Seattle Trek - Laurelhurst

Tuesday, May 5th - Laurelhurst

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ksyCMd78EMdVRr7V9

We’ll explore Laurelhurst — one of Seattle’s most prestigious neighborhoods, long known for its ties to the University of Washington and its community of professionals, academics, and innovators. The leafy, hilly streets of Laurelhurst are lined with immaculate gardens and stately homes, reflecting a deep sense of pride and prestige. This is a place where Seattle’s intellectual and social life has often overlapped; even a young Bill Gates once called this neighborhood home. From debuts at Webster Point mansions to neighborhood fundraisers and university ties, Laurelhurst has long been a community of influence.

We’ll begin at the Laurelhurst Community Center, heading north through the park before turning east toward Sand Point Way. Along the way, we’ll pass Villa Academy, a historic Catholic school originally established as an orphanage in the early 20th century by the Sisters of the Holy Child. Today, the Villa continues as a private school, its stately campus a reminder of the neighborhood’s long roots and commitment to education.

From there, we’ll descend to the quiet residential streets that line the shore, circling Webster Point. Here, homes perch above Lake Washington with manicured lawns that roll down toward the water. This enclave has been home to some of Seattle’s most prominent families, with one of the best-known addresses being 3008 W. Laurelhurst Drive NE, a mansion long tied to the city’s social scene and its debutantes of decades past. The lakeshore streets here provide both sweeping views and a glimpse into the city’s storied social history.

Our trek will continue out toward the UW’s Center for Urban Horticulture, where we’ll stroll through the Soest Garden — a teaching garden showcasing colorful seasonal blooms and innovative landscaping — before stepping onto the boardwalk trails that weave through the surrounding wetlands. From there, we’ll climb back up the hill to complete our loop at the Laurelhurst Community Center. To end the morning, we’ll drive a short way over to the flagship Starbucks at University Village for coffee, treats, and conversation. This Laurelhurst walk blends history, wealth, education, and natural beauty into one of Seattle’s most distinctive neighborhood stories.

See you all at the Laurelhurst Community Center at 9:30 am.

Sorry, no doggies are allowed at any Tenderfoot Adventures events as per our insurance policy. We all love our fur babies, and I am sure that yours is amazing as well, but alas, there are no doggies allowed at any of our events.

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