Fall Color Glory
Experience Kirkland’s Fall Colors
Fall in the Pacific Northwest means cozy coffee shops, warm sweaters, and leaves showing their colors in all their glory. Kirkland’s wide range of parks and trails make for an excellent fall weekend filled with pumpkin spice lattes and leaf-peeping. Yes, leaf-peeping is a thing and we highly encourage it!
So, grab your hats, gloves, and fellow leaf-peepers and head to one of Kirkland’s many outdoor spaces to take in the fall colors. Here are a few of our favorites:
Parks and trails
Cross Kirkland Corridor: The Cross Kirkland Corridor is a ten-foot-wide, 5.75-mile trail through the heart of Kirkland and the first improved section of the Eastside Rail Corridor. The corridor is a crushed-gravel trail and perfect for biking, walking or running your way through Kirkland.
Juanita Bay Park: For some breathtaking lakeside views, head to Juanita Bay Park. With over 110 acres of habitat and wetlands to walk and wander through it’s the picture-perfect place to explore the flora and fauna of the shoreline.
O.O. Denny Park: A 47-acre city park with hiking trails that are on-leash dog-friendly, O.O. Denny Park is a great place to enjoy a snack beneath the trees at one of the many picnic tables. For larger groups, picnic shelter areas are available for rent and include power, water, and a charcoal grill. Rental guidelines can be found here.
Watershed Park: Looking for a family-friendly hike? Watershed Park’s 1.6-mile, lightly trafficked loop features a river and is a good trail for all skill levels.
Saint Edward State Park: A 316-acre park that was previously home to a Catholic seminary, Saint Edward has been transformed into a state park filled with trails on which you can stroll the seminary grounds or have a mountain bike adventure. Note: A Discover Pass is required; the park is equipped with an automated pay station in the parking lot for visitors to purchase a one-day pass.
Coffee and Kirkland-inspired libations
No fall adventure is complete without cozying up for coffee, a glass of wine or a cocktail. From local coffee shops to Kirkland-inspired libations, there’s something for everyone.
Zoka Café: Busy, comfortable, and chic Zoka Café has become a cornerstone of the Kirkland community. Large windows brighten the space with natural light, while expansive seating ensures that there’s always a place to relax. Grab a latte and kick back for a bit—you deserve it!
Urban Coffee Lounge: Locally owned by husband-and-wife duo Jeff and Alicia Miner, Urban Coffee Lounge marries architectural design and great coffee to create the ultimate neighborhood hangout. Try one of the house creations, like the cardamom vanilla latte or the beloved truffle mocha—you won’t regret it!
The French Bakery: An Eastside favorite, the French Bakery offers the freshest pastries, bread, and desserts around. A determined team of bakers roll and cut every pastry by hand each day, creating a delicious addition to your piping-hot cup of Italian coffee.
Hearth: Located in The Heathman Hotel in the heart of Kirkland, Hearth is the perfect place to belly up to the bar for one of bar maven Abigail Gullo’s craft cocktails. One sip of the Doctor Doctor cocktail will bring you back in time to The Heathman’s historic roots as Kirkland’s first hospital. For a family-friendly option, grab a bite on Hearth’s year-round outdoor patio.
Chainline Brewing Co.: The first brewery to open along the Cross Kirkland Corridor, Chainline Brewing Co. creates high-quality ales and lagers for the discerning craft beer drinker. Try one of the seasonal specials Chainline is brewing up in its 11-hectoliter copper brewhouse from the Czech Republic. When you’re done, hop right back on the trail. The best part: Chainline is family and dog friendly.
Vovina: Known for its extensive wine list and craft cocktail selection, Vovina is a lovely place to cozy up with a drink after a day of exploring.
With so many picturesque parks and restaurants to explore, Kirkland is the ultimate lakeside destination for a fall weekend escape.
Have you explored Kirkland this fall? Share your fall Kirkland photos with us by tagging Explore Kirkland on Facebook with #FallKirklandColors.
