WABI Weekday Walkers will walk Walker Preserve on Wednesday, May 17

From our friends at WABI Burien:

Please plan to join the WABI Weekday Walkers for a scenic forest walk on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 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. While resident trillium have come and gone, there are plenty of other flowers and wildlife to enjoy.

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. At one point we’ll need to traverse a tree that has fallen over the trail, but nothing too difficult. Parking is in a small lot at the corner of 2nd Ave SW and SW 171st, with additional street parking nearby.

Date: Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Time: Meet 5-10 minutes before 9:00 so we can start walking at 9:00 am.
Meeting Place: Walker Preserve, Normandy Park (Note that this year we will meet near the entrance to the park, not at City Hall, as was done in past years.)
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.

Volunteer Bridge in Walker Preserve

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, City of Normandy Park, Park Board Member

Miller Creek

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