Top Parks in Seattle You Might Want to Know About
The iconic Space Needle stands out among Seattle’s top parks. But there’s so much more to see and do in this area. Here are some suggestions for parks to visit: Seward Park, Lake Wilderness Park, Carkeek Park, Myrtle Edwards, and other great spots. For more information about each of these parks, check out our Seattle area travel guide. But if you haven’t visited them yet, I highly recommend you do!
Seward Park
A walk through Seward Park is an excellent way to see the park’s history. The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, and it was built during a time when money was tight. The City commissioned the Olmsted Brothers firm to design the park and send them letters regarding the “exorbitant” costs of the project. You can even see a sign for the poison oaks (oh, you’re not supposed to read that, though!).
Seward Park is Seattle’s largest urban green space, consisting of 300 acres of forest. This park is home to one of the last old-growth forests within the city limits. It offers walking trails and bike paths, swimming beaches, boat launches, art studios, and a native plant garden. Bird lovers will appreciate the Audubon Center at the park, where you can see eagles nesting in their nests.
A walk through Seward Park will get you soaking in the park’s mountain views and spectacular views of Puget Sound. It has a lighthouse, and a fun walking loop will make the hike all the more enjoyable. Whether you’re an avid hiker or a seasoned veteran of the Seattle area, you’re sure to find a new favorite park. It’s worth the effort. You’ll leave feeling refreshed and recharged after a long day of work!
The southern highland portion of Seward Park is home to a small community of Filipino residents. Filipinos in the area celebrate their national sovereignty at this spot every year. The president granted the Philippines its national sovereignty in 1946, after passing the Filipino Naturalization Bill earlier that year. The picnic was originally held on July 4th, but later it was moved to June 12th, the day of the Declaration of Independence of the Philippine Republic from Spain.
Lake Wilderness Park
Located 45 minutes south of downtown Seattle, Lake Wilderness Park boasts 42 acres of wetlands, forest trails, and a newly renovated playground. There’s also a swimming beach and plenty of open grassy areas. Kids can also enjoy hiking the trails, or simply enjoy playing on the playground equipment. The park also includes a wildlife sanctuary. To find out more about this park, read on.
The park is Seattle’s largest green space, and is located on the grounds of a former army post. This park is home to 270 species of birds. You can even spot black bears and cougars here. Seals are also frequent visitors, and the park also protects two miles of shoreline for tide pooling. It also has a large beach, a pier, and a concession stand.
Hiking is a popular sport here. From gravel to mud, you can choose between a trail that winds through the alpine portion of the park or one that skirts the lowlands. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the view from atop the park’s peak. It also offers numerous horseback riding trails, groomed cross-country trails, and camping opportunities.
In the early 20th century, miners dug a test well in the area, creating a 26-foot monster of gas that was lit by natural methane. This natural gas remains in a nearby mud hole, called the Bubbling Geyser. You can also take a rafting trip along the Green River, which creates exciting white water rafting conditions.
Carkeek Park
Located in the Broadview neighborhood of Seattle, Carkeek Park spans 216 acres. It features a sand beach on Puget Sound and a picturesque Piper Orchard. There are picnic shelters and hiking trails, and you can cross a pedestrian bridge over the BNSF railway to reach the park’s sand beach. Located just minutes from downtown Seattle, Carkeek Park is a great family park for everyone.
In addition to a scenic location and great hiking trails, Carkeek Park has several educational features for visitors. The park is home to the Natural Wildlife Habitat Demonstration Garden, which focuses on native plantings. Two stewards visit this garden with about 200 visitors a year. The gardens are staffed with signage and brochures, and Edmonds Community College uses them for education.
In addition to hiking and biking trails, visitors can spend time at the park’s historic Piper’s Orchard. The park’s trail system includes various sites such as view points and playgrounds. Trails also provide access to remnants of the park’s former forests. A visit to this park is sure to be memorable for the entire family. While exploring this park, you may be surprised by the wildlife, plants, and landscapes.
The park’s reconstructed fruit orchard is another attraction. This area sits above Piper Creek, and is home to 29 varieties of fruit. It’s a favorite spot for the annual Festival of Fruit, which is held in September. The park’s orchard is a popular gathering spot for the community, and hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Several varieties of trees, including hawthorn, chestnut, and apple trees, grow here.
Myrtle Edwards
Myrtle Edwards Park is a 4.8-acre public park that sits on the waterfront of Elliott Bay north of Belltown. A 1.25-mile walking and biking path runs through the park. You can also catch a glimpse of eagles, gulls, and crows while you are out walking or cycling. If you want to watch the birds, this park is a great place to go.
If you’re looking for a waterfront park, Myrtle Edwards is located just northwest of downtown Seattle. It offers scenic views of Elliott Bay and is a popular place for people-watching and happy hours. It is open every day, including holidays and the day after the holiday. Parking is available in nearby parking lots. The park is free to visit, but you should make an appointment to take a picnic or enjoy the weather.
Myrtle Edwards Park is home to a variety of beautiful sculptures. It was named for the park’s creator, Myrtle Edwards. Mark Calderon’s “Aqua Lights” is one of the sculptures in the park. Lynn Ostrom’s “Totem” sculpture is also a spectacular sight. Myrtle Edwards is the perfect location for a family picnic or a date with friends.
The park is 4.8 acres in size and is situated near Elliott Bay. Located near the waterfront, it is accessible by foot and bike and offers beautiful views of Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains. You can also access the park from downtown Seattle, and the bike trail connects to nearby Magnolia. A paved walking and biking trail runs through Myrtle Edwards Park. The park has a variety of trails, so you can find something to suit your needs.
Centennial Park
Whether you’re in the neighborhood or visiting Seattle for the first time, Centennial Park is sure to delight. This expansive green space along the water has a picturesque setting and several walking and biking paths, as well as a fishing pier and picnic tables. You can also enjoy the sun and fresh air while playing volleyball or soccer, or simply strolling through the beautiful park. A visit to Centennial Park will be sure to leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Another park in the area is the Olympic Sculpture Park. Located next to the Seattle Aquarium, this park has a bronze waterfall sculpture, benches and viewing platforms. Visitors to the park can stroll along this path for free. The park is connected to both Myrtle Edwards Park and Centennial Park through a walkway. This is a great place to take photos and watch the world go by.
Previously known as Elliott Bay Park, Centennial Park is a popular park in the Seattle area. Previously known as Elliott Bay Park, this 11-acre park is adjacent to Myrtle Edwards Park. It is not an official city park, but is one of several parks owned by the Port of Seattle. While there are no formal trails in Centennial Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including fishing, hiking, biking, and picnicking.
Located in downtown Seattle, Centennial Park is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Nearby pedestrian bridges offer access to the park, which is also one of the city’s top locations. Walking to Centennial Park from W Galer Street is one of the easiest ways to get there. While this is not the easiest way to get there, the park is accessible from several locations in the downtown area.
