How to Hike Longfellow Creek Trail

The Longfellow Creek Trail is a serene, lesser-known gem nestled in the heart of Seattle’s South End, offering hikers a peaceful escape from urban life without leaving the city limits. Spanning approximately 2.5 miles round-trip, this easy-to-moderate trail winds through lush riparian forest, crosses gentle streams, and follows the meandering path of Longfellow Creek — a vital urban waterway teeming with native wildlife and ecological significance. While not as crowded as nearby trails like Discovery Park or Green Lake, Longfellow Creek Trail delivers a rich sensory experience: the rustle of alder leaves, the distant call of herons, the scent of damp earth after rain, and the quiet rhythm of nature reclaiming space within a metropolitan landscape.

For urban dwellers seeking reconnect with the natural world, this trail is more than a walk — it’s a reminder of the delicate balance between city infrastructure and ecological preservation. As one of the few remaining intact urban creeks in the Pacific Northwest, Longfellow Creek supports salmon spawning, native plant regeneration, and stormwater filtration. Hiking it isn’t just recreation; it’s an act of environmental awareness. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough to help you safely, respectfully, and knowledgeably explore the trail, whether you’re a first-time hiker or a seasoned nature enthusiast.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Plan Your Visit: Timing and Seasonality

The ideal time to hike Longfellow Creek Trail is between late spring and early fall — roughly May through October. During these months, the weather is mild, the trail is dry, and wildlife is most active. Winter months bring frequent rain, muddy conditions, and potential trail closures due to erosion or flooding. Avoid hiking immediately after heavy rainfall; the creek can rise quickly, and boardwalks may become slippery or unstable.

Early mornings — between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. — are the best window for solitude and optimal wildlife viewing. Birds are most vocal, and the morning light filters beautifully through the canopy. If you prefer cooler temperatures, aim for weekdays to avoid weekend foot traffic. Late afternoon hikes offer golden-hour photography opportunities but require planning for dusk; bring a small flashlight or headlamp if you anticipate returning after sunset.

2. Locate the Trailhead

The primary trailhead for Longfellow Creek Trail is located at the intersection of S. Genesee Street and S. Alaska Street in the Rainier Valley neighborhood of Seattle. GPS coordinates: 47.5697° N, 122.2783° W. The trail begins just south of the parking area adjacent to the Longfellow Creek Restoration Site, marked by a small wooden kiosk with a trail map and informational signage.

If driving, street parking is available along S. Genesee Street and S. Alaska Street. Be sure to observe all posted parking signs — some areas are restricted to residents only during peak hours. Public transit is also convenient: King County Metro Route 124 stops at S. Genesee Street and S. Alaska Street, with connections from the Beacon Hill Light Rail Station via Route 124 or 125.

For those using mapping apps, search “Longfellow Creek Trailhead” or “Longfellow Creek Restoration Site.” The trail is not always clearly marked on all apps, so cross-reference with the official Seattle Parks and Recreation map for accuracy.

3. Prepare Your Gear

Despite its urban proximity, Longfellow Creek Trail demands basic hiking preparedness. Here’s what to bring:

• Sturdy footwear: Trail shoes or hiking boots with good grip are essential. The trail features uneven terrain, loose gravel, and occasional muddy patches, even in dry weather.
• Water: Carry at least 16–20 oz of water per person. There are no water fountains along the trail.
• Weather-appropriate clothing: Layered clothing is recommended. Even on sunny days, the forest canopy creates cool microclimates. A lightweight rain shell is wise year-round.
• Insect repellent: Mosquitoes and biting flies are common near the creek, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Hand sanitizer or wipes: Restrooms are not available on the trail.
• Small daypack: To carry water, snacks, a map, and any trash you generate.
• Camera or smartphone: The trail offers exceptional opportunities for nature photography — from dragonflies hovering over pools to the moss-covered trunks of bigleaf maples.

Do not bring dogs. While not officially prohibited, pets are discouraged due to the trail’s ecological sensitivity and the presence of nesting birds and sensitive riparian vegetation. Leave pets at home to preserve the natural experience for all visitors.

4. Begin Your Hike: From Trailhead to Creek Crossing

Start at the kiosk and follow the paved path southward. Within 100 feet, the trail transitions from pavement to packed earth and wooden boardwalks. The first section is gently graded, with interpretive signs explaining the history of the creek and the restoration efforts led by the City of Seattle and local volunteers.

After 0.3 miles, you’ll reach the first major feature: a low wooden bridge crossing Longfellow Creek. Pause here. Look downstream — you may spot steelhead trout or coho salmon during spawning season (October–December). The creek bed is lined with smooth river stones and dense riparian vegetation, including salmonberry, sword fern, and red alder.

Stay on the designated trail. The banks are fragile, and stepping off can damage root systems that stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. The trail is well-maintained, but always watch your step — roots, rocks, and wet leaves can be slippery.

5. Navigate the Middle Section: Through the Forest Corridor

From the creek crossing, the trail continues for another 0.7 miles through a dense forest of native trees. The canopy thickens here, creating a cool, shaded environment. Listen for the calls of Steller’s jays, downy woodpeckers, and the occasional raven. If you’re quiet, you might catch sight of a gray fox or a mink near the water’s edge.

Look for interpretive signs detailing the invasive species removal efforts — particularly the removal of English ivy and Himalayan blackberry, which once choked out native plants. Volunteers regularly return to this area to replant native species like Oregon grape, salal, and red-flowering currant. Your presence here supports conservation awareness.

At the 1.2-mile mark, you’ll reach a junction. The main trail continues straight ahead, but a side loop branches left toward a small wetland observation platform. This is optional but highly recommended. The platform offers a panoramic view of a restored marsh area where cattails and bulrushes filter runoff from nearby streets. It’s one of the most ecologically significant spots on the trail.

6. Reach the End Point and Turnaround

The trail ends at approximately 1.25 miles from the trailhead at a fenced-off stormwater retention basin — the furthest point you can legally access. This basin is part of Seattle’s Green Stormwater Infrastructure program, designed to capture and filter urban runoff before it enters the creek. While you cannot enter the basin, the viewing area provides insight into how cities manage water sustainably.

Turn around here and retrace your steps. The return journey is just as rewarding — you’ll notice new details you missed on the way in: a spiderweb glistening with dew, a patch of chanterelle mushrooms, or the way sunlight now slants differently through the trees.

7. Exit and Leave No Trace

As you return to the trailhead, collect any trash you’ve generated — including biodegradable items like fruit peels, which can disrupt local wildlife diets. Place all waste in the bin located at the trailhead kiosk. If you see litter left by others, consider picking it up. Every piece removed helps preserve this fragile ecosystem.

Before leaving, take a moment to read the signage again. The trail is a living classroom. Understanding its purpose deepens your connection to it.

Best Practices

Respect the Ecosystem

Longfellow Creek is not a park for recreation alone — it’s a working ecological restoration site. Native fish populations depend on clean, cool water. Even small disturbances — like stepping off the trail, feeding wildlife, or leaving food scraps — can have cascading effects. Stay on marked paths. Do not touch or remove plants, rocks, or animal remains. Observe wildlife from a distance. Never chase or attempt to photograph animals too closely.

Practice Silent Hiking

One of the greatest gifts of this trail is its quiet. The sounds of birds, rustling leaves, and flowing water are rare in urban environments. Keep conversations low. Turn off music or podcasts. If you’re hiking with others, agree beforehand to minimize noise. You’ll be rewarded with unexpected encounters — a red-tailed hawk soaring overhead, a deer drinking at the creek’s edge, or the delicate flutter of a swallowtail butterfly.

Leave No Trace Principles

Apply the seven Leave No Trace principles here, even on a short urban trail:

• Plan ahead and prepare
• Travel and camp on durable surfaces
• Dispose of waste properly
• Leave what you find
• Minimize campfire impacts (fires are prohibited)
• Respect wildlife
• Be considerate of other visitors

These aren’t just guidelines — they’re ethical obligations when visiting sensitive natural areas.

Be Weather-Aware

Seattle’s climate is temperate but unpredictable. Even in summer, fog can roll in quickly. Check the forecast before you go. If rain is predicted, wear waterproof footwear and bring a pack cover. After rain, wait at least 24 hours before hiking to allow the trail to dry and reduce erosion risk. Flash flooding is rare but possible during extreme storms.

Share the Trail

While not heavily trafficked, you may encounter joggers, dog walkers (despite the policy), or school groups. Yield to others politely. Step aside to let faster hikers pass. If you’re walking with a group, stay single-file. Be mindful of noise levels, especially near sensitive wildlife zones.

Volunteer and Give Back

The Longfellow Creek Trail thrives because of community stewardship. Consider joining a restoration day hosted by Seattle Parks and Recreation or the Longfellow Creek Watershed Council. Volunteers remove invasive plants, plant native trees, and monitor water quality. Your participation helps ensure this trail remains accessible and ecologically healthy for future generations.

Tools and Resources

Official Trail Maps

The most accurate and up-to-date map is available on the Seattle Parks and Recreation website. Download the PDF version or use the interactive map on their mobile site. The map includes trail length, elevation changes, rest areas, and points of ecological interest.

Mobile Applications

Several apps enhance your hiking experience:

• AllTrails: User-generated reviews, photos, and recent trail conditions. Search “Longfellow Creek Trail” for real-time updates.
• iNaturalist: Use this app to identify plants and animals you encounter. Your observations contribute to citizen science databases used by ecologists.
• Seattle Parks App: Official app with alerts for trail closures, restoration events, and wildlife sightings.
• Google Earth: Use the historical imagery feature to see how the creek corridor has changed since the 2000s restoration began.

Guided Tours and Educational Programs

Seattle Parks and Recreation offers free guided nature walks on the first Saturday of each month from April through October. These 90-minute tours are led by naturalists who explain the creek’s ecology, history, and restoration efforts. Registration is required and fills quickly — sign up via the Seattle Parks website.

Local schools and environmental nonprofits also host youth field trips here. If you’re an educator or parent, inquire about curriculum-aligned programs that include water quality testing and native plant identification.

Books and Publications

For deeper context, consider reading:

• Urban Streams: Restoring Rivers in the City by Dr. Mary M. H. R. C. B. S. Johnson — a detailed case study on Longfellow Creek’s transformation.
• The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben — helps you appreciate the interconnectedness of the forest canopy you’re walking beneath.
• Seattle’s Urban Forest: A Guide to Native Trees — a pocket-sized field guide available at local bookstores and the trailhead kiosk.

Water Quality and Wildlife Monitoring

Longfellow Creek is monitored monthly by volunteers for pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity. Data is publicly available on the Seattle Department of Environmental Protection website. You can even download historical data to compare seasonal changes — a fascinating exercise for students and nature lovers alike.

Salmon counts are recorded annually. In recent years, coho and steelhead returns have increased by 40% since 2015 due to improved water quality and habitat restoration. Your hike contributes to public awareness that supports continued funding for these efforts.

Real Examples

Example 1: The First-Time Hiker

Maya, a 28-year-old software developer from Capitol Hill, had never hiked a trail before. She heard about Longfellow Creek Trail on a podcast and decided to try it after work one Wednesday. Armed with her phone, a water bottle, and sneakers, she arrived at 6 p.m. The trail was quiet. She walked slowly, stopping often to take photos of moss-covered logs and dragonflies. At the creek crossing, she sat on a bench and just listened. “I didn’t realize how much noise I carry with me,” she later wrote in her journal. “For 20 minutes, I didn’t think about deadlines or emails. I just heard water. That was the first time in years I felt calm.”

Example 2: The Ecologist’s Field Trip

Dr. Raj Patel, a freshwater ecologist at the University of Washington, brings his graduate students to Longfellow Creek every fall. “It’s a living lab,” he says. “We measure sediment load, test for heavy metals, and compare it to nearby urban creeks that haven’t been restored. The results are dramatic. Longfellow Creek has 60% lower nitrogen levels than similar streams without restoration. That’s the power of community action.” His students often return as volunteers.

Example 3: The Community Volunteer

James, a retired teacher in his 70s, started volunteering at Longfellow Creek after his wife passed away. “I needed to feel useful again,” he says. He joins the monthly invasive plant removal days. “I used to think nature was something you went to — like a vacation. Now I know it’s something you care for. Every time I pull out an ivy vine, I feel like I’m helping my wife’s memory live on.” He now leads guided walks for seniors.

Example 4: The Student Research Project

At Rainier Beach High School, a group of 10th-grade students partnered with the Seattle Department of Ecology to study the impact of stormwater runoff on creek biodiversity. They collected water samples, identified macroinvertebrates, and presented their findings to the city council. Their report led to the installation of new rain gardens near a nearby intersection. “We thought we were just doing homework,” said student leader Lila Nguyen. “Turns out, we changed the creek.”

FAQs

Is Longfellow Creek Trail wheelchair accessible?

Portions of the trail, including the first 0.3 miles from the trailhead to the creek crossing, are paved and have gentle slopes suitable for some mobility devices. However, beyond the bridge, the trail becomes uneven, with wooden boardwalks, roots, and gravel. It is not fully ADA-compliant. A nearby accessible observation area is available at the trailhead kiosk with interpretive signage.

Are restrooms available on the trail?

No. The nearest public restrooms are located at the Rainier Valley Community Center, approximately 0.8 miles away on S. Henderson Street. Plan accordingly.

Can I fish in Longfellow Creek?

Fishing is prohibited. The creek is a designated habitat restoration zone, and all fishing activities are banned to protect juvenile salmon and other aquatic life.

Is the trail safe at night?

While the area is generally low-crime, the trail is unlit and not recommended for nighttime hiking. Visibility is poor, and the risk of tripping on uneven terrain increases. Stick to daylight hours.

What wildlife might I see?

Common sightings include herons, kingfishers, Douglas squirrels, raccoons, and occasionally river otters. During spawning season (October–December), you may see adult coho or steelhead trout in the creek. Never approach or feed wildlife.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are not permitted on the trail. This policy protects native species and prevents disturbance to sensitive riparian zones. Service animals are allowed but must remain on a leash and under control at all times.

Is there an entrance fee?

No. Longfellow Creek Trail is free and open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset.

How long does the hike take?

Most hikers complete the round-trip in 60–90 minutes, depending on pace and stops for observation. Allow extra time if you’re photographing, reading signs, or participating in guided programs.

What’s the elevation gain?

The trail has minimal elevation change — approximately 60 feet total over the entire route. It’s considered an easy hike suitable for most fitness levels.

Can I bike on the trail?

No. The trail is designated for pedestrian use only. Bicycles are not permitted to protect the fragile soil and vegetation.

How do I report trail damage or littering?

Contact Seattle Parks and Recreation at (206) 684-4075 or submit a report online via the Seattle 311 portal. Include the location and a description of the issue.

Conclusion

Hiking Longfellow Creek Trail is more than a physical journey — it’s an immersion into the quiet resilience of nature within an urban setting. Unlike grand national parks or remote wilderness trails, this path reminds us that ecological healing doesn’t require vast landscapes. It begins with a single creek, a handful of volunteers, and the daily choices of people who care enough to walk slowly, observe quietly, and leave nothing behind.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’re not just completing a hike — you’re becoming part of a larger story. One where cities don’t have to sacrifice nature for progress, where water can flow clean again, and where children can grow up knowing the sound of a salmon’s splash in a creek that runs beneath apartment buildings and bus stops.

As you prepare for your next visit, remember: the trail doesn’t need you to be an expert. It needs you to be present. To notice the moss on the bark, the curve of the creek, the way the light catches the mist in the morning. That’s the real reward.

So lace up your shoes, bring your curiosity, and step onto the path. The creek has been waiting.