Walk of the town: Local resident sets out to explore every street in Federal Way

Catherine North started her trek last year to walk every street in Federal Way.

By Sarah Fox • June 15, 2022 2:30 pm

In 2021, resident Catherine North set out on a journey to walk every street in Federal Way and record her progress on her blog “Federal Way Walker.”

After the pandemic started, North saw a story about a man who walked every street in New York City.

“It got me thinking, Federal Way is much smaller than New York City and – why not?!”

And so began the Federal Way Walker’s journey. North uses Google Maps to chart her progress, and an updated map of the streets she has walked can be found on her blog.

“It’s freeing, because you go out there and there’s nothing else, just walk,” said North.

North began walking around Dash Point last year and then moved toward the South End of Federal Way, bordering Pierce County. Eventually she came up with the strategy to start from the edges of Federal Way and work her way inward, “like a jigsaw puzzle.”

She has walked most of the roads west of 21st Avenue SW at this point.

“I haven’t measured it, but I think I’m well over the halfway mark,” she said.

North blogs about her walks regularly, including pictures and observations from her excursions. She photographs peoples’ yards she finds interesting, local wildlife, and scenic locations she encounters.

On one walk, she recounts, “I went down one street and these sheep came out to meet me.” On another outing, a woman gave her fresh vegetables out of her garden.

August 7, 2021. Photo credit: Catherine North August 7, 2021. Photo credit: Catherine North

One picture on her blog shows a constructed ‘tin man’ in someone’s yard.

“I thought it was so cool! I would never have seen that if I wasn’t out walking,” she said.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” said North. “I don’t hurry when I walk and often end up in conversations with people.” She loves looking at the yards and landscaping, and meeting ducks and bunnies and dogs.

“People get negative about Federal Way, but I go out there and it’s just fun because I meet people and I meet critters and I see upsides and downsides of Federal Way, but I think you’re going to find that anywhere you go.”

To track North’s progress, visit fwwalker.blogspot.com.