Saint Edward State Park has a lot to offer. It’s historic, scenic, boasts a labyrinth-type trail system that’s easy to follow, and it has picnic areas and a massive playground.

The park is the largest undeveloped area on Lake Washington. About 3,000 feet of shoreline is found here.

In the late 1920s, Catholic bishop Edward O’Dea of the Seattle Diocese purchased the property with his personal inheritance and donated it to the diocese for use as a seminary by the Sulpician Order, an educational order of priests.

In 1977, the land was sold to the state of Washington for use as a park.

The Grotto is a secluded garden alcove once used by priests at the seminary. Now, it is often used for wedding ceremonies with a large rock used as an alter.

Distance: 0.8 of a mile

Destination: Out-and-back or loop

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation gain: 300 feet

Getting there: The trail is in Saint Edward State Park. To reach the park, take I-405 south to exit No. 23-B (Hwy. 522). Drive through Bothell to Kenmore. Turn left on 68th Avenue. 68th Avenue turns into Juanita Drive at Simonds Road. Reach the park entrance in 1.5 miles. The entrance on the right.

The Trek: The Grotto Trail begins at the southwest corner of the grounds. Find the trailhead south of the seminary building, just after the trailhead for the Orchard Loop.

Go left off the maintenance road and continue along the edge of a large, grassy field. A map at the trailhead helps hikers get their bearings.

Once on the trail, begin to descend immediately. It’s basically all downhill to the waters of Lake Washington.

Along the way, plenty of salal and Western hemlock is passed.

The path is narrow, steep and hugs the hillside as it descends.

It’s a short distance before the first of two switchbacks made of stairs is encountered. The second follows quickly.

The greenery is impressive. A ravine lies off to the left, at the base of which runs a small stream.

Keep an eye out for the access point to the grotto as it’s easy to miss.

Duck through the trees and break out into the garden. It’s obvious why priests often visited the spot. It’s secluded and makes for a great place to collect one’s thoughts.

Back on the Grotto Trail, continue to the right.

Another staircase continues the descent. This one has seven steps.

The trail rises for a short time before narrowing considerably as it continues its trek to the water.

Encounter a section of trail damaged by a four-foot slide that doesn’t leave much room for error. Make sure of your footing before continuing on.

Reaching an intersection, go left to reach Lake Washington. This is the same beach encountered in an earlier hike along the South Ridge Trail.

The small, grassy clearing is on the shores of the lake. There are boulders as well as a sandy beach.

From this point, either retrace one’s steps on the Grotto Trail or, to make it a lengthy loop, return to the rig via the South Ridge Trail.