For young children, any journey through Carkeek Park is a treasure hunt: They might unearth starfish and geoducks while walking on the beach at low tide; or find salmon fry in the river as they hike on a forested trail; or shriek with excitement as trains roar under the overpass where they cross from beach to playground.
Imagine, though, how much more they could discover with a guide.
That's the role naturalist Brian Gay is taking on for his "tyke hikes" at 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, when he leads young children through outdoor activities at the North Seattle park.
By Rebekah Denn | February 3, 2005
Frink Park, Seattle
The .75-mile Big Loop Trail winds through a 17-acre mixed urban forest past cooling slope wetlands and a waterfall. Benches provide spots to reflect and recharge for the uphill return to the trailhead.
By Kathryn True | August 19, 2004
In a city rich with fine parks, Carkeek is easy to miss.
Embracing a narrow arborous canyon that spills into Puget Sound and cradling one of Seattle's healthiest streams, it's tucked away among the neighborhoods north of Ballard. You don't pass it on your way to anywhere like, say, Magnuson, Seward, Woodland and Lincoln parks.
That makes Carkeek Park, except on sunshine weekends, a pretty quiet place.
By Greg Johnston | February 19, 2004
Take a Walk
Location: Seattle
Length: About six miles.
Level of difficulty: Flat to moderately steep dirt/gravel trails are often muddy; level trail along Pipers Creek.
By Cathy McDonald | November 8, 2001
