Published August 16 2013
Walkers can explore scenic Bellevue during the annual Lake to Lake Walk on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The walk from Lake Sammamish to Lake Washington traverses open space parks, forests, wetlands, botanical gardens, historic buildings, farms and neighborhoods. Highlights include Weowna Park, the Lake Hills Greenbelt, Kelsey Creek Farm, the Bellevue Botanical Garden, Wilburton Hill Park and Mercer Slough Nature Park.
The event offers several routes for walkers of all abilities, including a 6K route (3.7 miles) completely within Mercer Slough Nature Park, and 12K, 15K, 18K and 21K (13 miles) routes.
Participants should park at the South Bellevue Park and Ride on Bellevue Way and register the day of the event between 8 and 10 a.m. at the Mercer Slough Blueberry Farm, 2380 Bellevue Way SE. A shuttle bus will run every half hour to the start of the trail at Weowna Park. There is no preregistration.
Walkers will receive a trail map and written walking directions. Volunteers and staff will be available along the way at designated checkpoints. The walk will end back at the Mercer Slough Blueberry Farm.
The event is hosted by Bellevue Parks; Community Services and the American Volkssport Association Interlaken Trailblazers, and is sanctioned by the American Volkssport Association. There is no fee for participating, though Volkssport members seeking walking mileage pay $3.
This walk is strenuous and is not recommended for small children or strollers. Also, dogs are not allowed on the shuttle.
For more information, contact Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center at 425-452-2565 or mseec@bellevuewa.gov