Olmstead Trail II: Columbia City to Leschi

Walk from the newly hip Columbia City to Leschi on the Lake Washington shore

Hike Length: about 4 miles

Elevation Gain: up to 200'

Hike Difficulty: easy

Updated 9/23/2021

The starting point of this walk is the rapidly gentrifying downtown of Columbia City, with numerous shops and restaurants to explore. After exploring a series of Olmstead-designed parks along Lake Washington, the hike ends at another pleasant neighborhood, Leschi Park.

Colman Park waterfront

Getting There

Take the Link Light Rail line from downtown Seattle to the Columbia City station.

The Hike

From the Columbia City stop on the Link Light Rail line, walk east on South Edmonds street as directed by signs several blocks to the Columbia City downtown on Rainier Avenue. Explore the historic old downtown of Columbia City. Numerous cafes and coffee shops offer refreshment to the weary walker.

Continue the walk by hiking east on S. Edmonds in an attractive neighborhood of old homes. Walk north on 39th Ave, then east on Americus. Walk north on 42nd down the hill to Genesee Park and Playfield. Follow the green expanse of the park north to Lake Washington, using various trails that wind through the park.

Cross Lake Washington Boulevard to get to the lakeshore. Here is Stan Sayers Park, where the annual Sea Fair Hydroplane Races are held. Restrooms available.. Head north, either following the paved path alongside Lake Washington Boulevard, or a more rustic path near the shore of the lake. In about a mile, you will arrive at the swimming beach of Mt. Baker Park. A short distance farther is Coleman Park, where there is a small parking lot by the shore of the lake. A reader board describes Coleman Park and its history.

Next to the parking lot, find and follow a walkway that heads through a tunnel under Lake Washington Boulevard and into the verdant interior of Coleman Park. The trail climbs steadily, passing under decorative bridges designed by the firm of famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead. At the upper end of the ravine is a "frog pond" (a small spring fed pool) and garden patch. A staircase above the garden takes you to 31st Avenue at the top edge of the park.

Decorative bridge in Colman Park

When done exploring Colman Park, return to the uppermost bridge and follow Lake Washington Boulevard north through a pleasant neighborhood. A vista point above the I-90 bridge offers a great view over Lake Washington. Walk another half mile or so to the lush greenery of Frink Park where you can explore numerous short trails. Continue hiking along Lake Washington Boulevard's picturesquely winding route to Leschi Park. Next to a tennis court, you can descend through the park toward Lake Washington where you will find the pleasant neighborhood business district of Leschi. Or simply keep on hiking Lake Washington Boulevard, which descends to the north end of Leschi. Have a mocha in one of the coffee shops while you wait for your bus.

Vista point on Lake Washington Boulevard overlooking theI-90 floating bridge

Getting Back

From Leschi, the Metro 27 bus can take you back to downtown Seattle.