Quick walk along the northern half of the Cross Kirkland Corridor trail in the sunshine this morning. The trail remains typical rail-to-trail style, wide with a fine crushed gravel surface. No restrooms directly along the trail but Totem Lake park just off the trail has very nice full restrooms that were open and in good condition and also makes a good trail access point. No trail condition issues but there is a relatively minor detour crossing Slater Ave - the city is upgrading the crosswalk there and will make it much safer once done. Until then it’s just a quick detour a block south to cross. One other quick update - while the railroad grade continues north of 139th Ave it is currently gated with do not enter signage instead having folks drop down into the valley in order to continue northward on the Eastrail.
This portion of the trail is largely urban though there are some nice wetland areas around Totem Lake and some additional forest cover and valley views on the northern section. Wildlife out included a bunch of red winged black birds all singing in the Totem Lake wetlands area plus other small sparrows, juncos, a few mallard ducks, etc. There also is recent beaver evidence right along the trail east of the wetlands area though did not see one directly. A quick side trip along the elevated walkway around the Totem Lake pond is well worth it for additional views plus some neat art. Also don’t miss a quick walk over the cool new big blue pedestrian bridge even if you don’t actually need to cross it. An easy little walk if you are in the area which will be even better once the new road crossing is finished shortly.
Comments