St Edward State Park

 

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Claire M.

Seattle, WA

This park is amazing!  They have the best playground in the world in my opinion and so much more!  One time we took the jogging stroller down down down the hill to the water and couldn't believe what an amazingly beautiful view we had.  The scenery and ambiance can't be beat!  WOW!!!!!!

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4

22

Kayla P.

Lynnwood, WA

I will admit that my rating is based almost entirely off of the playground.  I have a toddler, so getting past the awesome playground to explore the rest of the park is really not an option.  I look forward to jogging on the trails one of these days, but until then, I'll have to stick to marveling over the playground.

Okay.  So I have never seen a playground like this before in my life.  Certainly the best one in the Puget Sound area.  I can't imagine how it can get much better that this.  I suppose because it was designed by kids and built by the community.  What does that tell you?  We should all get together and build some more of these parks, so I don't have to drive so far just to get to this one!  ;)

If you have kids and haven't been here yet, GO RIGHT NOW.  

There is also a gorgeous old building on the grounds that used to be a seminary until 1977.  There's nothing else like it around these parts, so enjoy the architecture and scenery while your kids play in the park, or take a hike down to the beach.  I sure wish I lived closer to this park, I'd be there all the time!

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Elite '08

6

63

Nic B.

Seattle, WA

Saint Edwards State Park has a fairly extensive trail network that is great for hiking and running.  Good views of Lake Washington.  A playground for kids, off-leash for dogs (I think), and some beautiful old buildings (although I didn't really investigate to find out what they were).  All around a great place to spend some time.

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2

92

Rob B.

Mountlake Terrace, WA

Nice park.

This place has the biggest play area for kids that I know of at a Seattle area park.

There is an extensive set of trails throughout the park, with the ones north of the access road pretty much dedicated to the MTB enthusiasts. Equally trails down to the lake are for walkers, and bike free. There are signs that show this at kiosks in the park.

Down at the lake, the beaches are limited at best, and access to the water is limited to the area around the trail ends, much of the shoreline is heavily vegetated.

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65

228

Bob G.

Bothell, WA

Earlier this year the Citizens For Saint Edwards State Park, successfully nominated the historic building and grounds of the Park to the National Register of Historic Places. The historic designation was awarded April 25, 2007.

This all culminated because of an attempt of a company to convert the old building to a Brewery / Hotel / Pub with the blessing of Washington State Parks.  Hopefully, this will stay a park and not be overcome by commercialization.

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0

9

Tami W.

Warminster, PA

My kids love the "castle park". Its a lovely park in the midst of great greenery. My only complaint is the lack of restrooms and shade.

I've yet to walk any of the trails, but they look fantastic! All in all, I heart this park and its totally worth the drive me me and my family.

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37

Faith H.

Seattle, WA

This park is absolutely awesome! All I am wondering is 'why the hell hasn't anybody told me about this sooner than now!' What? You didn't know that I am a dog lover and avid walker (well, only since owning my dogs), but that's not the point. The point is that I am always in need of new dog parks to give my curious pups a nice change and new experiences to smell, for the dogs that is, not for me to smell.

My better half (most of you know him as Joel H) and I made our first trip to St. Edwards Park just last week and it was fabulous. It was late in the afternoon and we didn't want to take a chance getting locked in, so we only managed to hike the trails for 90 minutes, but it was still great. Oh, and we walked one of the more hefty trails and I would recommend NOT dressing too warmly as I had a heavy coat on and the descent was fine, but I was sweating bucket loads by the time we hiked up the hills back to the main entrance.

Oh, and I would also recommend not hiking after a few days of rain, as I was a soggy and muddy mess by the time we made it back to the car. Then again, this may have had more to do with me hitting the trails with my 75lb dog kicking up mud all over me as he was dragging me along the rain beaten path. But even in spite of the mud and rain we had an awesome day in a picturesque setting away from the madness of the city, but very much within the city limits.

Update:

I would like to emphasize to all dog owners who may frequent, or want to frequent this great park, that this is NOT an off leash park. All those responsible and intelligent dog owners will notice the "please obey leash laws' signs situated throughout the park and will obey the law - thank goodness. But there are always one or two selfish pet owners who feel that this park is their private trail and will have their little aggressive horrors running wild (dogs that is, not children). You may have guessed that something bad happened on our trail today and you would be correct in that assumption. We met not one, but two people who ignored the signs and we were forced to try and protect our dogs.   One person apologized and leashed his dog, but the other person verbally abused us ("you pitbull owners" kind of rant) and only leashed his dogs after I told him for the third time that it is against the law to have his dogs off leash AND to explain that my well behaved dogs are not the ones acting aggressively and barking in other dogs/people's faces. His dogs even went so far as to chase and harass Joel & Zoe for  half a mile, while he continued to try to get it to come.

I admit I may sound like a raving lunatic, but there are enough off leash parks in Seattle for off leash lovers to attend.

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Elite '08

46

101

Karl H.

Lynnwood, WA

Nature... with its fresh air and trees and trails and moss and weird flying things that always seem to be right at head level.  Buzz this... buzz that... what the hell just landed on me... what the hell left that big pile of crap in the middle of the trail?  Oh look... yet another utterly fantastic and breath taking view the likes of which that will confirm that there's something much bigger happening in this universe... environmental propaganda here... recycle and natural resources there.  Yada yada yada.

I'd rather be doing a little urban hiking around Seattle in any one of its great neighborhoods... with the exhaust fumes... people asking for change... the fear of being set on fire and of course the bars.

The only exception for me being St. Edwards State Park.  I've managed to spend a small portion of my summer here and plan to keep coming back.  There's fantastic trails ranging (for a non nature-y person such as myself) from super easy to lets get the heart rate up and the legs a burning.  Half the trails allow biking and hiking while the remaining are exclusively hiking only.  The grounds are incredibly well maintained and they have a fantastic bigtoy and family picnic area, tennis courts, soccer field and indoor pool.

If anything, take the meandering hike down to the shores of Lake Washington if you have an hour or two to spare.  It's worth it.

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Benni M.

Redmond, WA

This is a very nice place to do for a picnic. There is plenty of space if you want to bring the kids to play sports in the open field.

There are many trails, I have yet to walk all of them. They are all marked on how difficult they are so if you have arthritis or a bad back you will know ahead of time how difficult the terrain will be. I prefer challenging terrain but, sometimes choose to go with friends who want a leisurely walk.

Just an FYI- There are few bathrooms so I hope you don't mind the bushes. (this could have changed though I was there last spring)

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Elite '08

26

66

Rebecca R.

Seattle, WA

This park is close to home, close to the water, and gorgeous.  My husband and I got married there, as well.   This is a great place for day hikes and wonderful pictures!  Take time to stop and smell the ferns and trees and just listen to the sounds of nature.

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47

190

Matt P.

San Francisco, CA

If you want to go on a short hike without ever leaving the city, this is a great place to check out.

This 316 acre park rises from the western shore of Lake Washington and includes several trails, a playground, multiple buildings (parts of which can be rented out - I saw a wedding reception being organized in one of them), a public pool, and many open spaces.  The hiking trails range from easy to moderate difficulty and all lead down to Lake Washington where you can rest before starting the return ascent.  Enjoy it!

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1

18

Ruth B.

Woodinville, WA

Wonderful sanctuary, this place.  Dip into the lake or walk the trails, (you do know they are rumored to be haunted don't you?)  and find a quiet sense of peace and solitude in this grand forested setting. Some trails are steep, and keep an eye on your kids.

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40

593

Robyn H.

Seattle, WA

A quiet forest in the middle of urban spawl with wooded trails, shoreline on Lake Washington and picnic areas with playgrounds for the little screamers.
If the lake is too cold, there's a nearby pool to dive into and fields for baseball or soccer.  Bastyr University is 3 minutes walk up the road and the herb garden there is worth a look.
May the developers never get a foothold in this place.

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