Judkins Park-Leschi-Madrona Loop

At A Glance
- Distance: 5.5 miles
- Type: Loop
- Features: Lots of Views (Olympics, Cascades, Seattle, Bellevue, Lake Washington), Hilly, Wooded Trails
- With scenic viewpoints, several steep hills, and wooded dirt trails, this loop actually feels like you're hiking outside of the city.
- Note: I often mix this hike with segments from the Madrona-Madison Park Loop and the Madrona-Leschi-Mt Baker hikes.
Route
- (This loop can be done clockwise or counterclockwise. Directions below are counterclockwise - reverse them to do the loop in the other direction.)
- Head South on 12th Ave from the Pike/Pine corridor.
- Turn left on Yesler Way E.
- Turn right onto 22nd Ave S and walk through Dr. Blanche Lavizzo Park.
- Cross S Jackson St and continue heading South on 20th Pl S until you can enter Judkins Park Playfield.
- Follow the walking paths in the park South until you cross S Judkins St, at which point you'll intersect with the I-90 Trail.
- Head East on the I-90 trail through Sam Smith Park until you reach the tunnel (don't go through the tunnel).
- Take the staircase to the left, climbing uphill to the intersection of 31st Ave S and S Day St.
- Make sure to stop by the Mt Baker Ridge Viewpoint while you're here to catch a glimpse of the Smith Tower, the city skyline, and the Olympics.
- Head North on 31st Ave S until you reach the edge of Frink Park.
- Descend through the trails of Frink Park into adjacent Leschi Park, exiting onto Lakeside Ave S.
- Head North on Lakeside Ave S, continuing North as it merges with Lake Washington Blvd.
- Enjoy the views of Lake Washington & Bellevue as you stroll along the waterfront trail that connects to Madrona Beach.
- Turn left and cross over Lake Washington Blvd, heading uphill into the trails of Madrona park and Madrona Ravine.
- Once you exit the trails, follow the staircases West up the hill towards 34th Ave. (you can use Marion, Spring, or Union St staircases).
- Head North on 34th Ave and turn left on E Union St.
- Continue on E Union St back towards 12th Ave.
Optional addons
- East Portal Viewpoint - mini park overlooking I-90 & Lake Washington with mountain views.
- 35th Ave - at the dead-end south of E James St there is a hidden gem viewpoint of Mt Rainier.
- Leschi-Lake Dell Natural Area - ravine park with a viewpoint.