Features of Seattle Parks
Seattle's green spaces and parks are diverse, from national reserves that protect entire ecosystems to city parks that offer opportunities for recreation and entertainment anywhere in the city.
Seattle's public park system dates back to the city's inception in the mid-19th century, designed by famed landscape architects, the Olmsted brothers. Beautiful waterfront parks stretch along the city's more than 200 waterfront acres, which border both the Pacific Ocean and the Puget Sound.
Some of the parks are quite experimental. Take, for example, the Olympic National Park, which combines several natural areas at once: you can walk along the beach, and then end up in the mountains, passing through the rainforest. Or Gas Works Park, where elements of a closed gas processing plant have been converted for use as park facilities.
An interesting feature of the local recreation areas is reclamation.
For example, one park was built on the site of a former gas power plant, and the other was built where a military fort used to be.
As you can see, there is a lot to see in Seattle. However, there are many parks, and time is always short. Therefore, at the link below, we present a selection of the best green areas of the city, thanks to which you will select places to visit according to your taste.
Seattle fauna
- Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Northwest Park was founded in the late 1970s by a pediatrician and his wife who donated 715 acres of land to create a site that will eventually serve as home to snowy owls, river otters, bald eagles, lynxes, wolves, cougars and grizzlies.
All of these animals can be seen on the 50-minute tram ride through the park. There are also more adventurous five-mile routes that run through virgin nature.
- Woodland park zoo
Woodland is famous for its 90-acre zoo. The park is divided into two parts by Aurora Avenue. The part to the west is mainly occupied by the forest. There is also a place for outdoor activities, a rose garden and a playground. There is a picnic to the east of Aurora, which should be reserved in advance with our guide.
Woodland Park also offers bike paths, several playing fields, tennis courts, a bowling alley, a skate park and a large dog walking area.
Seattle's unusual parks
- Olympic Sculpture Park
Marvel at the massive works on display in the Olympic Sculpture Park on nine acres of land Thoughtful landscaping enhances the park's beauty, and a walkway that stretches from the beach to Belltown provides views of Puget Sound and downtown attractions.
Guests are offered free public tours, the times and themes of which vary according to the season. The Sculpture Park features the PACCAR Pavilion, which houses the Seattle Art Museum, and the SAM Store, which offers a collection of paintings and other art.
- Gas Works Park
On the northern edge of Lake Union you will find perhaps the most unique park in the area. The 21-acre industrial estate that previously housed a gas processing plant was transformed in 1975 into the world's first recreational complex.
The park's 60-foot hilltop offers one of the best views of Seattle. The park is a favorite spot for the city's 4th July fireworks and other festive events that take place all year round.
- Mount Rainier National Park
This dormant volcano is the second highest mountain in the United States after Whitney. Due to more extreme weather conditions, Washington State's main peak is used by many climbers in preparation for the world's most challenging peaks. In warmer months, climbers line up to challenge the mountain's less strenuous routes.
Hundreds of miles of hiking trails run past tranquil lakes and foamy waterfalls. There are long routes and short day trips. If you get tired, stay at the historic Paradise Hotel, located on the mountain.
Walking areas and city parks
- Marymoor Park
At Marymoor Park, you'll find a 45-foot climbing wall, velodrome, and hiking trails. There is also a local history museum and picnic areas, baseball, football, tennis, softball and even cricket. Children also love the large playground.
It is the venue for numerous social events throughout the year, including the very popular summer concert series. Marymoor is King County's most popular park, with over 3 million visitors annually.
- Olympic National Park
The Olympic National Park provides visitors with a wide range of recreational opportunities. Hiking, hiking, kayaking or just a leisurely car ride will allow you to find yourself in a variety of microclimates and zones within a short period of time.
We advise you to pay attention to local animals, especially marmots. Although these cute little animals are difficult to spot, there is a chance. For the best view of them, plan a hike on a clear day — then you will notice marmots sunbathing near their burrows.
- Magnuson park
Magnuson is a 350-acre urban park on the shores of Pontiac Bay in the Sand Point area. Seattle's second largest square is located on a former naval airfield.
The beach here includes a small pebbled coastline where the water temperature in summer reaches 20 degrees. The lawns to the west of the beach provide an ideal seating area, as well as a children's pool and picnic areas.
- Green lake small
In Green Lake Small, you can go jogging, rollerblading and sunbathing near the lake of the same name. Beloved by the locals, the vast green space and open water in the middle of the cityscape create a true oasis.
The park also serves as a nature reserve for hundreds of tree and plant species, as well as numerous birds. Be sure to visit the craft center, located in the southwestern part of the park, which offers rowing, canoeing and sailing.
- Discovery Park
Perched on Magnolia Cliff overlooking Puget Sound, this largest park in Seattle offers two miles of beaches and nine miles of winding trails. Discovery protects the remarkable urban nature and is a great place to observe it.
It also houses the oldest lighthouse in the area, built in 1881. The windows offer a breathtaking view of the Olympic Mountains. Admire open meadows, picturesque sea cliffs, forest groves, sand dunes, thickets and streams.
Visit Seattle's finest nature reserves and parks on a guided tour from American Butler!
Visit Seattle's finest nature reserves and parks on a guided tour from American Butler!
