Yellow Pages
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.
Grotto Trail
Last Updated: June 04, 2009 - 08:01 AM
Vince Richardson
The Grotto Trail leads to Lake Washington.
Other Recent Hikes
Most Read Stories
Top Jobs
LIVE-IN CAREGIVER. Room and board furnished. Clean, cook, secretarial, farm management. Integrity required. 360-873-9600
STYLIST for AVEDA SALON AND SPA. Commission. 1019 Cleveland St., MV 336-2985
REFINERY OPERATOR Tesoro is currently seeking to fill the position of Refinery Operator at its Anacortes facility. An Operator monitors and controls refinery process equipment while working a rotating 12-hour shift, often outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. This can be a physically/mentally challenging job requiring mechanical ability and a basic understanding of physical sciences and chemistry. In addition, candidates must possess a positive work ethic, good communications and teamworking skills and have the willingness to take personal responsibility for the safety of themselves and others. Along with a dynamic work environment, Tesoro offers an excellent compensation and benefits package. Starting wage will be $21.38 per hour that will initially increase to $25.59 after successful completion of training. Employment applications (one application per person) can be obtained at the Work Source Skagit, 2005 E. College Way, in Mount Vernon during the hours 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on November 24, 25, and 30, 2009, or until a maximum of 300 applications has been distributed. No applications will be faxed or mailed. You must apply in person. All applicants will be tested on Saturday, December 5, 2009, for basic skills and aptitude. Additional information will be provided with the application. Telephone inquiries and mail-in applications will not be accepted. Successful candidates for employment will be required to pass a substance abuse screening (drug and alcohol), physical agility tests, and complete a physical exam. Tesoro Refining and Marketing Company 10200 W. March Point Rd. Anacortes, WA 98221 Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V
Established medical office seeks Medical Records Clerk/Receptionist. Must be flex. Position also covers sick & vacation days. You must have computer, customer service and professional telephone skills. Applicant must be neat in appearance, pleasant, reliable, organized, energetic and able to multi-task. Previous medical exp. is helpful but not nec. Send resume to: bonniec-mvwc @verizon.net or File #676 c/o Skagit Valley Herald, PO Box 578, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.
Youth Center Staff Supervisor The Swinomish Tribal Community Recreation/ Prevention Department is looking for a dynamic and competent individual who is experienced as a Youth Center Staff Supervisor. The Youth Center Supervisor plans, and does the total duties of a Prevention/Recreation Assistant. This position provides leadership to the other assistants when the Coordinator is out of the office. The Swinomish Tribal Community is a positive and friendly work environment. This is a full-time position with full health insurance benefits. Salary is DOQ. Request a Swinomish Tribal Community application and Job Description by calling 360-466-1216 or e-mail wbill@swinomish.nsn.us. Return cover letter, resume, and application to Wayne Bill, Human Resource Director as soon as possible. Send application packet to; Swinomish Tribal Community, Human Resource Office, 11404 Moorage Way, LaConner, WA. 98257
STYLIST for AVEDA SALON AND SPA. Commission. 1019 Cleveland St., MV 336-2985
REFINERY OPERATOR Tesoro is currently seeking to fill the position of Refinery Operator at its Anacortes facility. An Operator monitors and controls refinery process equipment while working a rotating 12-hour shift, often outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. This can be a physically/mentally challenging job requiring mechanical ability and a basic understanding of physical sciences and chemistry. In addition, candidates must possess a positive work ethic, good communications and teamworking skills and have the willingness to take personal responsibility for the safety of themselves and others. Along with a dynamic work environment, Tesoro offers an excellent compensation and benefits package. Starting wage will be $21.38 per hour that will initially increase to $25.59 after successful completion of training. Employment applications (one application per person) can be obtained at the Work Source Skagit, 2005 E. College Way, in Mount Vernon during the hours 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on November 24, 25, and 30, 2009, or until a maximum of 300 applications has been distributed. No applications will be faxed or mailed. You must apply in person. All applicants will be tested on Saturday, December 5, 2009, for basic skills and aptitude. Additional information will be provided with the application. Telephone inquiries and mail-in applications will not be accepted. Successful candidates for employment will be required to pass a substance abuse screening (drug and alcohol), physical agility tests, and complete a physical exam. Tesoro Refining and Marketing Company 10200 W. March Point Rd. Anacortes, WA 98221 Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V
Established medical office seeks Medical Records Clerk/Receptionist. Must be flex. Position also covers sick & vacation days. You must have computer, customer service and professional telephone skills. Applicant must be neat in appearance, pleasant, reliable, organized, energetic and able to multi-task. Previous medical exp. is helpful but not nec. Send resume to: bonniec-mvwc @verizon.net or File #676 c/o Skagit Valley Herald, PO Box 578, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.
Youth Center Staff Supervisor The Swinomish Tribal Community Recreation/ Prevention Department is looking for a dynamic and competent individual who is experienced as a Youth Center Staff Supervisor. The Youth Center Supervisor plans, and does the total duties of a Prevention/Recreation Assistant. This position provides leadership to the other assistants when the Coordinator is out of the office. The Swinomish Tribal Community is a positive and friendly work environment. This is a full-time position with full health insurance benefits. Salary is DOQ. Request a Swinomish Tribal Community application and Job Description by calling 360-466-1216 or e-mail wbill@swinomish.nsn.us. Return cover letter, resume, and application to Wayne Bill, Human Resource Director as soon as possible. Send application packet to; Swinomish Tribal Community, Human Resource Office, 11404 Moorage Way, LaConner, WA. 98257
