Bring On Spring: Seattle’s Most Beloved Parks
Even though Seattle area weather continues to be rainy and chilly, we at Pickett Street have decided we will simply will warmer spring temperatures into existence by writing about the outdoors.
As such, this week we’re celebrating Seattle’s best, most popular parks. After all, rainy weather has never stopped Washingtonians from enjoying a good walk or bike ride. As the Scandinavian saying goes, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothes.”
If reading our guide to these wonderful spots piques your interest in buying or selling real estate around Seattle, reach out to us at (425) 502-5397 or info@pickettstreet.com.
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Discovery Park, Magnolia
Seattle’s largest green space at 534 acres, Discovery offers nearly 12 miles of walking trails, which include two miles of beaches and sand dunes, meadows, dramatic sea cliffs, forest, and streams. This park also houses West Point Lighthouse. Visitors note the stunning views and peaceful atmosphere as their favorite aspects of this Seattle landmark.
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Carkeek Park, Broadview
Carkeek is home to 220 acres of wetlands, beaches, creeks, and forest. Visitors can check out Piper’s Orchard, explore the beach, or hike the trails, including Piper’s Creek Trail. As one reviewer says, this park is “a gem in the city that I wish I found sooner.”
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Golden Gardens, Ballard
One of my favorite parks, Golden Gardens offers a truly lovely sandy beach, which is perfect for sunbathing with your beverage of choice on warmer days. The park also features an off-leash dog area, forest trails, fishing, and a boat launch.
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Volunteer Park, Capitol Hill and Montlake
This centrally-located spot includes both the Volunteer Park Conservatory and the Asian Art Museum. At the Conservatory, Seattle’s historic greenhouse, wander through the gorgeous Palm, Seasonal, Cactus, Fern, and Bromeliad houses. At the newly redesigned and reopened Art Museum, enjoy diverse art from Vietnam to Iran in a stunning art deco building, which is itself a masterpiece.
If you’re not interested in the museum or conservatory, simply stroll the park’s trails and take in the views of the city and the Puget Sound, or visit Bruce Lee’s grave in Lakeview Cemetery.
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Green Lake Park, Green Lake
A bit of trivia: The Vashon Glacial Ice Sheet, which also formed Puget Sound and other lakes, formed Green Lake about 50,000 years ago, making this Seattle’s oldest park (sort of).
A 2.8-mile path around the duck-spotted lake provides the perfect spot for skaters, walkers, bikers, and runners. If your running style is similar to mine, which favors quality over quantity, once around the lake is just about the perfect length.
The lake also features swimming access, boat launches, and picnic spots.
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Gas Works Park, Northlake
In the 1970s, the city of Seattle repurposed the site of an old coal gasification plant to open a new park, hence the industrial rusted towers and pipelines that still stand in Gas Works.
Today, the park is known for its free concerts and athletic tournaments, including a kite-flying tournament and a live-action role play tournament. I have fond memories of watching Fourth of July fireworks over Lake Union with the crowds at Gas Works.
So, if the recent weather’s got you down, pull on some boots and get outside anyway. And, if you’re interested in the spring real estate market, get in touch with Pickett Street at (425) 502-5397 or info@pickettstreet.com.