Seattle Southside: Great Dining and Rain or Shine Outdoor Activities
By: Michael and Eli...
Published: November 2, 2021

The weather forecast for the day called for rain and wind. What a surprise for a fall/winter forecast for the Greater Seattle Area (not!). However, we were determined to kayak at Angle Lake Park just south of Sea-Tac Airport.
 
This small L-shaped 120-acre lake is 50 feet at its deepest part and generally protected from big waves, thus making it great for kayaking and year-round fishing, though you certainly want to have the proper warm boating attire. 

After our 1-hour and roughly 2-mile paddle, it was time for a hot drink and snack at Urban Roast. We also briefly checked into our room at the Hotel Interurban and changed into our hiking clothes.

Our first hike was just a short ten-minute drive, and we arrived at Fort Dent Park, located at the Starfire Soccer Complex. To begin the walk, go a short distance west to the Green River. Then follow the Green River Trail north, and it will hook up with a new section of the Lake to Sound Trail. We continued through part of the Black River Riparian Forest. This walk is a total of just under 4 miles. There are 50 species of birds, and we were lucky to see a blue heron.
This new Lake to Sound Trail, when completed, will be 16 miles of paved path that will connect these cities from the Puget Sound shoreline: Des Moines, Burien, SeaTac, Tukwila, and to the south end of Lake Washington in Renton. It will also connect other key regional trails like the Cedar River Trail, Interurban Trail, and Green River Trail. It also looks like a great bike ride:

We officially decided it was time to spend the rest of the afternoon unwinding at the Hotel Interurban, just a short walk from Westfield Southcenter Mall.  We were all set for the afternoon with Michael doing some laps in the refreshing indoor saline pool. I decided to relax and enjoy the indoor ambiance of the modern hotel. There are views of Mt. Rainier from the hotel, but not on this cloudy day, so a nap was in order.

After Michael's swim, he smelled some hamburgers cooking, so it was time to enjoy the offerings at Rendition. For starters, we had the smoked tomato focaccia with really yummy house-churned peach butter. The main course was an oh so tender Smoked Black Cod paired with two sauces: pickled fennel and a lightly sweetened roasted beet jam.  I was all in for the Urban Burger. After dinner, we were offered their famous Thai Bananas Foster. We had to pass on the toasted ice cream with infused rum flambe.
An exhilarating day was in the books for us, so we enjoyed a peaceful evening and a restful night's sleep. Our 36 hours in Seattle Southside was close to winding down; however, we did want to check out another trail which is only a 5-minute walk from the hotel. 

This park will connect you to the Green River Trail, and you can go north or south. We chatted with a bike rider who told us he rides this every day to the south, and it is about 7 miles one way. We didn't have our bikes, so maybe next time we'll do that one or this 14-mile loop that is flat and paved. 
We enjoyed our stay here and will return to the hotel for their Friday through the weekend brunch; the Eggs Benedict and Big Mimosa really stand out! 

Finally, one must check out Des Moines Beach Park. We were lucky to have our in-house meteorologist (Michael) and were able to get a calm sunny fall day with light winds. On our 1-hour paddle, we saw seals that greeted us nonstop (Insert photo 9).
This beach and marina area is easy to access, and one does not need a kayak to enjoy. However, if you plan to kayak, make sure you have the gear, knowledge, and experience.
 
Editorial disclosure: lodging, beverages, and food generously provided.