There are a few Dawgs out there who, instead of spending time indoors, would rather put their paws to the ground, dig in, and get some dirt under their nails.
This new column will highlight some of these outdoor, offbeat activities and those who participate in them. There is a giant playground outside of campus that is begging to be explored.
For the first week, we’ll start off nice and easy — by going for a walk. Both of these parks are accessible to people of any fitness level.
Seward Park — 5895 Lake Washington Blvd. S., Seattle
Head south over the Montlake Bridge and take a right onto Lake Washington Boulevard, and nine miles later, you will come to an inviting bit of quasi-wilderness called Seward Park.
Nestled on its own peninsula, Seward Park is home to 300 acres of old growth forest, part of which is 250 years old. Open year-round, it is a haven for many kinds of activities, such as hiking, running, and biking, and is a clean and inviting park to meander through.
Bikers and walkers are allowed on the paved outer trail — which is 2.4 miles long — and the unpaved main trail that crosses the park. However, bikes are not allowed on the slimmer trails within the park.
On a clear day, visitors can see the top of Mount Rainier peaking through a valley created by two Seattle hills. The views within the park itself are less mountainous, but just as verdant and easy to explore.
Whether you head here for a morning run, an afternoon stroll, or a walk with the dog, Seward Park is a place where anyone can relax and recharge.
Discovery Park — 3801 Discovery Park Blvd., Seattle
A scant six miles east of campus, on the very point of the Magnolia peninsula, surrounded by Shilshole Bay and the Puget Sound, rests Discovery Park.
Boasting 534 acres of land, Discovery Park is the largest park in Seattle. It has more than 11 miles of trails, including dirt paths in the interior of the park and a paved outer trail and has great views of the Cascade and Olympic Mountains.
Try not to be discouraged by the waste treatment plant that exists within the park’s borders, because the area still has a lot to offer.
Like Seward Park, some trails are open to bikers. But for the most part, Discovery Park is a hiker’s or a runner’s paradise. The inner lands have rolling trails that peek into flower-filled meadows and give glimpses of the mountainous horizon beyond.
The edge of the park includes two miles of beachfront, some sandy dunes to rest on as you listen to the waves fade away, and — the real treat — the view of the sun setting over the Sound.
Both Seward Park and Discovery Park are perfect for the close-to-home enthusiasts and can be reached by the Seattle Metro, which means you can use your Husky Pass to get there.
In the weeks to come, the Outdoor Dawg will look into a wide variety of outdoors activities, such as kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and much more.
Reach reporter Deanna Isaacs at sports@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @DeeLiteraryOne
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