WABI Weekday Walkers will walk Walker Preserve on Wednesday, Mar. 20

From our friends at WABI Burien:

All are invited to join the WABI Weekday Walkers for a scenic forest walk this coming Wednesday, Mar. 20, 2024 starting at 9 a.m. in Walker Preserve, a little-known gem in Normandy Park.

We’ll follow the trail as it winds through the preserve and down side-trails to Miller and Walker creeks. Hopefully we’ll spot some of the early-blooming trillium along the way. The total distance is about 1.6 miles, with moderate down-and-up hills on the side-trails. You may want to bring hiking poles to assist with balance. Parking is in a small lot at the corner of 2nd Ave SW and SW 171st, with additional street parking nearby.

WHEN: Wednesday, Mar. 20, 2024; meet 5-10 minutes before 9 a.m. so we can start walking at 9 a.m.

WHERE: Walker Preserve, Normandy Park (map below).

DIRECTIONS: From Burien, drive south on 1st Ave S and turn west on SW 171st St (in Normandy Park). (You will see a small sign pointing to Cove and City Hall.) Take the first right at 2nd Ave SW. Parking is in a small lot immediately on the right and also along the street.

Fun facts: Is it Miller Creek or Walker Creek? Both! The creek you cross on the footbridge is Walker Creek, but the creek you can catch glimpses of from the Walker Preserve trail is actually Miller Creek, the same creek that comes out at the Normandy Park Cove. Miller and Walker Creeks run roughly parallel at this point, and Walker Preserve is mostly on a ridge between the two creeks. For a look at the complicated hydrology of these stream basins, check out King County’s map. For a fun photo tour of the two creeks, look at King County’s website: Miller Creek and Walker Creek.

Update from the City of Normandy Park:

“If you have some birders, they might like to bring binoculars. There is a chance of hearing / seeing the barred owls, western tanager, or pileated woodpeckers that live in the preserve. They are often active during the day. Also, please remind your walkers that there are no restroom facilities at or near the Preserve. 

– Scott Salzer, Normandy Park Resident & Birder

• Intentions for WABI Burien’s Weekday Walks:“Encourage active living to support physical and mental health.” (Part of Burien’s “Vision”).
• Initiate conversation between friends and neighbors, new and old.

For further information, please jot us a note: info@wabiburien.org.