How to Hike Wedgwood Neighborhood Trails

The Wedgwood neighborhood in Seattle, Washington, is a quiet, tree-lined residential area known for its historic charm and unexpected natural escapes. While many assume urban neighborhoods lack meaningful hiking opportunities, Wedgwood offers a surprising network of trails, greenways, and pedestrian paths that connect residents to nearby parks, forests, and scenic overlooks. Hiking these trails isn’t just about exercise—it’s about discovering hidden corners of the city, reducing stress, building community ties, and fostering a deeper connection with the Pacific Northwest’s unique ecosystems. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, learning how to hike Wedgwood neighborhood trails opens up a world of accessible, low-impact outdoor adventure right outside your door.

This guide is designed to help you navigate, prepare for, and enjoy the trails of Wedgwood with confidence. From identifying the best routes to understanding local wildlife and trail etiquette, you’ll gain the knowledge needed to turn a simple walk into a meaningful outdoor experience. No special gear or long drives are required—just curiosity, proper preparation, and a pair of comfortable shoes.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Identify Your Starting Point and Trail Access

Wedgwood is bordered by NE 75th Street to the south, NE 100th Street to the north, 35th Avenue NE to the west, and 25th Avenue NE to the east. The neighborhood’s trails don’t form one continuous loop but are instead a series of interconnected pathways, sidewalks, and greenbelts. Begin by identifying your starting location. Popular access points include:

• Wedgwood Rock – A massive glacial erratic at the corner of 35th Ave NE and NE 75th St, often used as a landmark and trailhead for the Rock Trail.
• Joan and Jim Haldane Park – Located at 77th NE and 35th Ave NE, this small park connects to the Green Lake Trail system via the Wedgwood Greenway.
• NE 85th Street and 28th Ave NE – A quiet residential street with a paved path leading into the Ravine Trail system.
• Wedgwood Community Center – Offers maps and seasonal trail events; a good place to gather local insights.

Use a smartphone app like AllTrails or Google Maps to locate these access points. Many trails are unmarked, so knowing the exact intersection helps avoid confusion. Walk or bike to your chosen starting point—many residents use the neighborhood’s wide sidewalks to reach trailheads.

Step 2: Choose a Trail Based on Your Experience Level

Wedgwood trails vary in difficulty. Here are three recommended routes for different skill levels:

Beginner: Wedgwood Rock Loop (0.6 miles)

This short, flat loop starts at Wedgwood Rock, follows the paved sidewalk along 35th Ave NE, turns onto NE 76th St, and loops back via the greenway behind the Wedgwood Presbyterian Church. It’s ideal for families, seniors, or anyone new to urban hiking. The path is well-maintained, fully accessible, and features interpretive signage about the glacial rock’s geological history.

Intermediate: Ravine Trail to Green Lake Connector (2.1 miles)

Begin at the NE 85th St and 28th Ave NE trailhead. Follow the gravel path downhill into a wooded ravine, crossing a small wooden bridge over a seasonal creek. The trail ascends gently, emerging near the Green Lake Trail at NE 85th and 15th Ave NE. This route offers shade, birdwatching opportunities, and a sense of wilderness despite being only minutes from downtown. Allow 45–60 minutes.

Advanced: Full Wedgwood Greenway Circuit (4.3 miles)

For experienced hikers, combine multiple segments: Start at Joan and Jim Haldane Park, follow the Greenway east to 35th Ave NE, continue north along the sidewalk to NE 95th St, turn east onto the paved path leading to the Wedgwood Rock, then loop back via the Ravine Trail and return to your start. This route includes varied terrain, elevation changes, and multiple microclimates. It’s best done in the morning or late afternoon to avoid midday sun on exposed stretches.

Step 3: Prepare Your Gear

You don’t need backpacks or technical gear to hike Wedgwood trails, but preparation enhances safety and comfort:

• Footwear: Wear closed-toe shoes with grip. Even paved paths can be slick when wet. Trail runners or sturdy sneakers are ideal.
• Water: Carry at least 16 oz. of water, especially in summer. There are no water fountains along most trails.
• Weather-appropriate layers: Seattle weather changes rapidly. Bring a light rain jacket and a hat. Even on sunny days, the forested ravines can be cool and damp.
• Trail map or app: Download the Seattle Parks and Recreation map or use AllTrails offline. Cell service can be spotty in wooded areas.
• Small first aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers for ticks or splinters.
• Insect repellent: Mosquitoes and ticks are common in spring and early summer, especially near the ravines.

Step 4: Follow the Trail Markers and Natural Indicators

Most Wedgwood trails are unmarked. Rely on natural cues and consistent landmarks:

• Look for worn paths in the grass or dirt—these indicate regular foot traffic.
• Follow the sound of water; many trails lead toward small creeks feeding into Green Lake.
• Watch for wooden benches, stone markers, or plaques placed by neighborhood associations.
• Use the position of the sun. Most trails run north-south or east-west, so orient yourself using the sky if you lose your way.
• Don’t assume all green spaces are trails. Avoid stepping on private property or overgrown brush marked with “No Trespassing” signs.

Step 5: Navigate Intersections and Transitions

Several key intersections require attention:

• 35th Ave NE and NE 76th St: Cross carefully. This is a busy street with limited crosswalks. Wait for a gap in traffic or use the nearby pedestrian signal at the Wedgwood Market.
• NE 85th St and 15th Ave NE: This is where the Ravine Trail meets the Green Lake Trail. Look for a small metal gate and a wooden sign reading “Greenway to Green Lake.”
• NE 95th St and 28th Ave NE: A quiet residential street. The trail resumes behind the community garden on the east side.

At each junction, pause and confirm your direction. Use your phone’s compass app or note a distinctive tree or fence post as a reference point for your return.

Step 6: Complete Your Hike with Mindful Reflection

Finish your hike by taking five minutes to sit quietly at a bench, rock, or sidewalk café. Reflect on what you saw: the rustle of a squirrel, the scent of cedar after rain, the call of a Steller’s jay. This mindful closure enhances the mental health benefits of hiking and helps you remember the trail for future visits.

Consider logging your hike in a journal or mobile app. Note the date, weather, wildlife observed, and any changes in trail conditions. Over time, this builds a personal record of seasonal shifts and trail evolution.

Best Practices

Practice Leave No Trace Principles

Even in urban settings, nature deserves respect. Follow these core principles:

• Carry out all trash, including biodegradable items like fruit peels or napkins.
• Stay on designated paths to prevent erosion and protect native plants.
• Do not pick flowers, move rocks, or disturb wildlife.
• Keep dogs on leash unless in a designated off-leash area (none exist in Wedgwood’s trails).
• Use restrooms before you start—there are no public facilities on the trails.

Respect Private Property

Many trails run adjacent to or between private homes. Never cut through yards, gardens, or driveways. If you see a “No Trespassing” sign, turn back. Residents take pride in their property, and respecting boundaries ensures continued public access to shared green spaces.

Be Wildlife Aware

Wedgwood trails are home to raccoons, opossums, deer, and numerous bird species. Keep a safe distance. Never feed wildlife—it alters natural behaviors and can create dangerous dependencies. Ticks are common in tall grasses and leaf litter, especially between April and September. After your hike, check your clothing, shoes, and skin for ticks. Remove them promptly with tweezers, grasping close to the skin.

Hike with Awareness, Not Distraction

While headphones are tempting, they reduce your ability to hear approaching hikers, cyclists, or wildlife. If you must listen to music, use only one earbud and keep volume low. Stay alert to changing conditions—sudden rain, falling branches, or trail closures due to tree removals.

Plan for Seasonal Changes

Each season presents unique challenges and rewards:

• Spring: Trails are lush and blooming, but muddy. Wear waterproof boots. Watch for poison oak near the ravines.
• Summer: Dry and sunny. Bring sun protection. Some creek beds dry up, making navigation easier but reducing shade.
• Fall: Beautiful foliage. Leaves can obscure roots and rocks—watch your step. Watch for acorns and walnuts falling from trees.
• Winter: Wet and cool. Trails may be slick. Avoid hiking after heavy rain when the soil becomes unstable. Dress in layers and carry a small towel to dry off.

Engage with the Community

Wedgwood has an active neighborhood association that organizes monthly cleanups and guided walks. Join their email list or attend a meeting at the community center. These events are excellent ways to learn trail history, meet fellow hikers, and help maintain the paths you enjoy.

Tools and Resources

Recommended Apps

• AllTrails: Offers user-submitted trail reviews, photos, and GPS tracking. Search “Wedgwood Rock Trail” or “Green Lake Connector.”
• Google Maps: Use the satellite view to identify green corridors and footpaths. Enable “Terrain” mode to see elevation changes.
• Seattle Parks and Recreation Map: Available at seattle.gov/parks. Download the PDF for offline use.
• iNaturalist: Identify plants and animals you encounter. Upload photos to contribute to citizen science efforts.

Printed Resources

• Wedgwood Neighborhood Association Trail Map: Available at the Wedgwood Community Center (7201 35th Ave NE) or downloadable from wedgwood.org.
• Seattle Greenways Guide: Published by the Seattle Department of Transportation. Includes pedestrian and trail networks across the city.
• “Native Plants of the Pacific Northwest” by Pojar and Mackinnon: A field guide to identifying the flora you’ll see on your hikes.

Local Organizations to Connect With

• Wedgwood Community Council: Hosts seasonal trail cleanups and educational workshops.
• Friends of Green Lake: Volunteers who maintain trails and offer guided nature walks.
• Seattle Audubon Society: Offers birding walks in the area; check their calendar for Wedgwood-specific events.

Weather and Trail Condition Tools

• NOAA Seattle Forecast: Provides hyperlocal precipitation and wind data.
• TrailLink: Tracks trail closures and maintenance alerts for Seattle’s greenways.
• Seattle Public Utilities Rainfall Tracker: Helps determine if trails are likely to be muddy after recent rain.

Photography and Journaling Supplies

Many hikers use their walks as inspiration for creative expression:

• A small notebook and pencil for sketching plants or journaling thoughts.
• A compact camera or smartphone with a good macro lens for capturing details like moss, fungi, or insect life.
• A voice recorder to capture ambient sounds—bird calls, rustling leaves, distant traffic—for later reflection.

Real Examples

Example 1: Maria’s Morning Ritual

Maria, a retired teacher who moved to Wedgwood in 2018, began hiking the Wedgwood Rock Loop every weekday morning after her coffee. She started with just 10 minutes but soon extended her route to include the Ravine Trail. Over time, she began noticing seasonal changes: the first blooming camellias in February, the return of the heron by March, the rustling of squirrels gathering acorns in October. She started a photo journal, documenting 120 unique plant species. Her hikes became a form of meditation, helping her manage arthritis and loneliness. “I didn’t know I needed nature until I found it right outside my front door,” she says.

Example 2: The Teenagers Who Built a Trail Guide

In 2021, three local high school students—Aiden, Lila, and Raj—were assigned a community service project. They chose to create a printable, illustrated trail guide for Wedgwood’s paths. They walked every route, took photos, interviewed neighbors about trail history, and interviewed a park ranger about native plants. Their guide, “Walks in Wedgwood: A Kid-Friendly Guide,” was printed in 500 copies and distributed at the community center and local schools. Today, it’s used by families, ESL students learning English, and new residents. Their project inspired the neighborhood to install more directional signs and improve trail lighting.

Example 3: The Dog Walker Who Became a Trail Advocate

James walks his golden retriever, Scout, along the Greenway every evening. He noticed that the path near NE 90th St had become overgrown and littered with broken glass. He started picking up trash daily and posted photos on Nextdoor. Within weeks, 17 neighbors joined him. They organized a cleanup day, contacted the city for tree trimming, and petitioned for a new bench. The city responded by installing a sign that reads: “This trail is maintained by Wedgwood neighbors—thank you for keeping it clean.” James now leads monthly “Walk & Pick Up” events. “It’s not just about the trail,” he says. “It’s about belonging.”

Example 4: The Newcomer Who Found Home

When Sofia moved to Seattle from Mexico City, she felt isolated. She didn’t know anyone, and the city’s size overwhelmed her. One Saturday, she followed a map to Wedgwood Rock. She sat on the rock, ate a sandwich, and watched a family of ducks swim in a nearby puddle. She returned the next week. Then the next. Soon, she was hiking every weekend. She learned the names of the trees, recognized the calls of the birds, and began greeting other hikers. “I didn’t realize how much I missed being close to trees,” she says. “Now, Wedgwood feels like home.”

FAQs

Are Wedgwood trails safe to hike alone?

Yes, Wedgwood trails are generally safe for solo hikers. The neighborhood is residential and well-trafficked during daylight hours. However, avoid hiking after dark. Stick to main paths, let someone know your route and expected return time, and carry a charged phone. Trust your instincts—if a path feels unsafe, turn back.

Can I bring my dog on Wedgwood trails?

You may bring your dog, but it must be on a leash at all times. There are no designated off-leash areas within the neighborhood trails. Always clean up after your pet. Some residents are sensitive to dogs near gardens or children’s play areas.

Are the trails wheelchair accessible?

The Wedgwood Rock Loop and the paved path from Joan and Jim Haldane Park to 35th Ave NE are wheelchair accessible. Other trails, particularly the Ravine Trail, have uneven surfaces, steps, and steep grades. Check the Seattle Parks accessibility guide for updates.

Do I need to pay to use these trails?

No. All Wedgwood neighborhood trails are public and free to use. They are maintained by the City of Seattle and local volunteers. Donations to the Wedgwood Community Council help fund trail improvements.

What’s the best time of day to hike?

Early morning (6–9 AM) offers the quietest trails and best wildlife viewing. Late afternoon (4–6 PM) is ideal for avoiding heat and enjoying golden light through the trees. Avoid midday in summer when the sun is strongest on open stretches.

Are there restrooms on the trails?

No public restrooms are located directly on the trails. Use facilities at the Wedgwood Community Center, Wedgwood Market, or nearby parks like Green Lake before or after your hike.

What should I do if I get lost?

Stop, stay calm, and retrace your steps to the last known landmark. Use your phone’s GPS or compass app. If you’re unsure, call a friend or use the “Find My” feature to share your location. Never wander further off the path.

Can I bike on these trails?

Some paved sections, like the Greenway, are shared with cyclists. However, gravel and dirt trails are for pedestrians only. Always yield to hikers and announce yourself politely when passing.

Why are some trails not marked on official maps?

Many Wedgwood trails are informal paths created by residents over decades. They’re not always included in city maps because they’re not officially designated or maintained. But they’re real, legal, and widely used. Local knowledge often beats digital maps here.

How can I help maintain these trails?

Join a cleanup day, report trail damage to Seattle Parks (via their website), pick up litter during your hike, or donate to the Wedgwood Community Council. Even planting native shrubs on your own property helps create wildlife corridors.

Conclusion

Hiking the Wedgwood neighborhood trails is more than a physical activity—it’s an act of mindful engagement with the urban landscape. These paths, often overlooked, offer sanctuary, education, and connection. They remind us that nature doesn’t require remote mountains or national parks to be meaningful. Sometimes, it’s found in the quiet ravine behind a grocery store, the moss-covered rock at a neighborhood corner, or the path worn by generations of walkers before you.

By following this guide, you’re not just learning how to hike—you’re learning how to see. To notice the way sunlight filters through Douglas firs after rain. To recognize the call of a red-breasted nuthatch. To appreciate the quiet resilience of a community that maintains its green spaces without fanfare.

Start small. Walk one trail. Return again. Notice what changes. Over time, you’ll find that these paths become more than routes—they become part of your story. And in a world that often moves too fast, that’s a gift worth walking for.