Seward Park

This is probably the only place near Seattle where you can see Mount Rainier this well. The ocean is so clean and calm without waves, and it's great for walking. There aren't many chairs in the middle, so my legs hurt a little, but it was a quiet park with a really pretty sunset.

Thinking about places to hike, there is always the question of how much effort one puts into the hike as opposed to how impressive are the sites one sees there. There are hikes wherein the scenery is mild but pleasant, and the walk is easy, and there are also hikes that are difficult but reveal truly primordial and mystical scenery: this park is great because the hike is relatively easy and flat but the scenery is absolutely supernatural. Coming from the light rail, the walk from Columbia City to here was significantly more difficult and undulating then the actual journeying around the park. There is something immense and cathedral like about a park like this, one that evokes a deep awareness of the greater scale of life far beyond the ordinary human perspective with its repetitions and routines. Colossal Douglas firs and Western red cedars seem to reach into the upper swaths of the sky, and surrounding them are big leaf maples and supple hazels. The sheer size of some of these trees seems to call attention to a broader understanding of the world, one more vast than the petty desires of everyday life. An astute hiker will be craning their head upward during most of their time wandering through this park.

This park is very beautiful and good place to relax. You can walk or cycling or running around to see the view of Mt.Rainier. I love it so much !

Beautiful 2.2mi walking loop!!!! Thoroughly enjoyed watching the ducks, the kids playing and so many people out walking on a beautiful day. Many benches and public restrooms along the route.

Pseudo hiking in an old forest is great. You can also walk/run the paved outer path. Plenty of parking if you drive into the park.

Plenty of parking, trash, and restrooms available throughout the park. Good trail options and dog friendly. Beaches/ water access is not dog friendly.

This park is beautiful. It is clean, family & pet friendly, perfect for exercising and lots of amazing views and benches for you to have a nice, relaxing moment.

Beautiful park in Lake Washington! There's a loop for easy walking or easy trails inside the park. There's a playground and a tennis court near the entrance. Grills are available for those who are going for a picnic/cookout. They have an Amphitheater and they have various events going on here and there. Great park for an easy walk and just be outside!

We took a walk on their 2.5mile loop walking trail. Located on Lake Washington, the loop trail is mostly water views. The park also has quite a few trails in the interior wood lands. There is also a playground for children and benches over looking the lake. Parking was busy on the day we visited, so you may need to park away from your intended destination within the park, or wait for a spot to open. They also have picnic areas and public restrooms. The loop trail is paved making it an easy walk or ride and is stroller and wheel chair accessible. The interior trails feed onto the loop trail at a number of points so you can weave in and out the the many trails for sun and shade walking. I can't get over how clear the water is in Lake Washington! Very nice. We came across turtles sunning themselves on a branch in the lake close to shore. The park is north of the city so we took a drive to Issaquah first from Maple Valley to stay out of city traffic and then drove west to the park. Driving directly from the south to the park can take an hour but is easily accissible from northern Seattle metro areas. It's a nice family outing location and we saw many families with strollers or little ones on bikes and on foot.

Always an excellent park. Depending on the day and time this park is either empty or packed. Today it was packed! Washingtonians soaking up the last bits of summer before winter arrives. And surviving a recent heat wave. Loads of places to have picnics and relax on the edge of the lake. Or just walk around the park and take it all in. Parking can be tricky when it's busy, I've parked in the nearby neighborhood before. Enjoy your life and SYOY.

Decided to take our pups out to a new place and I'd been by this park before and driven through. We found parking easily even with all the people there. Then we found a trailhead and started our walk. We were empty as we saw many people with there dogs too. The trails are clean and feel well taken care of, there are plenty of routes you can take and the views are beautiful. We traversed the interior of the park on our walk and had so much fun. The trails are very doable for anyone at any level of fitness and people are respectful in passing. Great place to get out and taking in what Seattle has to offer!

Spring time at Seward park, walk around checking out cherry blossom trees. Today is a cool and sunny days. Explored different walking trails up the hills, the trees covered the sun but the paths are good. There are different ways to enjoy the park.

In honor of Earth Month I thought I'd write a review for one of my favorite Seattle parks. Tucked away in the southeast corner of Seattle, Seward Park has a 2.5 mile loop that goes right along Lake Washington. This is the most popular trail with little to no incline. There are also posts every half mile to mark where on the loop you are. Along with this main trail there are other trails with more elevation if you're looking for something a little more intense. Throughout the main loop, there are pathways down to the lake so you can go in the water. There are also small docks for fishing and other amenities. Between the 1.5-2 mile mark when starting from the side with the tennis courts and playground, you'll reach a more open shore with better access to the lake. This is where many will bring their kids or dogs to play in the water. My pup is not a fan of water, so I would bring him here 1-2x a week to work on socializing him. It's a great place to do this because the water is very calm and the park isn't too busy most weekdays. Aside from the main loop, the park has plenty of picnic tables, a playground, an Audubon Center, and tennis courts. Another favorite of mine is how you can really see the seasons change. In the spring, the park has plenty of cherry blossoms that are quite beautiful, and in the fall there are so many stunning autumn colors on the trees. Seward Park is a bit underrated if you ask me. I really think it's worth checking out, especially if you're in the area. Not too far are all the shops of Columbia City along Rainier Ave. My favorite thing to do is Seward Park + The Flour Box + Coffeeholic in one go. Really makes the perfect morning!

Always a nice stroll around the park without much incline but a great view of Rainier on a clear day and glistening water to sooth the soul. A great place for a picnic too! A couple miles to have a relaxing walk and get outside!

Seward Park is at the southeast side of Seattle, at the end of Lake WA Blvd S. For a very long walk, a person can walk from about I-90 to Seward Park. (Most of Lake WA Blvd S is closed to cars for the summer.) The Seward Park loop itself is only 2.78 miles. Easy! Parking can be limited, but there are several lots so it should be possible to find a spot. We found one at the second lot we tried. The walk is pleasant, without cars. We parked at the south/east where it is quieter with only the sound of people and the water and headed northward. After looping past the north tip, the noise from the party boaters at Andrews Bay punctuates the walk. Techno music circulates the air. If I had a cane, I would shake it at them. LOL. Well, boaters have been partying here since who-knows-when. A friend said 50 years. When the walk connects back to the Lake WA Blvd side, look for the Torii Gate, the Audubon Society building (open to visitors), and the florals in front of it. There's also a sizable play area for kids, a couple of picnic areas (which might be reservable), and I think I spotted a tennis court. This is definitely worth a visit.

Seward Park is a really beautiful park with great views and trails to enjoy. There is a ton of parking and it does indeed fill up, but it isn't too hard to keep driving along to find a spot. I enjoyed walking along the paved loop trail and then my kids spent time in the playground afterwards. No complaints at all.. it's a beautiful park and I would definitely return.

A lovely park, set around the lake, makes for beautiful walks, great picnics and offers a littler and bigger kids playground to boot! The water views are lovely, the parking simple enough, but can be easily full on glorious, hot, summer days.

We have been exploring Seattle area parks in Covid times and this weekend we made it to Seward Park. It's a great park by the water. Yesterday wasn't a clear day and we couldn't see Mt Rainier, and will be back on a clear day. We enjoyed a picnic by the water, and then walked the path along the water. We didn't complete the entire loop this time and plan to do it next time. As we walked the path we realized there were a number of parking lots along different parts of the loop.

Beautiful and busy park on a rare sunny Saturday in the PNW. Sitting on a peninsula on Lake Washington on the Seattle side. Lots of fun trails, near the water and up into some cool old growth forests, trails and roads well maintained, it seemed most people parked near the main entrance to either walk into the park or walk along the shore line, both beautiful walks, well worth coming back for more exploring. Plenty of parking within the park itself, even on a sunny Saturday, worth just the drive around the peninsula, but definitely more open parking within. Lots of ducks, even heard the songs of the bald Eagle gliding over the area. Great pjace to sit on the many benches and watch the world go by. One of so many great parks in the area. More trails to explore next time, and plenty of restaurants nearby. Happy trails and Cheers!

This hands down may have been my favorite place on my trip to Seattle. There were beautiful expansive views of the water and a viewing place for Mount Reniere. Multiple people were in the water enjoying the wonderfully warm weather. Others were smart to bring food and perch by the water. It definitely inspired me for my next visit here to pack snacks and a swimsuit.

Love walk the loop. Best time is early after 10:00am finding parking is slim. You may see a rabbit in the grass. I saw a few turtles by the water. It's really a great place to relax.

This is an absolutely lovely park that takes full advantage of the peninsula. Parking is really hit or miss depending on what time you come. Parking lots tend to fill up quickly, there's street parking throughout the neighborhood, but you're going to have to do some walking (oh no!). Best part of this park is the walking trail. The main loop is ~2.5 miles and goes along the edge of the peninsula so you can really see a bunch of beautiful sites that Washington has to offer. On sunny days you're likely to find turtles chillin' on the logs and a bunch of very happy puppers playing in the water. There's also several internal trails that go into the trees. There's a good amount of construction right now so some of them are closed off. For the most part, this place has a ton of shade and it's a great place to get a walk in!

Great nature walk. Easy for kids and adults with bad knees. Loved how it's near the water and it's so calm. Not many animals but there is a playground and many dogs on the trail.

Had to add more photos of the sunset on the water! It is a must-see! Bathrooms here are a little dicey but they are stocked with toilet paper at least

In high school, I used to hang out in the general area. There were fast food places and stores I used to frequent but I guess I never really explored the area deeper. Down by the water, there are nice grassy areas to hang out in. It's bigger than I thought and during this time, it was pretty quiet.

This park is pretty massive. You can walk along the entire peninsula and view Lake Washington. There's quite a lot of activities here, but with COVID, it's more for walking, trails, and swimming. There's playgrounds and an amphitheater, but they're not in use currently. The parking lot is also closed off thus it's neighborhood parking. It's a great place to swim since Lake Washington warms up in the summer.

Seward Park is a nice getaway! Google maps would only take me to the suburbs nearby. And after I got off the bus I had to walk around awkwardly till I found it. At first glance there's a lot of boats just floating in the center. And the beach was really small, but if this is what you see then you must walk to the other side of the parking lot. On the other side is a playground, larger grassy area, and a perfect view of mount rainier. The first side was a paved trail which seems great for family bike rides. The water goes out pretty far before hitting your waist, and the sand in the water is not sharp or jagged. The grass was filled with stuff that will splinter though. My friends and I took out the giant inflatable flamingo, and due to the nice sand, great view, and not so crowded waters it was he perfect choice!

Simply beautiful!! This park is well kept and features beautiful 270° views of Lake Washington. I went in the winter so the trees were bare and there wasn't a ton of wild life around but the park was still beautiful. There's plenty of parking but make sure you take your valuables and lock your car just to be safe. There are also some awesome hiking trails which I wish I could have done but I didn't wear the proper shoes as I was leaving Seattle that same day. Definitely make it a point to visit this park if you find yourself in Seattle.

This park is super cute! I only stayed at the playground area for the first time because we came for a late picnic. We didn't want to explore much since the park had signs about it closing at 6:00pm. The playground overlooked Lake Washington. I would have given this area 5 stars but I didn't like there were wasp flying around the picnic area. We had to improvise and move towards the lake. By the park there is a sign warning you of poison oak, so please be mindful of your surroundings. I still enjoyed the little park with my family. There was a mini zip line that was popular with the kids. Bonus: if it is clear, you will be able to see Mt. Rainier.

Beautiful park with an easy paved loop to walk around. Watch out for poison oak though (there are lots of warning signs around). Gorgeous view of Lake Washington. Looked like a super fun playground for kids with a mini rope course included. Lots of dogs and trails that added some elevation for those wanting a mini hike. Bike friendly. Couple of birthday parties happening and plenty of park bathrooms.

Really nice park with a beautiful view of Lake Washington! Unfortunately some of the streets got closed off the during the weekends. Somehow, the cars were able to get in and park so I'm not sure what roads they used. I'm not a local, but it was alright since my friend parked 3 blocks away over a hill.

Nice park along the lake that gave us a cooling breeze when walking along the lakefront. Nice playground.

Another wonderful inner-city park worth a walk. The park itself is kinda small if measured by the loop. And, by small, I mean the loop is less than two miles (and I like six-mile walks, or when my ankles obeyed, runs). But, that loop is pretty cool. You can pass a little, bouncy playground for the kids and venture through a well-paved path under big pines and with a view of the 90 that looks pretty cool. If you're lucky, you might also get an overcast day (yeah, I said that as if it's rare here) and see the boats bobbing up and down in the water as you round the trail back by the pottery studio. If you're like me, you might then turn right and head out on the long walk along the road, which will bring you to a few different parking lots and past some gorgeous homes; one is on my vision board. Can you guess which one? You might also see some blossoming trees and happy crows (or are they ravens?). Bottom line: Another reason to love Seattle. Get outside!

so many memories as my buddies during the time n I grew up in the South (Seattle) area.. u like that ha? the South.. North ppl b like.. Oh gross u live in the South end n we b the same during my young days.. all beef squashed lol jokes so many countless Summers n Springs even some Fall days or nice Winter days that when the sun comes up or even just 2 get away from the madness n clear ur mind.. this is the spot also.. so many things too such as: in the 2000s seeing some fine women (when I was young n single tone).. jogging around here or simply walking.. some folks liked 2 chase here.. but I just sat in my car n bumped (meaning listen 2) my music either 2Pac, H-Town, New Jack Swing, JoDeCi or Ciara, R. Kelly u name it also, being a part of barbeques, as they got stalls u can use 2 host family food gatherings n of course in my early 20s, I'll get drunk proving myself that I can drink the most.. (shaking my d*mn head.. young, just young) or jogging here w/ my buddy T like 1 hand w/ a can of beer n 1 hand w/ my phone.. just classic! who jogs while drinking beer? or bringing our dates here n walking around we done it all even just 2 simply drive around in a loop from top area to bottom area just 2 show off in my young days w/ my windows down n music on blast n thinking ur the sh*t.. (thinking about it makes me laugh) lol 1 of my buddies call it, Sewer Park (cracks up) now.. it's not the same.. more busy n will always c young folks hanging around here doing their own thing; as well as, families n groups having a great time around Lake Washington

This is a family favorite for a nice walk and fun around the lake! There's always ample parking on the streets around and the walk around the park is 3 miles. There's also different walking paths you can take around the park in addition to the main one.

The lake is beautiful the park is entertaining however they do not maintain their bathrooms is so dirty and disgusting. I hope they do something about it

This is the place to be! I just completed another amazing ride on my bike. Second time this month. Back in the day when I could run (injuries and more) I came here every evening to run! It's perfect after work to decompress! Looking for something to do for free. They have parking, picnic tables, benches, areas for parties, you can watch the ducks, and just to have a little meal on a blanket, oh yeah a picnic! Ha #datenight This is your place, going to to keep this super short and sweet! Next time I'll take photos, however I was sooo into riding I didn't even stop and take a photo! Sometimes I like to just have NO phone time, this is another place for that! Come hang out!

Nice park near water. No too crowded. Parking scarce on weekends. Walking. Bike trail. Ebikes availability

I can't decide which is my favourite park. But this one is near to it if you want to have a great view while you run. It just hugs you with colours since you drive here through Lake Washington Boulevard. Every season has it's colours and cloud events. Sometimes I just park to admire the view and then continue driving. There is a small parking lot at your left when you enter the Park. I let it be for people in that lake area or events. I tend to keep driving to the next lot. It is also small but you can be closer to the picnic area. If you want, you can keep driving. Some people park on the road, but I find it a bit disturbing for runners because they have to skip open doors or coming cars all the time. It gets harder going uphill when you come back. Plenty of races here. I love those around the circle area. Feels like Forest Gump running in spiral around a mountain in the Park plus a GREAT VIEW!!! You will like it!! Always beautiful.

One of my favorite park to hangout in Seattle. You get a very impressive view of mount rainier with views of the pudget sound. The water is clean and you can dip your feet in it for an instant cool down. There's decent amount of places to sit while getting an unobstructed view. Also did some short hikes in the park as well

One of the most beautiful parks I've ever been to! Mt. Rainier can be clearly seen in the middle of the water. Peaceful and amazing views!

Seward Park is a must if you're looking for a spot to run, walking or even bike. The park alone stretches over 2.4 miles. Beautiful views of the shoreline, beaches and Mercer Island! When in season, you'll even see views of the Cherry Blossom around February & March.

Seward Park is a lovely and popular park. During pandemic the parking lot is periodically closed to encourage people to spread out across the whole lovely shorefront of Lake Washington. Thanks to the Olmstead Seattle Parks Plan most of the Lake Washington shoreline through South Seattle is a green space for walking, jogging, biking, swimming, and looking out at the long deep Lake Washington. Consider going outside the peninsula of Seward Park to enjoy the entire greenway along Lake Washington Boulevard South. Also enjoy the Red Uber bikes and Lime scooters for rent using the smart phone app. Tell the National Audubon office you want the lovely Seward Park Audubon Center to reopen! Lots of outdoor socially distanced events could be happening during pandemic but the National Audubon office isn't making full use of its lovely environmental learning center, free browsing library, and amazing naturalist staff they are not retaining through the pandemic. Seward Park Audubon naturalists are one of the best things about a trip to this lovely wooded peninsula park. On sunny days when the park is open the parking area often fills up. Please make use of nearby street parking or get to the park by bike, scooter, or on foot. A lovely greenway with proteced walkway make this easy and pleasant! There is a public restroom, but try to go before you get to the park. There is no soap or warm water. Details on pandemic adaptations and hours at www.seattle.gov/parks

A very nice park for kayaking, bbqing, cycling, and many other activities. Many facilities are there to make your experience better such as covered places, seating near the lake and under the trees. You will see different types of animals. Also if the sky was clear you will be able to get a perfect pictures of mount rainier

I can't believe there's only 2 other review of this gorgeous park! I walk or jog around the paved main loop at least once a week. The paths are wide and clean and have beautiful views all around. To one side you will see forest, to the other side water. There are trails through the woods in the middle too. They are not very well marked...I've gotten lost a few times, but the park is not very big so I found my way out in about 30 minutes. There are a lot of old growth trees here as well. The main parking lots to either side when you enter the park are often full, but I discovered you can drive up a road in the park (across from the clay studio) & it will loop you past 3 other lots that tend to be empty. Very grateful to have this natural beauty in Seattle!

This was just what I needed this morning. Gorgeous park and silence not far from the city.

This is a large sized park and a fantastic place to hang out with family! Summer seems to be generally busy and fewer parking spots available! I managed to just drive around the park to relax for the afternoon and that was fun! Excellent views of Lake Washington!

Come here for your morning or afternoon run, this park stretches over 2.4 miles! The pathway is long and feels like a neverending circle which makes it great for walking, biking, and running. If you ever feel lost, just follow the road! Great place for picnics, boat launchings, and kayaking. The parking lot is currently closed, so you will have to park in a nearby neighborhood. The wide pavements makes social distancing measures very suitable. Keep it moving and enjoy the views! Expect to see Mt. Rainier, the floating I-90 bridge, and parts of Mercer Island.

Gorgeous!! Ran/walked Seward Park last night. Perfect summer Saturday night. Mount Rainer looked postcard pretty as the sun was setting. It's so scenic, this pathway, and it winds you right back to the beginning in about 3miles. You have views of mercer island and the Seattle skyline from a fresh perspective. So nice, we will be back. (Ok but those nats were a buzz kill and I think I ate like nine of them.)

Gorgeous large park. Tons of people w dogs & kids & lots of pretty wildlife to see. Even on a sunny Sunday, parking was not too hard to come by

Seward Park is a great place to come for a walk or biking! The area is beautiful and relaxing. There aren't a lot of people around which is nice and the views of lake are amazing.

I hate running, but for some reason, this run doesn't make me hate running. There are a lot of people who go on this path, so don't be surprised. All sorts of people, people running, walking their dog, skating, kids biking, and people just simply walking. It's a relaxing path, you see the entire I-90 bridge, Seattle, and parts of Mercer Island, it's beautiful. It's about a 3 mile run, and you'll know you're half way there when you see the astonishing bridge. I never realized how nice it was until my boyfriend who never took this trail before was awed by the views. There's markers in between indicating every 1/2 mile which is nice, it helps push me a little further each time. No matter which direction you start, you'll end up on the other side and there's lots of benches to sit, and you'll see a handful of ducks. but remember, DO NOT FEED THEM!

Great park for kids. Nice flat trail around lake that works for a balance bike. Lovely playground, great for older kids and older toddlers.

Love this park. Second or third time I've been to the park. Haven't explored much but just taken nice walks around the lake from beginning to end which brings you right back to the beginning. There's a nice lake. I've seen people fishing, boating, biking running water skiing etc. Families can grill and bring the whole family for a little swimming as well. Get there early to get a nice spot thought if you have children.

Beautiful park! There are so many walking trails that range from 1.5 miles to as far as you want. The water and wildlife is beautiful. My husband and I don't have kids yet but the playground is so nice we can't wait to bring our kids or our friends kids here! This is my first time here but it looks like there are lifeguard chairs and a place to swim in the summer months. They also have bathrooms which are clean and a visitors center with a gift shop. They offer guided walks for a small price and an art center where you can take classes too!

This park is just incredible. Since moving to South Seattle it's become our go-to to walk some trails. The walk around the perimeter of the park is nice too, with some pebbly beachy areas to slow down and appreciate the view of the lake and Seattle. Love it.

I can't believe it took me so long to really discover Seward Park; I came years ago for a work picnic but didn't live nearby at the time. Now that I've lived here for a while, I'm just now realizing how awesome this park is! It's great for walking or running, the view of the water is gorgeous (as are a lot of the houses you see when you diverge a bit from the main path), and even in the summer you can usually find a place to sit in the sun and enjoy the beach.