Charles River Reservation

June 9, 2019 Sunny

This is one of our favorite walks. The paved path runs along the Charles River on the Boston side from Watertown to the Hatch Shell/Esplanade where Boston Pops perform the 4th July concert every year, and then all the way to the Boston Harbor at the Science Museum. There are many activities along the way and many playgrounds. For example, there are two locations of Community Boating that give sailing and rowing lessons. There is also a canoe rental kiosk, and bike rental places. We also love the cherry blossoms near the Hatch Shell.

We typically park at the Artesani Playground lot in Allston. There is a splash pool as well as a few newly renovated playgrounds.

On this trip we walked down to Weeks Footbridge, about a 2-mile walk. The Boston Dragon Boat Festival was happening around the Weeks Footbridge. There were food trucks on the Cambridge side, and the rowing teams were assembled on the Boston side.

We saw a number of duck and goose families. The kids enjoyed picking up feathers as they walked. The views are always great and interesting. Many opportunities for photos of the Boston skyline, Harvard University, and sailboats on the harbor.

Kids with feathers with Harvard University on the background

Try to stay along the gravel path by the river for a more peaceful walk, although the cars along Soldiers Field are a constant presence.

This is really enjoyable in good weather, for people watching and the numerous boats that ply the river. Each section is different and brings something new.
This is one of my favorite walks.
I liked nothing. Hot, smelly, and long, the walk was torturous. However, I did get some pleasure out of kicking up dust storms to annoy people, so the day wasn’t the worst thing in the world. Just the act of walking the entire thing.
I liked collecting geese feathers and it was pretty good.
I liked seeing the Canada goose with their little babies, and I liked collecting their feathers.