrooms available at PCC Grocery next door. Pets not allowed on Light Rail, but ok on walk route if arriving otherwise. Leash and clean-up laws apply. The 10K route will be closed for SeaFair (August 3-4, 2024). The 6K route will be available, but will be congested. See comment below about parking.
AVA Special Programs: Mayflower – 400th Anniversary. Rockin’ Around the Clock. Par for the Course. Step to the Beat.
ESVA Special Programs: Frontline Heroes (all routes – Delivery Services, Essential Services, Medical Facilities, Sustenance Providers)
Walk to Start from Columbia City Station: Disembark the train and walk south to Edmunds St. Turn left and cross Martin Luther King. Walk two blocks to Rainier Ave. S. Turn left and walk a half-block to store. Store entry faces parking lot. See map below.
Driving Directions: From I-5, exit onto I-90, eastbound. Immediately take exit 3 (Rainier Ave. S.). Turn right onto Rainier and drive 2.3 miles. At one half-block south of S. Alaska St., turn right into store parking lot.
Parking: Parking at store is ok to register, then move your car. A parking map is in the Start Box for directions to free street parking along the walk route.
Metro Bus: Routes 7, 9, 50, 106.
Contact: Jane Clark (206) 920-2544
Sponsoring Club: Emerald City Wanderers
AVA Walk Sanction Number: Y2414