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This great hike travels through undeveloped second-growth forest and along Lake Washington.


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Map Key

3.4

Miles

5.5

KM

Loop

483' 147 m

High

32' 10 m

Low

700' 213 m

Up

700' 213 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

56%

Max Grade (29°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

A Discover Pass is required for parking at Saint Edward. The park is open from 8am to dusk.

Overview

Saint Edward State Park is predominantly second-growth forest, and this hike is a good way to see it all in a short evening hike. You can park nearby and hike to the park, or park at Saint Edward and pick up the trail from either the north trailhead or part-way through the loop.

Need to Know

If you choose to park outside of the park, you can start your run on the corner of Juanita Drive and NE 145th.

This trail also links up to the Big Finn Hill trail system. Do be aware that this trail system is multi-use and includes access for some MTB and equestrian use depending on where you are. Signs will advise you and are obvious. Foot traffic is permitted on all trails.

Description

Parking for the hike is right next to the old seminary building. There will be a trailhead with a wooden chicane/gate on the north side of the loop that winds downhill (North Trail). This trail is the major downhill, and through the next half mile you'll drop 400 feet to Lake Washington on well maintained singletrack.

Next, hike along the lake on the Beach Trail, avoiding paths to the right that would take you up and back (Seminary, Grotto, South Canyon). You'll pass through a couple of gates and by a picnic area along the way. Keep going, and the trail will turn uphill again. This is the South Ridge Trail.

Follow this up until you get near a water tower and a paved area. If you hit pavement, you've gone a touch too far. Go left, following the singletrack (Water Tower Trail) until you see a trail heading off to the right marked "Plateau". Take this until you hit a road. Cross the road and then go left the moment you're back on gravel/dirt and hike along the road up to Juanita Trail.

Juanita Trail is right next to Juanita Drive, at the northwest corner of the 3-way intersection that leads into Saint Edward. Follow the trail, which is largely rolling singletrack, until you reach a trail intersection. Here, make a left and hike the wide path to the southwest, which takes you back to the main road within the state park. Follow the road back up to where you parked.

Flora & Fauna

Second-growth forest, eagles, and rabbits can all be found here.

History & Background

Saint Edward State Park is the site of the former Saint Edward Seminary, which operated from 1931 to 1976 and has since fallen out of use. The main building is closed to the public as it has fallen into disrepair and funds are lacking at present for restoration and management of the property.

Despite being initially logged, the forest has regrown for a century, so the park maintains a feel of similar locations in the cascades, rather than the feel of a city-bound park.

Contacts

Land Manager: Washington State Parks

Shared By:

Mike S

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 14 votes

#2373

Overall
  4.2 from 14 votes
5 Star
36%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
14%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#127

in Washington

#2,373

Overall
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4,037 Since Mar 5, 2018
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

The South Ridge Trail with Lake Washington in the distance
Mar 16, 2020 near Inglewo…, WA
At the top of the South Ridge Trail.
Mar 6, 2018 near Inglewo…, WA
Oddly, the park has many examples of new tree growth taking root on the top or side of removed trees
Jul 24, 2018 near Kenmore, WA
Slow approach of autumn is becoming apparent.
Aug 25, 2019 near Inglewo…, WA
An example of the trail side flora in the park
Jul 24, 2018 near Inglewo…, WA
We still have a month before spring arrives, yet buds are already starting to open up.
Feb 24, 2019 near Inglewo…, WA

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