Looking for an opportunity to explore Washington on foot? Here are a few timely ideas:
Explore the East Link
(September 13)
Join Feet First and explore Sound Transit’s 2 line. Participants will meet at the South Bellevue Link Station (for easy bus connections from Seattle; parking is available there, too) and travel together to the Wilburton, Marymoor Village, and Downtown Redmond light rail stations to have a look at pedestrian access around each one. The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Get more info and register here.
Luminata at Green Lake
(September 20)
Although the days are steadily growing shorter, we’re still far from the Big Dark of Washington’s winter. Luminata is an annual celebration of the autumn equinox, featuring an illuminated parade along Seattle’s Green Lake. Bring your own wearable lights and lanterns for the event, which will kick off at 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Fremont Arts Council. More info here.
Get to Know Cowiche Canyon
(September 26 and ongoing)
Set just west of Yakima, Cowiche Canyon is a splendid example of Central Washington’s shrub-steppe environment. The Cowiche Canyon Conservancy plans several fall events to help people get to know various parts of the preserve, starting with a two-mile walk on September 26. Get more details here.
Seattle Waterfront Stroll
(October 2)
Join historian Jennifer Ott as she uncovers the history of Seattle’s central waterfront on an hourlong walking tour starting at 5:30 p.m. at Occidental Park. This event is free but tickets are required. Learn more and sign up here.Sponsored by Friends of Waterfront Park.
Tree Trot in Spokane
(October 4)
Enjoy a 5K family-friendly walk and help raise money for a new nature-themed playground in Finch Arboretum. The event starts at noon and costs $30 for adults and $20 for kids and teens 16 and under, including a T-shirt. Pre-registration is required. Early fall is always a beautiful time to walk in this 65-acre preserve in southwest Spokane, open year-round dawn through dusk. No pets.
Good Times in Bellingham
(Ongoing)
Although they offer walking tours year-round, the Good Time Girls of BellingHistory especially revel in the possibilities of fall, with September and October walks dedicated to “Gore and Lore,” “Sin and Gin,” and buried history at Bayview Cemetery. Tours cost about $25-30. Get all the descriptions and sign up at BellingHistory.com.
DIY Walk: A Graveyard Near You
As Halloween and Día de los Muertos draw near, fall is a fine time to visit a cemetery near you. Interesting grave markers and beautiful fall foliage make for reflective walking. Many cemeteries also hold meaningful events to mark Veterans Day. Stop by within a day or two of November 11 to see rows of flag-bedecked graves honoring those who served.
Take a WAlk is compiled by Julie Fanselow, a (mostly) retired journalist and avid walker who lives in Seattle. Julie is on pace to walk at least 2,025 miles this year.