Local Pathways Logo

Local
Pathways

Michael Sita

Author Walker Storyteller

“Exploring the stories that make our communities special.”

Michael Sita Can you find me in a crowd? Play Where’s Mike? ↓

Guided Walks Through South Seattle & Burien

Discover neighborhood stories, local history, and hidden details through slow, mindful walking led by Mike Sita—educator, Navy veteran, and your local guide.

Local Pathways invites you to see familiar streets with fresh eyes—to notice the architecture, the stories, the people, and the colors that make our neighborhoods home.

Join Mike for guided walks through White Center, Burien, and surrounding South Seattle neighborhoods. Each walk celebrates community life, local character, and the simple act of paying attention to the places we live.

Explore South Seattle & Burien

White Center Color Walk

A vibrant exploration of the White Center neighborhood, focusing on street murals, signage, and visual details that bring the community to life. Easy pace with plenty of stops for photos and observation.

▶ Watch a White Center walk

Burien Town & Sidewalks

Gentle loop through Burien's core streets and surrounding sidewalks, highlighting local businesses, parks, and how walkability creates community feel. Perfect for getting oriented to the neighborhood.

Seasonal & Holiday Walks

Special seasonal walks celebrating fall color, holiday decorations, and local traditions. Including walks at Bloedel Reserve and festive neighborhood explorations.

▶ Watch a fall walk

Custom Group Walks

Private walks tailored to your group or specific neighborhood interests. Perfect for workplace wellness, family outings, or community events. Contact Mike to discuss options.

Upcoming Walks

New walks, every month

The next round of dates is being mapped right now. Find the walk that fits you, ask Mike anything, or join the Pathfinders to hear about new dates first.

Pathway Finder

Not sure where to start?

Three quick questions and we’ll point you to a walk.

How much time do you have?
Who’s coming?
What are you curious about?

Pick one answer in each row to see your pathway.

Ask Mike

Ask a question, get a pathway idea

Where to walk this weekend, a route for your team, the story behind a building you pass every day—your note goes straight to Mike.

If you’re under 13, ask a parent to write to us.

Need a starting point?

Where should we walk next? A few words is plenty. Please leave out names, addresses or other personal details.

Each season, Mike walks the top pick. Your idea could be next.

Goes straight to Mike’s inbox.

Your privacy, in plain words
  • What we keep: what you type into this form. If you ticked the Pathfinders box, your email goes on the list.
  • Where it goes: to a Google Sheet and to Mike’s email. That’s it.
  • Where you came from: we note which button brought you here (like the walk finder, the game, the calendar or a TikTok link). This helps us learn what’s useful. No cookies, no tracking, no ads.
  • How long: we delete form notes after 12 months.
  • Your say: to unsubscribe, use the link in any email. To have your notes deleted sooner, write to michael@localpathways.com.
🚶

Slow & Mindful

Easy pace with frequent stops to look closely and discuss what we observe.

👥

Small Groups

Limited group sizes so everyone can comfortably see, hear, and participate.

📖

Story-Driven

Learn neighborhood history and local stories guided by an educator who knows the area.

🌳

Accessible

Designed for most fitness levels. Typical walks are 60-90 minutes at a comfortable pace.

Skip the game and go to Ask Mike

1 PLAYER · FREE PLAY

WHERE’S MIKE?

Mike’s out walking somewhere in South Seattle. Tap anyone who isn’t him to learn a local fact. Find Mike (and Hubert) to say hi!

1UP 000000

HI-SCORE 000000

TIME 0:00

FACTS 0/20

CHARACTER / NICKNAME

MIKE “THE GUIDE” HUBERT “THE NOSE”

Navy & teal cap. Glasses. A basset hound named Hubert.

10 PTS PER LOCAL FACT

◀ SWIPE TO SEARCH ▶

Mike Sita leading a walk through South Seattle
Photo: Local Pathways

Meet Your Guide

Michael T. Sita III

Educator, Navy Veteran, Community Guide

Mike is the creator and guide behind Local Pathways—a walking project that celebrates neighborhood life, local history, and the simple act of paying attention to the places we live. For over 30 years, Mike has been rooted in Burien and the Highline community, where he raised his family and built a career in service and education.

"Local Pathways invites you to see familiar streets with fresh eyes—to notice the architecture, the stories, the people, and the colors that make our neighborhoods home."

Education & Leadership

  • → Principal of CHOICE Academy at Highline Public Schools (since 2006)
  • → M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Central Washington University
  • → BA in Communications from University of Arizona
  • → CHOICE Academy earned the National ESEA Distinguished School Award (2024)

Military Service

  • → 8 years in the United States Navy
  • → Retired as Chief Petty Officer in 2006
  • → Desert Storm Veteran, recalled for Operation Noble Eagle

Mike brings his background as an educator to every walk—creating space for curiosity, observation, and meaningful conversation about the neighborhoods that shape our daily lives.

Ready to Explore on Foot?

Join Mike Sita for a guided walk through the neighborhoods that make South Seattle and Burien home. Follow @LocalPathways on TikTok for walk updates and community inspiration.

Follow @LocalPathways Ask Mike a Question

For walk bookings and general inquiries: michael@localpathways.com
Based in Burien, WA | Serving South Seattle & surrounding neighborhoods

How to Join a Walk

1

Choose Your Walk

Browse the walks above or try the Pathway Finder to pick the neighborhood or walk type that fits you.

2

Send Mike a Note

Use the Ask Mike form or email him. He’ll confirm the date, meeting spot, duration, and what to expect.

3

Meet & Explore

Arrive a few minutes early, meet Mike and your group, and enjoy a guided walk through your neighborhood.

4

Stay Connected

Join the Pathfinders to hear about new walks first, and follow @LocalPathways on TikTok for seasonal inspiration.

On TikTok · @LocalPathways

Follow Local Pathways on TikTok

Join the Local Pathways community online to see short walking videos from South Seattle, Burien, and beyond. Follow @LocalPathways for neighborhood inspiration, seasonal explorations, and updates about upcoming walks and special projects.

@LocalPathways on TikTok

3,000+ followers exploring South Seattle, one walk at a time.

Grand Canyon · Nov 2025 · Most watched, 45K+ views

4,000 feet down in 8 miles, and back up

Watch on TikTok ↗

A few favorites

  1. Grand Canyon 4,000 feet down in 8 miles, and back up
  2. White Center Looking at colors
  3. Start here The sidewalk outside is part of the pathway
  4. Plane spotting Plane Spotting Walk No. 2
  5. Fall walk November 1, in fall color
  6. Bainbridge Island Pritchard Park Pathway

Videos play from TikTok, which has its own privacy rules. Nothing loads from TikTok until you press play.

The Future of Local Pathways

🏪

Burien Info Booth

A physical community space where locals and visitors can get walk recommendations, neighborhood tips, and pathway resources.

🎁

Local Merchandise

Neighborhood maps, stickers, apparel, and other items celebrating walking culture and South Seattle neighborhoods.

🤝

Community Partnerships

Collaborations with local businesses, schools, and organizations to expand walking opportunities and community connection.