Looking for an opportunity to explore Washington on foot? Here are a few timely ideas:
UW Arboretum Tour
Ongoing
Spring is a glorious time to explore a college campus near you. The University of Washington holds 90-minute walking tours of its Washington Park Arboretum on the first Thursday of each month, including May 7 and June 4, leaving at 11:30 a.m. from the Graham Visitors Center. They’re free but space is limited, so sign up ahead of time. Get more information here.
See ‘She Who Watches’
Ongoing
Take a ranger-led walk to see the Tsagaglalal petroglyph at Columbia Hills Historical State Park—the only way to view this remarkable ancient artwork along the Columbia River. Tours are held at 9 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays April through October. They fill up fast, so you must register at least several weeks in advance. Get the details here.
Explore Duwamish History
Ongoing
An Ecotour of the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center campus in Seattle is another way to explore our state’s indigenous heritage and learn about the tribe’s connections to the land and river. One-hour tours are planned on several mornings in April and May. They are free, with donations welcome. Learn more here.
Jane’s Walk
Primarily May 2-3, 2026 with some walks in late April or later in May
Each May, the Jane’s Walk festival features community-led walking conversations to help people discover unseen aspects of their surroundings and connect with neighbors. The weekend is named for Jane Jacobs, who advocated for walkable cities and towns to help people live safer, healthier, more engaged lives. For more information on specific Jane’s Walk events planned for late April and early May follow this link.
Bloomsday
May 3, 2026
This year marks the 50th running of Spokane’s most famous running race, but organizers say as many as half of all participants actually walk the 12-kilometer (7.5-mile) route. Get more information and register here. The cost is $38 to $50 depending on how soon you sign up.
Take a WAlk is compiled by Julie Fanselow, a (mostly) retired journalist and avid walker who lives in Seattle. Julie’s books include Traveling the Lewis and Clark Trail and Idaho Off the Beaten Path.