Try any of five walk options. The 5K and 8K/10K routes explore the north end of Beacon Hill and offer several grand-stand views. The 10K route, rated 3B for stairs and some hills, continues on to the enjoy the scenic Mount Baker neighborhood, followed by a stroll along the shore of Lake Washington, and then returns to Beacon Hill. The 8K route, rated 2B, is the same as the 10K route, except it ends at the Mt. Baker Station, for a ride back on Light Rail – requires purchase of fare to ride (this avoids the big push uphill, back to the Start Location, thus making the 8K route a 2B route – rather than the steeper 3B rating of the 10K). The 5K route, rated 1A, stays atop Beacon Hill.
The 6K and 9K routes head south on Beacon Hill, on easy-going 1A terrain. The 6K route walks down the Chief Sealth Trail to finish at Othello Light Rail Station, while the 9K route continues along the ridge, then through a greenbelt, to finish at Rainier Beach Light Rail Station. Both the 6K and 9K routes return to the Start Point with a ride back on Light Rail (requires purchase of fare to ride).
To download a pdf with tips on riding Light Rail, click here.
Distance & Trail Rating: 5K, 6K, 8K, 9K and 10K. Ratings: 1A (5K, 6K, 9K), 2B (8K), and 3B (10K).
Online Start Box: This walk has the option to register either at the Physical Start Box at the Hilltop Red Apple Grocery (see below), or on the Online Start Box (OSB). For OSB 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.
Start Location & Physical Start Box: Hilltop Red Apple Grocery. 2701 Beacon Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98144. Start Box is gray plastic folder – kindly ask for it at Service Counter, on right as you enter store. GPS coordinates of Start Location: 47.57919, -122.31293. Note the Service Counter hours – see below.
Start Location Hours: Service Counter for access to the start box: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., daily. (Store hours 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.). Walk hours dawn to dusk.
Amenities: Restrooms: yes – see “Comments” | Pets: limited – see “Comments” | Strollers: no | Wheelchairs: no
Comments: No restroom at Start Location. No restroom on the 5K route. For a restroom before you start, walk two blocks north on Beacon Ave. S. (exit the store at the Start Location and turn LEFT) – restrooms for customers only, but you could buy a water or power bar. There is a portable restroom on 8K and 10K routes, at about the 5K mark. Restroom on 6K and 9K at about 1.5K on the route, at the Clubhouse at the Bill Wright Golf Complex. The 5K and 10K routes start and finish at the Station. The 8K, 6K and 9K routes finish at a different Light Rail Station, requiring purchase of fare to ride on Light Rail, back to the Start Location. Pets are not allowed on Light Rail, but ok if arriving otherwise. See “Driving Directions & Parking” section below about parking.
AVA Special Programs: Par for the Course. Step to the Beat. Walking with America’s Veterans (6K, 9K). Walking with the Wild Things (gargoyle, garden gnomes – 8K, 10K).
ESVA Special Programs: Peace Pole (OTSVA – 5K, 8K, 10K). Tell Me a Story. That’s Entertainment (Cultural – 5K, 8K & 10K. Sports – 6K, 9K.).
Light Rail Challenge II: Qualifies under “South” category.
Walk to Start from Beacon Hill Station: Disembark the train and take the elevator up to street level. Turn right and walk to the corner at S. Lander St. Turn left to cross S. Lander at the crosswalk. Red Apple is on the corner. See map below.
Driving Directions & Parking: From I-5 northbound, take exit 163 (W Seattle Br / Columbian Way) and stay in far right lane for Columbian Way. As the exit ramp merges with another road, move to the far left lane, and turn left onto Spokane St. Drive uphill 1/4 mile, and turn left onto Beacon Avenue S. After 1/2 mile, turn left onto McClellan. Red Apple is on right.
From I-5 southbound, exit onto I-90, eastbound. Take exit 3 (Rainier Ave. S.), and turn right onto Rainier. After 3/4 mile, turn right onto McClellan. Drive 3/4 mile on McClellan, staying with it as it jogs. Red Apple is on right at top of hill.
Parking at store is ok to register, then move your car. The OSB download and the Physical Start Box have handouts for a map and driving directions to free street parking in the area.
Metro Bus: Routes 36, 60, 107.
Contact: Jane Clark. (206) 920-2544
Sponsoring Club: Emerald City Wanderers
AVA Walk Sanction Number: Light Rail – Beacon Hill Station. Y2415.
Map of Qualifying Stations in “South” Region:
