Seward Park
A lush urban oasis featuring an ancient forest, stunning Lake Washington views, and iconic Mount Rainier vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cherry blossoms bloom beautifully
Seward Park
Best Time
Cherry blossoms bloom beautifully
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A lush urban oasis featuring an ancient forest, stunning Lake Washington views, and iconic Mount Rainier vistas.
"A rare gem offering a peaceful escape with breathtaking natural beauty and cultural significance."
🚶♀️ Walk the Full Loop
The paved path around the park is perfect for a scenic stroll or bike ride. Enjoy diverse views!
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Find a quiet spot by the lake or under the trees for a delightful picnic. Pack your favorites!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Forest Trails
Interior of the park
Wander through a protected old-growth forest, a rare urban gem. Feel the tranquility and connect with nature.
Lake Washington Waterfront
Shoreline
Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Washington, the city skyline, and majestic Mount Rainier. Perfect for picnics and relaxation.
Native American Art
Near the entrance
Discover the impressive 1909 totem poles, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural history of the region.
Birdwatching Haven
Throughout the park
A sanctuary for diverse bird species, especially owls and various songbirds. Bring binoculars for an enhanced experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Nature Escape
Timing is Key for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Full Loop
The paved path around the park is perfect for a scenic stroll or bike ride. Enjoy diverse views!
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Find a quiet spot by the lake or under the trees for a delightful picnic. Pack your favorites!
🦉 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for owls and other birds, especially in the early morning or late evening.
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be busy on weekends. Arrive early or consider public transport/biking.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Full Loop
The paved path around the park is perfect for a scenic stroll or bike ride. Enjoy diverse views!
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Find a quiet spot by the lake or under the trees for a delightful picnic. Pack your favorites!
🦉 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for owls and other birds, especially in the early morning or late evening.
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be busy on weekends. Arrive early or consider public transport/biking.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the trails and paved paths.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Seward Park for its stunning natural beauty, especially the ancient forest and breathtaking views of Mount Rainier and Lake Washington. It's considered a peaceful urban oasis. Some find parking challenging on busy days, and the park's amenities are spread out.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive via the Seward Highway, which offers scenic views. Public transport options include buses, and biking is also popular with dedicated lanes.
Yes, several bus routes serve Seward Park, making it accessible without a car. Check King County Metro for schedules.
Biking routes often utilize protected or painted bike lanes. Consult the Seattle Bike Map for optimal paths from downtown.
Yes, there are parking lots available, but they can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak seasons.
Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Seattle and can drop you off at Seward Park. It's a convenient option if you're not driving.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Seward Park is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. Enjoy the natural beauty for free!
Seward Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific hours may vary slightly by season, so it's good to check the Seattle Parks and Recreation website.
No advance booking is required for general park entry. However, if you plan to reserve picnic shelters or host an event, you'll need to contact Seattle Parks and Recreation.
Occasionally, there are guided nature walks or ranger programs. Keep an eye on the Seattle Parks and Recreation event calendar for updates.
Dogs are welcome in Seward Park but must be kept on a leash at all times. Please be respectful of other visitors and clean up after your pet.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The paved 2.4-mile loop around the park is excellent for easy walks and biking. For a more immersive experience, explore the interior trails through the old-growth forest.
Absolutely! Capture stunning shots of Lake Washington, Mount Rainier, the ancient forest, and the totem poles. Sunrise and sunset offer magical light. 
Seward Park is a haven for birds, including owls and various songbirds. You might also spot squirrels and other small mammals.
Yes, it's a great place for families. Kids can enjoy the open spaces, easy trails, and the unique totem poles.
The park offers picnic areas, restrooms, a playground, and a boat launch. Some amenities are seasonal.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly within Seward Park. However, the nearby Seward Park Market is known for its fried chicken.
The Seward Park Market is a popular local spot for fried chicken and fries. You can also find various eateries in the surrounding Seattle neighborhoods.
Yes, Seward Park has numerous picnic areas, many with beautiful views of the lake. It's an ideal spot for a picnic lunch.
There are no cafes or coffee shops within the park itself. It's best to bring your own beverages or stop by one before your visit.
The fried chicken at Seward Park Market is highly recommended and has a local following.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stunning views of Mount Rainier, the serene Lake Washington, the ancient forest, and the historic totem poles.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) offers beautiful light. Clear days are essential for Mount Rainier views.
The 1909 totem poles are iconic. The shoreline provides expansive lake and mountain vistas, and the forest offers a different, moody atmosphere.
Drone usage is typically restricted in city parks to ensure safety and preserve the natural environment. Check Seattle Parks and Recreation regulations.
It's ideal for landscape, nature, wildlife, and cultural photography, with opportunities for both wide scenic shots and detailed forest imagery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
There are also picnic areas and a playground, making it easy to spend a full day enjoying the outdoors. Pack a lunch and let the kids run around in the open spaces. The relatively calm waters of Lake Washington are also a draw for families looking for a safe place to enjoy the waterfront.
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
Beyond the forest, the 2.4-mile loop trail is ideal for a brisk walk, jog, or bike ride, offering continuous views of Lake Washington and Mount Rainier. Birdwatchers will also find this park to be a rewarding destination, with diverse avian life present throughout the year.
+1📸 Photographers
+1Don't miss the opportunity to photograph the historic totem poles, which add a unique cultural element to your portfolio. The ancient forest provides opportunities for moody, atmospheric shots with its towering trees and dappled light. Golden hour is particularly magical here, offering soft, warm light for both landscapes and portraits.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Ancient Forest
Many visitors are struck by the sheer scale and age of the trees, some of which are centuries old. The forest floor is often carpeted with moss and ferns, adding to the enchanting atmosphere. It’s a reminder of the natural heritage that Seattle strives to protect. Remember to stay on marked paths to help preserve this delicate environment.
This ancient forest is also a vital habitat for various wildlife, particularly birds. Keep an ear out for the calls of different species, and if you're lucky, you might spot an owl perched in the branches. The contrast between the dense forest and the open lake views makes Seward Park a place of diverse natural beauty.
Mount Rainier Views and Lake Washington
+2The park's location on a peninsula provides unobstructed views across the lake. Whether you're enjoying a picnic, going for a walk, or simply relaxing, the presence of Mount Rainier adds a dramatic and awe-inspiring element to the experience. Photographers will find ample opportunities to capture this iconic Seattle landmark.
Beyond the mountain, the shimmering waters of Lake Washington itself are a major draw. The park offers access to the lake, with opportunities for boating and enjoying the waterfront. The interplay of light on the water, especially during sunrise or sunset, creates a serene and picturesque setting.
Cultural Significance: Totem Poles
These intricately carved poles tell stories and depict crests of important families and clans. Walking among them provides a tangible connection to the ancestral lands and the traditions of the Coast Salish peoples. It's a solemn and beautiful reminder of the deep cultural roots of the Seattle area.
While the poles are a historical artifact, they also serve as a point of reflection on the ongoing presence and importance of Indigenous cultures. Visitors are encouraged to approach them with respect and to learn more about their significance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit