Robinswood Park Trail

Location: Bellevue

Length: Over a mile.

Level of difficulty: Flat to moderate dirt, gravel and paved paths.

Setting: This multi-use park harbors several natural and historic gems along with ballfields and a tennis center. The pretty forest of Douglas firs, Western red cedars and madronas (mostly located on the park's southern section) is laced with short trails. The Lake-to-Lake Trail on the park's southern border links to other Bellevue parks to the east and west. The openness of the tall young woods allows a layered understory of shrubs and herbaceous plants, including huckleberry, ferns, Oregon grape and salal.

The park pond, sheltered by young deciduous trees and laced with cattails and water lilies, is a magnet for waterfowl and red-winged blackbirds. Broad expanses of sloping lawn allow room for kids to romp. Although the noise of Interstate 90 and local streets is present, with a little imagination, their muffled rush can resemble that of a nearby waterfall.

Highlights: Don't miss the three historic structures located in the park. Hans Miller, a Danish pioneer, built the smaller cabin in 1884 and the log barn several years later. In 1895, he built a larger log cabin, which has evolved to become Robinswood House, a popular site for wedding receptions and retreats flanked by perennials and rhododendrons.

The original log cabin is the oldest structure in Bellevue located on its original site. For more information on the park call 425-452-6881; for the retreat center, call 425-452-7850.

Facilities: Water, phone, restrooms and playground.

Restrictions: Leash and scoop laws in effect for pets. Bikes allowed on paved trails.

Directions: From Mercer Island, take Interstate 90 east to Exit 11B, 148th Avenue Southeast and head north on 148th. The park is on the right just after Southeast 28th Street. To reach parking lots, turn right on Southeast 24th Street or Southeast 22nd Street.

- Cathy McDonald Special to The Seattle Times Cathy McDonald is co-author with Stephen Whitney of "Nature Walks In and Around Seattle," with photographs by James Hendrickson (The Mountaineers, second edition, 1997).