Blackbird Island & Waterfront Park

With the stay-at-home orders being lifted, and the possibility of finally traveling off the Olympic Peninsula on the horizon, it's time to start thinking about future walks. I haven't been off the Peninsula since late February, so the majority of my miles have been done straight out the front door. I'm not complaining; I'm lucky to have such pretty places so close to home. But Blackbird Island is a walk we usually take when we are at our cabin at Lake Wenatchee. And we've walked it in all seasons. If you are in central Washington, and visiting Leavenworth, a small town with a Bavarian theme, this is an easy walk to take if you are tired of shopping and hanging out in beer gardens.

The loop trail around Blackbird Island is easily accessed off Commercial  Street, behind the main area of shops. Most people access the trail at the bottom of the hill; head to the left. From there, head over the bridge, and you're on the island. The loop trail is a very easy and flat walk, and at the western edge, you can go off the trail to Enchantment Park, which features ball fields, restrooms provided seasonally, and a very cool bicycle pump track. Kids of all ages ride the track, and there is also an adjacent skate park. When you're done watching the activities, head back to the trail. The walk back is along the Wenatchee River. When the property was acquired by donation, 17 acres, and over 3,040 feet of riverfront became available to the public.  I love walking along the river; there are several places where there are good opportunities for pictures. As you continue along the trail, you'll hit another bridge - keep going! Once you hit the first bridge again, head east. There is one section that has a series of benches; I like to think I'm in Paris or some other European city, enjoying a leisurely stroll.

Leavenworth or Paris? 

Fall leaves 

As you continue on the trail to the east, there is a very nice play area for kids. We like to continue along the trail, which offers nice views of the Wenatchee River, and when we pop back up onto Commercial Street, we head back to the west to our vehicle, or to have lunch. It's a little over 2.5 miles for the route we usually take, but there are other ways to get back to town.

What I like about this walk, which we have done in all seasons, is the scenery. Walking along green trees in the spring and summer, lovely fall leaves in autumn, and snow in the winter - the island offers views of the river and the Enchantments in the Cascade Mountains. This is a very popular area, so be prepared to not be alone. We've encountered both high school cross country runners, and Forest Service fire fighters doing training, as well as people on bikes and lots of families. There have also been some wildlife sightings, specifically bears, but there are warning signs, and the trail will be closed if necessary. You will hear and see birds, and maybe even a deer or two, and the squirrels and chipmunks won't let you forget you're in their habitat. There are interpretive signs along the trail as well. Enjoy your stroll!

Winter work by resident beavers

The Wenatchee River with fall leaves

Looking west to the Enchantments

I know it won't be long until we head back to central Washington, but for now I'm still sticking pretty close to home. I am closing in on my first 365 mile goal, and expect that I will make that before June is over.


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