Attractions and Places To See around Alderwood - Top 10

Alderwood offers a variety of outdoor activities, including mountain biking, hiking, and road cycling. You can explore the Blessingbourne Mountain Bike Trails, which provide a wide range of trails for all abilities within a private estate. For hiking, there are several routes available, such as the Lough Antrawer Loop or the Slieve Beagh loop. Cyclists can enjoy routes like the Clogher to Seskinore loop or the longer Sliabh Beagh Cycle Loop. You can find more details on these activities in the hiking guide and road cycling guide for Alderwood.

Yes, Alderwood is known for its lush landscapes and offers several scenic spots. You can visit Carnmore Lough, a wild and scenic lough set against a backdrop of vibrant green coniferous forest. Another natural feature is Lough Antrawar, located in a dip southeast of Slieve Beagh, known for its wet and boggy slopes. The region's name itself comes from the alder tree, which thrives in moist areas and contributes to the area's natural beauty.

Alderwood has a rich history, particularly as Alderwood Manor, a planned community from 1919. You can explore Heritage Park, which preserves and interprets the history of Lynnwood and Alderwood Manor. It features historical structures like the Superintendent's Cottage and Water Tower, the Humble House, and the Wickers Building. Additionally, the park houses the fully restored 1909 Interurban Trolley Car #55. For a unique historical experience, visit the Cooneen Ghost House, noted for its unique history including an exorcism and an eerie atmosphere.

Yes, Alderwood offers several family-friendly options. Lynndale Park is a 22-acre park featuring athletic fields, courts, an orienteering course, and an amphitheater for summer performances, making it great for active families. Log Boom Park (Tracy Owen Station) on Lake Washington provides shoreline access, a public dock for watching seaplanes or fishing, and picnic areas, plus access to the Burke-Gilman Trail for walks or bike rides. Heritage Park, with its historical buildings and the Interurban Trolley Car, can also be an engaging educational visit for families.

Alderwood and its surroundings offer various options for walks and hikes. You can find trails suitable for different skill levels, including easy and moderate routes. The Slieve Beagh Gravel Road is a well-surfaced trail that takes in the edges of the Slieve Beagh ASSI, offering a nice gravel climb. For more structured hiking options, consider routes like the Errasallagh and Kimran Forest loop via Lough Corry, which is an easy walk, or the moderate Lough Antrawer Loop. More details on these routes can be found in the Hiking around Alderwood guide.

Alderwood is home to several cultural sites that preserve its heritage. The Lynnwood-Alderwood Manor Heritage Association & Museum, located in the restored Superintendent's Cottage at Heritage Park, is dedicated to preserving the area's history and culture. Within the Wickers Building in Heritage Park, you'll also find the Northwest Veterans Museum, which honors military veterans. These sites offer insights into the community's past and its people.

To best experience Alderwood's natural beauty, consider visiting its parks and natural features. Log Boom Park offers views of Lake Washington and access to the Burke-Gilman Trail. Lynndale Park provides green spaces and recreational facilities. You can also explore the areas around Carnmore Lough and Lough Antrawar for serene lake views and lush landscapes. The region's characteristic alder trees, thriving in moist ground, are a key part of its ecological identity.

For a truly unique experience, the Cooneen Ghost House stands out. It's known as the only house in Ireland where an exorcism is believed to have taken place, and visitors often report a heavy and eerie atmosphere. This historical site offers a different kind of intrigue compared to other attractions in the area.

Alderwood provides excellent opportunities for both mountain biking and road cycling. The Blessingbourne Mountain Bike Trails are a highlight, offering diverse terrain for all skill levels within a beautiful private estate. For road cyclists, routes like the Clogher to Seskinore loop (easy) and the more challenging Sliabh Beagh Cycle Loop are available. You can find detailed information and route maps in the Road Cycling Routes around Alderwood guide.

Alderwood Manor holds historical significance as a planned community established in 1919. It was envisioned with a 'garden-like atmosphere,' which influenced the design of modern attractions like Alderwood Mall. Heritage Park is dedicated to preserving this history, showcasing original structures and the story of the community's development, including the role of the Interurban Trolley Car in connecting it to larger cities.

The Northwest Veterans Museum, located within the Wickers Building in Heritage Park, is dedicated to honoring and sharing the stories of military veterans. It provides a valuable resource for those interested in the local military history and the contributions of service members from the region.