This floating waterfront trail is the perfect way to enjoy nature & beat Seattle’s heat

Seattle has plenty of ways to enjoy the water from secret beaches to good old regular beaches, and even some nearby marine parks. But what about getting on the water without a boat? On hot days, The Foster Island Trail is one of the best ways to do that, and here’s why.

The Foster Island Trail is an easy 5.3-km out-and-back trail located near the University of Washington. It’s actually part of the Arboretum and you may have seen parts of it when driving across the lake to the east side.

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It normally takes about an hour to complete making it a great choice for an after-work or weekend stroll. What’s more, you’ll feel like an explorer as a good portion of the trail system is actually built on floating walkways connecting various marshy areas and islands. That means you get to walk on water giving you a chance to view local wildlife and some amazing water lilies and other plant life.

Now keep in mind that because the trail is on the water and comprised of marshlands, the trail can get very muddy at times. What’s more, it’s also a popular area for fishing, and running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.

On a hot day, it’s one of the best places to beat the heat because at many points you can take a quick dip in Lake Washington or cool off in the shade of Foster Island. Next time you’re itching to stretch your legs be sure to give the Foster Island Trail a try.