North Kirkland Traverse

Updated 8/4/2021

Hike Length: 8 miles, more if you explore the parks

Hike Difficulty: Strenuous

This is a fun hike that connects string of parks in the northern part of Kirkland, using an entertaining mix of forest trails, quiet streets, and a noisy mile on Juanita Drive. You end up in downtown Kirkland's historic and lively downtown.

The route is complicated. If you are not familiar with the area, bring a street map of Kirkland, or print the Google route map below. Of course, maps on your smart phone will work, too.

Juanita Beach Park (Photo Credit: Joe Mabel/Wikimedia Commons)

Getting There & Back

From downtown Seattle, ride Sound Transit 522 to the city of Kenmore (Bothell Way and 68th Ave NE). Transfer to Metro 255. Get off at the corner of Juanita Drive and NE 153rd Place.

Use TOTAGO to get round-trip transit directions, plus offline trail maps if you download the app:
North Kirkland Traverse on Totago

The Hike

From the bus stop at NE 153rd Place, cross to the west side of Juanita Drive and walk south on the shoulder of the road. After about 100 yards, look for a signed trail entering the woods of St. Edwards State Park. Follow it. At the first trail junction you reach,go left.

Within the park is a complex maze of trails which you may explore if you have time and (preferably) armed with a map. Unsigned junctions are numerous - the easiest thing to do is to head south on the trail that remains closest to Juanita Drive, which you can hear and see through the trees. The trails here are popular with mountain bikers and you may see a few on weekends.

At length you will reach Seminary Drive, the main entrance to St. Edwards park. Cross it and continue hiking south on the trails that remain close to Juanita Drive. Next you will reach Holmes Point Drive; cross and continue south on the trail on the other side. Continue to stay close as possible to Juanita Drive.

The next street you reach is NE 138th Place. On the other side of the street is a forested tract which is part of Big FInn Hill Park. Follow the signed trail into the forest. There is a dense web of trails here, too. Take any major trail that is heading in the right direction (south).

At the south side of this park, depending on which trail you are on, you will reach the end of either 74th Ave or 74th Place NE, both quiet suburban streets. Follow either street south, then turn right (west) on NE 129th St. Next, turn left (south) on 72nd Ave.

After about 100 yards, the houses end on the right side of the road and there is a forested ravine visible below. Look for a unsigned but prominent trail heading into the ravine. Now begins the most fun part of this hike.

The trail descends quickly into the ravine and the sights and sounds of civilization are soon left behind. The trail is lightly maintained and muddy in places, but seems to get a fair amount of use. After about a half mile, you intersect the main trail coming up from O.O. Denny Park. If you like, you can turn right here and visit the shore of Lake Washington, a lovely spot. Otherwise, go left on the trail, which ascends a larger, lushly forested valley with a lively stream running down it. You will pass the massive trunk of "Sylvia", an 8 foot diameter douglas fir that unfortunately broke apart in a storm some years ago.

Juanita Waterfront (photo credit: Joe Mabel/Wikimedia Commons)

Next to some display signs that describe the settlers who once lived in the valley, you will reach a junction with another trail on the right. Continue straight ahead, following the stream up the valley. The trail soon crosses the stream three times in short order. Located in cool, quiet woods, these crossings are lovely spots to enjoy your lunch on a warm day. After the third creek crossing, the trail climbs steeply out of the valley and ends at the shoulder of NE 125th St. Head south on the street, which turns into 76th Ave NE.

As you pass NE 120th Street, near the south end of 76th Ave, the houses end on the left side and there is a forested tract of land that is part of Juanita Woods Park. Follow an unsigned trail into the park. As in the other parks around here, there is the usual unmarked maze of trails. Work your way through the park in a general northeast direction, gradually climbing uphill until you see a house, then veer right toward the noise of Holmes Point Road. Exit the park by a big blue sign that says "Juanita Woods Park" and step onto Holmes Point Road. Turn left and follow this road a short distance. to the stoplight on Juanita Way. Cross over to the other side of Juanita Way, where there is a mini-mall with a mexican restaurant and store, if you are hungry.

Now begins a not-so-fun part of the hike, the trudge south on busy, traffic clogged Juanita Way. But the unpleasantness will end soon enough, so just man up and go..m'kay? At least, the shoulder is wide and big fir trees provide shade. After a half mile, houses appear on the left and you will come to 79th Way NE, also on the left. Here, you (thankfully) leave Juanita Drive. Follow the way, which is lined with new-looking suburban homes, to 80th Ave NE. Turn right (south) and follow the street downhill almost to Juanita Drive. Nice view of Lake Washington from here. Go left onto 112th St, which climbs uphill. At the next intersection, go right onto 110th Place.

Narrow and windy 110th Place is a pleasant walk, with big houses and lush gardens to look at, as well as peek-a-boo views over Lake Washington and towards the Cascades. Alas, all good things come to and end, and after about a half mile, the road dives downhill to meet the dreaded Juanita Drive. Grit your teeth and walk east on the drive a half mile to the downtown Juanita, marked by some highrise condos and the wide grassy expanse of Juanita Park next to the lake. To escape Juanita Drive, follow trails into the park, which is a popular swimming area in summer. Picnic tables and restrooms available here.

At the south end of the park, you are briefly forced back to the side of Juanita Drive. At least there are sidewalks here. Stay on the west side of the drive, and continue walking a short distance south to the stoplight and a busy major intersection with 98th Ave NE. Follow 98th a short distance farther south to the start of the Old Market Street Trail, a former road turned into a popular walking and biking path. The wide trail crosses a marshy arm of Juanita Bay, which birds and critters just love. At the south end of the bay, the trail approaches busy Market Street. Here, turn right onto a trail heading into an expanse of lawn which is part of Juanita Bay Park. This is a popular spot with Kirklandites on a sunny day. At the west end of the park you will arrive at 10th Street W. Walk the quiet street westward. The road soon makes an abrupt climb up a hill; stay right at the next intersection and continue walking south on 10th St, a prosperous area lined by expensive homes that take advantage of the views and waterfront location.

Eventually, you will arrive at small but lovely Kiwanis Park. A trail descends to the Lake Washington waterfront. Here,the road bends left/uphill and turns into 14th Ave W. Follow 14th Ave for several blocks, then turn right on 6th Street W, which descends back toward the lake.

At the bottom of the hill, you will reach the entrance to Waverly Beach Park and access to the waterfront of Lake Washington. Head south on Waverly Way, which follows the top of a bluff overlooking the lake. In a half mile you eventually arrive at the broad lawn of Heritage Park. Gravel trails along the west edge of the park eventually lead you to the heart of old Kirkland at the intersection of Market and Central. Here, explore the numerous shops and cafes that line the streets.

When done with Kirkland, follow Central Avenue east to Third Street, where the Kirkland Transit Center is located. From here you can catch frequent buses to Seattle.