Quick Sunday morning walk around the Foster Island and 520 trails primarily to check out the snazzy new pedestrian bridge at Montlake. We parked at the northern most lot at the arboretum and made a messy loop through the neighborhoods to the new bridge, over 520 then out along the 520 trail about a mile and back, then returning around along the Foster Island trails for a total of a bit shy of 5 miles. Army Corp of Engineers has lowered the lake to its winter level so the Foster Island trails are no longer flooded, just a few muddy spots on the eastern end though the old wooden elevated areas remain in marginal condition. No issues with the 520 trail other than just watch for cyclists. There is a functional sanican right at the northern side of the new pedestrian bridge which had not been there previously - unsure if this will remain or is just temporary.
The big news is of course the bridge, which is really more of a landscaped overpass, but it is functional, looks nice and has a neat viewpoint looking east right over the 520 trail. It will make getting to the arboretum from the north side of 520 much easier particularly when the Foster Island trails are flooded. There were a bunch of different ducks out including a really big flock of ring neck ducks out in the lake. Some recent beaver activity is also evident and there appears to be a couple active mounds/lodges just south of 520. Lots of really nice views throughout the area and the new bridge just adds to the experience.
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