Seattle is often listed as one of the most walkable cities in the United States. With its beautiful scenery, miles of non-motorized trails, and year-round access, Seattle is an ideal place to explore on foot.

In Seattle Walks, David B. Williams weaves together the history, natural history, and architecture of Seattle to paint a complex, nuanced, and fascinating story. He shows us Seattle in a new light and gives us an appreciation of how the city has changed over time, how the past has influenced the present, and how nature is all around us—even in our urban landscape.

These walks vary in length and topography and cover both well-known and surprising parts of the city. While most are loops, there are a few one-way adventures with an easy return via public transportation. Ranging along trails and sidewalks, the walks lead to panoramic views, intimate hideaways, architectural gems, and beautiful greenways. With Williams as your knowledgeable and entertaining guide, encounter a new way to experience Seattle.

A Michael J. Repass Book

"It's easy for Seattleites to forget, in our landscape of looming cranes and instant skyscrapers, that our town has a history. . . David B. Williams' mission is to help you find that history. It's still there, in the nooks and crannies and corners of the city (though you might have to look up to find it) . . . Every stop in the book seems to have an embedded mystery."

"When people take just a few steps into David B. Williams' Seattle, they're amazed at the history hiding in plain sight . . . This naturalist and former national park ranger, with a background in geology, delights in showing people cool stuff they might otherwise miss in his hometown of Seattle"

"Williams encourages readers to slow down and look at the city through a pedestrian’s eyes. It’s a worthy cause. . . . Williams actually gets you out onto the streets, where the history happened, and that makes everything seem closer and more relevant. . . . Seattle Walks is all about that feeling, of seeing familiar streets through new eyes. All it takes is a good guide, a slowing-down of your pace, and a willingness to stop and look up every once in a while."

"Williams's passion for the city is readily apparent throughout his excellent Seattle Walks."

"He’s at the very top of the list when it comes to covering our region’s past."

"Geology nerds, history buffs and odd-fact lovers alike will find a walk (or many) that speaks to their area of interest. Williams references original maps and historical documents frequently to detail his many discoveries across the city. Whether you’ve lived in Seattle your entire life or are just an occasional visitor, you’ll learn something new from these walks . . . [A] must-read."

David B. Williams is a freelance writer focused on the intersection of people and the natural world. His most recent book was Too High and Too Steep: Reshaping Seattle’s Topography, which won the 2016 Virginia Marie Folkins Award, given by the Association of King County Historical Organizations to an outstanding historical publication. Other books include Stories in Stone: Travels Through Urban Geology and The Seattle Street-Smart Naturalist: Field Notes from the City. Williams is coauthor of Waterway: The Story of Seattle’s Locks and Ship Canal. He lives in Seattle and continues to explore and travel through the city by foot and by bike.