The Thornton Creek watershed is the largest in Seattle, covering 12 square miles. Much of the creek has been buried in pipes or otherwise abuse during years of development in the area, but in recent years the city of Seattle has become newly appreciative of this urban asset, and sections of the creek have been restored to a natural state. In the Victory Heights neighborhood, the creek flows through a surprisingly deep and wild ravine that is little-known even to long-time Seattle residents. This 4 mile walk follows the south fork of Thornton Creek from Northgate Transit Center all the way to the creek's end at Matthew's Beach Park.
Updated 9/23/2021
From downtown Seattle, ride Link Light Rail to Northgate Station
Use TOTAGO to get round-trip transit directions, plus offline trail maps if you download the app:
Thornton Creek Walk on Totago
Walk to the west edge of the transit center park and ride lot and onto a landscaped walkway next to a condo complex that is part of the new Northgate urban village development. The walkway follows a newly "daylighted" (unearthed from pipes and made into a natural stream) section of Thornton Creek. The walkway curves to the northeast before ending at the intersection of 5th ave and NE 103rd. Cross 8th Ave at the light, then follow a nature trail that starts a few paces east of the intersection, on the north side of 103rd. The trail follows Thornton Creek in a narrow greenbelt. At a trail junction, turn left and cross a bridge over the creek and continue along the shady path.
The trail ends on an alley (105th St.) Walk east on 105th to Roosevelt Way, then walk north on that busy street. Roosevelt crosses Thornton Creek's ravine on a earthen fill that buries the creek. You can peer down into the forest around the creek (a section called Thornton Creek Park #6). but there doesn't seem to be a trail down in there. Cross the avenue (no traffic light) to access NE 108th St, then follow that pleasant winding residential street. Turn right at the 12th St. intersection and continue on 107th, which eventually reaches 15th Ave NE.
Cross 15th Ave, then jog south slightly to reach NE 106th. Follow this pleasant residential street to 17th Ave NE, in the little known Victory Heights neighborhood. Head south on 17th, which descends to the floor of Thornton Creek's valley. The street ends by a house, but follow a walkway into the forest and to the creek, which has been swollen to an impressive size at this point by many springs and tributaries. There is no bridge, but you can step across the stream on rocks. On the other side of the creek, follow an unofficial but well-used trail that clambers along above the south side of the ravine. The trail rises up at one point to avoid a steep bank, the drops steeply back down to cross a marshy area where bricks have been set into the dirt to improve the footing. Eventually the trail reaches then end of NE 100th.
Here the creek has undergone extensive rehabilitation to remove invasive vegetation. It's a pretty spot. Follow the new foot bridge that crosses the creek, then ascent a long section of stairs that climb up the slope to NE 98th St where it meets 20th Ave NE. Continue walking east on 98th to Lake City Way, and cross the highway at the stoplight. Continue east on 98th to Ravenna Ave NE. Turn left (north) and walk along Ravenna Ave almost a half mile to Meadowbrook Playfield. Walk around the south edge of the tennis courts to find a nice little trail that follows a trickling tributary of Thornton Creek. The trail takes you to the Meadowbrook Pool and community center complex. where you can take advantage of the restrooms or even go for a swim if the urge strikes you. Walk to the north end of the parking lot, then cross 35th Ave NE at a crosswalk. At the other side of the avenue is the start of a fun trail that takes you to the Meadowbrook Ponds Park. Before following the trail, be sure to walk north a bit on 35th to see the impressive new daylighted section of Thornton Creek.
At Meadowbrook Ponds, the North Fork of Thornton Creek joins the south fork to make an impressively large stream. The ponds were built to control flooding which can be a problem downstream of here. Now the ponds have became a pretty urban oasis for people and wildlife. Take some time to explore the trails around the ponds. A foot bridge leads to the east edge of the park at 39th Ave, where you can continue your urban hike by heading east on 105th St, which soon crosses the rushing waters of Thornton Creek on a short bridge. Follow 105th past the John Rogers School playground and the Korean Peace Church. Follow the street as it bends to the south, turning into NE 104th Place, then 45th Ave NE. The avenue crosses the creek again, then climbs a short hill to busy NE 95th St.
Cross NE 95th and continue south on 45th a few paces, then turn left (east) on the first street beyond (94th?) At the bottom of the hill there is a short trail that leads to the Burke-Gilman Trail. Turn left on the Burke-Gilman, which crosses over Sand Point Way on a bridge, then leads you to edge of Mathews Beach Park, where you can wander to the shore of Lake Washington and enjoy a swim in the lake when the weather is warm. To the south of the swimming area is the extensive delta and wetland where Thornton Creek empties into Lake Washington. Take the time to explore the trails here.
Getting Back
Catch the Metro 75 bus at the intersection of NE 93rd Street and Sandpoint Way. Ride the northbound bus to Northgate Transit Center, and transfer to Link Light Rail to get to downtown Seattle.