Cowen and Ravenna Parks, Washington Park Arboretum — Sunday, Apr. 12, 2015

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area

Today was so gorgeous, I decided to do some exploring in my (relatively) new neighborhood. The ravine beneath 15th Avenue near the U District has always made me curious, so I headed for Cowan and Ravenna Parks to start my day. The trails are lovely and wide, and Ravenna Creek trickling through the middle of Ravenna Park provides enough noise that you can't hear traffic once down in the ravine. Several groups of people (runners, bikers, dogwalkers and other hikers) were enjoying the park as well, but it's a large enough park that it never feels crowded. Exiting the ravine, I got back onto 15th Avenue, intending to visit the Farmer's Market. Unfortunately, I didn't realize the U District's market is Saturdays, so I simply wandered down 15th until a 48 bus came along. I'd wanted to visit the Arboretum as well, and realized that it's doable via bus, so I hopped on and got off in Montlake, intent on visiting my favorite rhododendron. I took a roundabout route to the Rhododendron Hybrid Garden, but when I got there the stinker hadn't even bloomed yet. I did loop the whole Arboretum, and everything ELSE is blooming just fine and looking gorgeous. I'll be back to check on my stubborn favorite later this season. It's great to have these two parks within bussing/walking distance from my new place!