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Glacial Erratics: Awesome Giant Rocks to Visit Around Seattle

Huge rocks carried by glaciers are fascinating and fun to climb on

Annie Fanning
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Published on: October 21, 2021

Glacial Erratics: Awesome Giant Rocks to Visit Around Seattle

Upper Leschi Park Erratic fossils
Photo:
Fossils in the glacial erratic in Upper Leschi Park

Upper Leschi Park erratic, Seattle

In the natural area on the slope above Seattle’s Leschi Park tennis courts, you will find this gorgeous, trailside erratic.

Laden with fossilized shells, this very special erratic was made by the compression of layers of sand or silt. As a result, the ancient submarine rock is a little more brittle than most, so be gentle with your affections.

Unfortunately, a few selfish rockhounds have been trying to collect fossils here. The damage they’ve made with their hammers is irreparable. Leave no trace of your visit. Take only pictures.

“This boulder is unique because of the way it traveled to Seattle, as well as the richness of the fossils,“ says forest steward Darrell Howe. “It shows how dynamic, complex and ancient the earth under our feet is.”

Getting there: Leschi Park at 201 Lakeside Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98122 is located south of Madrona Beach on the shores of Lake Washington. You can find street parking along Lake Washington Boulevard and take the old cable car bridge to East Yesler Way. Follow the trail uphill into upper Leschi Park’s natural area.

If you go: Bring a picnic or grab a deli-made sandwich at the family-owned Leschi Market at 103 Lakeside Ave, Seattle, WA 98122.

Or, climb the hill to 34th Avenue in nearby Madrona and find an array of ice cream, cake and espresso opportunities, including the original Cupcake Royale (1101 34th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122) and Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream (1408 34th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122).

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