Seattle Transit Hikers

 
 
 

Today, we will combine a walk along the Lake Washington waterfront with a visit to Seward Park.

We will begin at Mount Baker Light Rail station, where we will walk to the waterfront, then walk along the waterfront approximately 3-4 miles to Seward Park. Once there, we'll do a loop through the park and walk back out, up and over some hills to Columbia City Station, where you can ride Link one stop back to Mt. Baker.

Total distance is estimated at around 8-9 miles.

The following is an approximation of our route (our actual route will differ slightly, as Google does not have full knowledge of staircases and pedestrian paths in the area): https://goo.gl/maps/jUbbytzb6o5nHfyi7

We will have lunch at some point along the route - please bring food.

 
 
 

This meetup is for all interested in carpooling to Vancouver for a weekend of transit hiking. Whether you are driving or riding as a passenger, please sign-up here.

Please answer the question when so sign up about whether you are able to drive. You will initially be placed on the waitlist; I will move people to the "going" list as drivers become available. (Those who volunteer to drive will be moved to "going" quickly).

Even if you are unable to participate in carpooling, you can still attend the hiking trip! You will just need to book a bus or train ticket on Amtrak, Greyhound, or a similar service.

Here are the rules for carpooling:

1. You must also sign up for the main event (https://www.meetup.com/Seattle-Transit-Hikers/events/266629965/)

2. You must pass all requirements for legally entering Canada. This includes bringing your passport, being vaccinated against COVID-19, and bringing your proof of vaccination with you. You do not want to be the one that makes your entire car get turned away at the border. (A negative COVID test is no longer required).

3. Passengers must bring $25 to compensate your driver for ~270 round-trip miles of driving.

4. Carpool drivers are not Uber drivers and are not obligated to provide door-to-door service. Passengers should expect to ride public transportation from your home to Northgate Transit Center and again, from a SkyTrain station in Vancouver convenient for your driver, to your final destination.

5. Overnight parking at Northgate Transit Center is not permitted (any may get your car towed). So, anyone not expecting to drive all the way to Vancouver must get themselves to the meeting point some other way.

6. Drivers are expected to find a suitable place in Vancouver to park the car for three days. (You may ask passengers to contribute to the cost of parking, in addition to the $25 for mileage).

 
 
 

After multiple years of delays, we attempt to finally get in some transit hiking in and around Vancouver, B.C.

Vancouver has an excellent transit system, featuring the SkyTrain plus tons of buses that go pretty much everywhere. We are going to spend a long holiday weekend up there, exploring the trails together and riding the transit system.

Detailed plan is as follows:

Friday, May 27 (travel+dinner)

9:30 AM (Northgate Station) - carpool meetup. All who wish to carpool must sign-up here (https://www.meetup.com/Seattle-Transit-Hikers/events/285712060/?isFirstPublish=true). Carpooling is optional. You can also get to Vancouver by booking a bus or train ticket from Amtrak, Greyhound, or similar service.

6 PM (Broadway/City Hall SkyTrain Station) - dinner meetup in Vancouver. We will meet as a group and walk to a nearby restaurant.

Saturday, May 28 (Lynn Peak):

9 AM (Waterfront SkyTrain Station) - we will meet here and ride the bus as a group to the trailhead in north Vancouver. (map: https://goo.gl/maps/PRHsgGWDwpfsEtVu5)

Bring lunch to eat on the trail. Dinner afterward TBD.

Sunday, May 29 (Belcarra trails):
9 AM (Waterfront SkyTrain station) - we will meet here and ride the SkyTrain to Coquitalm, followed by a bus to the trailhead. (map: https://goo.gl/maps/F6SxFqvnzJg5uZK78)

Bring lunch to eat on the trail. Dinner afterward TBD.

Monday, May 30 (urban hike, Queen Elizabeth Park, drive back):
9 AM (Oakridge/31st St. SkyTrain Station) - we will do a one-way traverse through the park and surrounding neighborhood. We will find a place to get lunch at the end of the hike. After the hike, we will head back to Seattle.

IMPORTANT: Each person attending this trip is expected to satisfy all of the legal requirements for entering Canada. This includes bringing a passport (a driver's license is not sufficient) and proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Detailed COVID rules are posted here: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/covid-vaccinated-travellers-entering-canada#entry-vaccinated. COVID rules for cross-border travel are subject to change, so check back frequently.