Grüner See Park

If you are in Seattle, add this beautiful park to your bucket list. This paved 2.8 mile path around Green Lake boasts amazing lake views, public facilities, drinking fountains, benches, and lots of shade. Stroller, kid, and pet (on leash) friendly. I knew that I wanted to start from the Green Lake Small Craft Center because my youngest rowed crew at Green Lake twice a year during high school and I was familiar with the area and available parking. There is also a large parking lot at the north end of the park by the Seattle Community Theater and a smaller parking lot by Evans Pool. There is also street parking along most of Green Lake Drive. Stepping onto the path, I wasn’t sure what direction to head. As the path is a loop, I didn’t want to be traveling against natural flow, so I took a few minutes to stretch and take in the “organized chaos” that makes Green Lake so inspiring. I quickly realized that it didn’t matter which direction I went. It didn’t matter whether I was running or walking, pushing a stroller or wheelchair, walking a dog, riding a bike, or using a mobility device. It didn’t matter if I was wearing running shorts, a sun-dress and sandals, a business suit, or a unisuit boasting a team name and logo. And it didn’t matter if I was by myself, running with a friend, or taking in the views with my entire family. Green Lake is a symphony of unique individuals traveling in harmony; ever changing as newcomers arrive and others depart. I decided to travel counter clockwise which would take me past the Green Lake Aqua Theater towards the Green Lake Community Center. The path is clearly marked for foot and pedal powered visitors. However, it is easy to spot the locals because they easily navigate those of us that: can’t keep a pace because we are too busy gawking at the beautiful scenery, get distracted by the children and dogs playing in the surrounding park, and generally are in awe of such a perfectly designed public space right in the heart of Seattle. Because I started at the Boat House, I didn’t know where the the mile markers would fall, but if you like to have an idea where the main points are, like I do, here is my best approximation. Mile 1 - Evans Pool Mile 1.5 - Across from Meridian Ave N Mile 2 - West entrance to the North Parking lot, by the Tennis courts Mile 2.5 - Where West Green Lake Way N merged into Aurora Ave N