Seward Park Peninsula – Old Growth Forest Views From the …

Seward Park is a forested peninsula jutting into Lake Washington from the southwest shore, about 3 miles south of Leschi. The park contains old-growth Douglas fir forest — one of the only remnants of original Seattle forest left within city limits. From the water, the trees rise directly from the shore and the effect is unlike any other urban park paddle in the region.

Launch Points

The park loop road rings the entire 2.4-mile peninsula and provides multiple beach access points. The main beach on the northeast side of the peninsula is the widest and has the most parking adjacent. A second access point on the south side (facing south Lake Washington) offers a quieter alternative.

Address: 5902 Lake Washington Blvd S, Seattle, WA 98118

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Parking: Large paved lot inside the park, free. A second lot in the interior of the peninsula near the amphitheater. On busy summer days the main lot fills, but the interior lots almost always have space — just a longer carry to the water. Park hours 6 AM to 10 PM.

The Peninsula Circumnavigation

The defining Seward Park paddle: 2.4 miles around the perimeter of the peninsula. The route circles old-growth forest rising directly from the water’s edge, with views shifting from south Lake Washington (south side) to the open lake toward Bellevue and the Cascades (east side) to the Rainier Beach corridor (north side).

The south and west sides of the peninsula are more exposed to south wind. The east side is the most scenic — forest on your left, open lake and Cascade views to the right. Time it to have the wind at your back on the exposed sections. Most paddlers go clockwise.

Wildlife

Bald eagles nest in the old-growth trees and are commonly seen from the water hunting along the shore. Osprey are frequent in warmer months. Great blue herons work the shallows around the peninsula’s base. The old-growth canopy hosts pileated woodpeckers, which you can hear from the water on quiet mornings.

Practical Notes

• Best time: Early morning, especially fall through spring when the park is quieter and the forest has more color
• Combining routes: Paddle north to Pritchard Beach (about 1 mile) or south toward the Cedar River mouth (about 2 miles from the south tip of the peninsula)
• Restrooms: At the main beach area and near the fish hatchery on the west side of the park
• Fish hatchery: The Seward Park fish hatchery raises trout — visible from the water on the west shore of the peninsula base