This Earth Month, we’re celebrating how transit connects us not only to our communities, but also to the natural spaces that make our region special.
Sound Transit services can take you to lakeside walks, forested trails, and scenic gardens.
For more to explore, check out our previous articles on connecting to nature via transit, featuring places like Ravenna Park, Seward Park, Mercer Slough Nature Park, and Silver Lake:
- Five Seattle trail running routes (or urban hikes!) from 1 Line stations | Sound Transit
- Go green: How to connect to nature from the 2 Line | Sound Transit
- How to spend a summer day at Silver Lake | Sound Transit
Here’s a brief guide to more parks and trails you can explore via light rail across the region:
North of Seattle
Twin Ponds Park
Closest station: Shoreline South/148th – 1 Line
This neighborhood park features nature trails, a pond, and wetlands.
Veterans Memorial Park
Closest station: Mountlake Terrace – 1 Line
Directly adjacent to the station, this wooded park offers short walking trails and a tranquil, shaded escape.
Lake Ballinger Park
Closest station: Mountlake Terrace – 1 Line
This lakefront park has trails, a beach, playgrounds and picnic areas.
South Seattle
Jefferson Park
Closest station: Beacon Hill – 1 Line
This large, vibrant public park has panoramic city views, open lawns, a skate park, and community gardens.
Genesee Park
Closest station: Columbia City – 1 Line
These green spaces near Lake Washington offer trails, playfields, and space to unwind by the water.
Beer Sheva Park & Kubota Garden
Closest station: Rainier Beach – 1 Line
Beer Sheva offers shoreline access and picnic spots, while Kubota Garden’s 20-acre Japanese-style landscape is a hidden gem.
Eastside
Downtown Park (Bellevue)
Closest station: Downtown Bellevue – 2 Line
This circular park has walking paths, open lawns, and fountains.
*Coming soon: Marymoor Park
Closest station: Marymoor Village Station – 2 Line
One of the largest and most beloved parks on the Eastside, Marymoor offers everything from climbing walls and off-leash dog areas to paved and wooded trails, open fields, and summer concerts. It connects directly to the Sammamish River Trail, making it perfect for biking or long walks from the new station opening May 10.
Tacoma
Wright Park & W.W. Seymour Conservatory
Closest station: Stadium District – T Line
This lush city park is filled with mature trees, walking paths, and a historic glass conservatory with tropical plants.
Thea Foss Waterway Esplanade
Closest station: Union Station – T Line
Enjoy waterfront views, public art, and mountain vistas along this paved trail just a short walk from the station.
Make it a tradition
This Earth Month, challenge yourself to explore a new park or trail each weekend — no car required. Invite a friend, bring your ORCA card, a reusable water bottle, and snacks, and enjoy the journey.
Public transit is one of the most sustainable ways to travel. Plus, it gives you time to relax, reflect, and take in the scenery.
Share your adventures
Where has transit taken you? Tag @SoundTransit and share your favorite Earth Month outdoor moments. And let us know what we missed for this list by emailing lifestyle@soundtransit.org.