My all-time favorite park in Seattle. Carkeek has it all; hiking trails, lots of grass for the doggies, play ground for the kiddies, a beautiful rocky beach for the kitesurfers and kite-fliers... and beautiful wildlife. I even saw a bald eagle on the beach here once, it was simply amazing. read more

I've lived on the Eastside almost my whole life and never visited Carkeek Park. What a treasure. If you like St. Edwards Park, Lincoln Park or Discovery Park you will LOVE this park. Plenty of parking, Clean bathrooms (open!), lots of trails, creeks and Puget Sound. What more could you need?! read more

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I am hesitant to review this park - I don't want the best kept secret in Seattle to get out! This is definitely the most underrated park in Seattle. Majestic views of the Olympic Mountains, miles of rocky beach, multiple forested trails, entertaining playground, and plenty of parking (always important... especially if you stick to visiting Golden Gardens). Always my favorite, even the drive to enter the park is wonderful. Absolutely the best read more

This is an all-around great little park. There are interesting trails into the woods which lead to views above the water. There's also a lovely grassy field to play frisbee or just lay on a blanket to read or take a nap. If you get there early enough there's ample parking. The real draw, of course, is the trail to the beach head. There's an overpass to cross the tracks and if you hang out up there you can watch the trains go by and feel the vibrations of their engines. I would think kids into trains would love this place. Lots of families and people with dogs enjoy this park. I went there on a windy day and watched kiteboarders do their thing. Gorgeous! Get out there and enjoy! read more

Carkeek Park - Kiteboarders @ Carkeek - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Seems like no one I know goes to Carkeek, many people haven't even heard of it ("car-what park?"), but I just moved within a mile of it and I love it. It's got a beach that's every bit as beautiful as golden gardens with the same stunning, westward-facing mountain panorama but with far fewer people and a cool railroad bridge to boot. I have hardly begun exploring the hiking trails and non-beachy parts of the park but I have heard glowing reviews and I can't wait. The one bummer is that it's kind of hard to actually walk to any part of this park you might actually want to be at (at least from my house) and I think it's nice to be able to stroll to your neighborhood park instead of loading up in the car to get there. read more

Carkeek park, you're gorgeous. Gorgeous and full of weirdos. Big enough for a nice stroll in the woods, small enough to find your vehicle, well hidden and far away enough to not be completely packed in all areas. Also there's the lovely beach after the railway overpass. There is always something happening on the beach. The last time I visitied, it was a ton of kitesurfers. Walks in the woods, streams, a hatchery, picnics, bbqs, and superhigh people. This park has it all. read more

Healthy vistas, hiking, sitting in a blue or cloudy sky. They have childrens programs in summer and interesting volunteer opps. Peaceful and pretty. read more

Another gorgeous park in Seattle!! I have visited this place several times and will be back many more times! I enjoyed the hiking trails. (Wear good hiking shoes and bring water!) The views of the Olympic mountains are awesome! Some of the trails will give you a workout! I have brought my dog here (on leash) on the trails. I did see garbage cans in different locations! One negative about the park is that dogs are not allowed on the beach- bummer! :-( I could not deduct a star from the park- its too beautiful! Anyway, If you are cool with leaving your pooch in the car/truck- go walk down on the beach! Get your feet in the water! Oh! There is a train that goes through the park by the beach. It's pretty cool when the train goes by along parts of the beach! read more

A HAIKU REVIEW A walk in the woods A walk along the beach, too Here comes train. CHOO CHOO! read more

I heart Carkeek Park. Well, actually I heart the Blue Ridge gated beach... but its attached to Carkeek Park, so I think I heart both. We have 3 little pooches and its nice to take them out for a romp on the beach, and it's close by our neighborhood. Carkeek is a little gravely in parts, but if you are lucky enough to have access to the Blue Ridge beach its mostly sand which is much friendlier to puppy pads. Beware of frequent trains if you bring a sketchy dog, they will surely take off as the tracks are very close. OH, and pick up your poop. The poop fairy doesn't live there. read more

Carkeek is a lot bigger than it seems; it's got miles of trails that I haven't even explored yet. I love the different areas of the park--the big grassy lawn by the salmon run building, the beach, the little bog, and of course the wooded trails. There's also a great playground and picnic area. It's a great place to come at night too, to see the moonlight on the water or just hang out. Tip: When I go to Carkeek I like to park at the little trailhead site by the apartment buildings, rather than the main lot. It's a bit tricky to find, but if you're coming west on Northgate/105th go dead straight, rather than following the main road. Then take a right on 3rd and the next left. The trailhead's a block down on the right. Someone correct me if I'm wrong about this ;) read more

Oh Carkeek Park, how I love thee. You there, get out of my park! No, for reals. get out. sigh...... As much as I want to keep this beautiful park a secret, I just can't. I have whiled away many afternoons at Carkeek, hiking the trails, watching the trains, and lounging on the beach while listening to the sound of the waves. This is easily one of the best parks in the city. read more

The "bubbleman" you mentioned is not merely an harmless eccentric. He has been harassing women with their children in the Greenwood and Ballard Fred Meyer's all week, approaching their children without permission (or even a word to their parents) and blowing bubbles 2 inches from the kids' faces, becoming indignant and irate when the kids start screaming and the parents ask him to stop. He's been following women with children out in the parking lot and trying to initiate contact with their children, refusing to back down until the mothers scream at him to leave them alone. This man is NOT harmless. If you have a strange incident with him, please report it to the police right away. We would all like to see this man restrained from being able to engage in this harassing behavior. read more

Surf and turf. Sun and shade. Shore and meadow. Seagulls and squirrels. Sandy strolls and wooded trails. The best of both worlds - in all areas imaginable. Added bonus - the corkscrew drive down the hill through the dense forest really puts you in a day-at-the-park mood. read more

Found this park in an online search and loved it. Playground for children with an awesome salmon slide . Plenty of places to sit with bbq pits. There are badminton nets and trails we didn't yet explore. There is a stairway that leads to a beautiful view of the creek and water. Very rocky beach so wear some good shoes. Great park with scenic views and lots to do for the whole family. We'll be back! read more

Carkeek Park - View from the top of the stairs. - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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One of the prettiest parks in Washington. Beachfront, hiking trails, and today I got to see a train! Bring a coat tho yo! read more

Carkeek Park - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

One of my last stops for the weekend Seattle trip, but arguably the one of its best. What a beautiful, serene spot in a nice semi-secluded location. Views of the Sound, flowing creeks, super niece/nephew friendly (trains, ships, and a crazy salmon fish slide), plenty of green grass, clean air, and great views and photo spots all around. I was also struck at how well-maintained and clean this place was. No cigarette butts, drug needles, litter, or riff-raff to be found (hey I'm from LA)... anywhere! I foresee future repeat visits here, maybe a hike or two thrown in, and a nice place to recharge from the busyness of life. read more

What an awesome park! Great trails that you can explore for hours and hours. Awesome open fields for picnics and barbecues. There's a cool footbridge to the tidal flats that spans the active railroad (unfortunately, as with all Seattle parks, no dogs allowed on the beach). The sculptures that are installed are great, with QR codes to give you more information than simple plaques would. I also appreciate that unlike Olympic Sculpture Park, many of these are interactive and touching them is encouraged. Additionally, you have to go out of your way to find some of these hidden gems, as they are tucked away just off the trails. I can't believe I didn't come here until just a few days ago, and now it's fall and I may have to wait until spring again to fully enjoy the beauty of this park. read more

Carkeek Park never disappoints. The playground and upper level area are great for kids. Adults too can enjoy the generous BBQs and picnic bench area - all which overlook the Puget Sound on a beautiful sunny day. Amazing sunsets and a cool beach area allow for additional fun. Then there's this whole other area I haven't even explored - the trails etc. Gotta go here on a sunny day. Got to. read more

I came here after having a pint at the Jolly Roger and a long work day to get some fresh air and watch the sunset on the sound...and was it worth it. It was such a mesmerizing experience that i stood fixated for almost 30 minutes as the orange tint of the clouds slowly dove into the mountain range. Although I wish a train had passed through while i was there...would have added for a dramatic flair of sorts. It seems like a really cool place for a date...as most of the people there seemed to be huddled together for warmth ;) Definitely a jewel in Seattle, and worth so many more trips in the future. read more

I've been here many times and it is always pleasant. Great place to walk your dog, just remember dogs are not allowed by the water. read more

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I live really close to this park (I can see it from my bedroom window). I have explored this park throughly and it is really beautiful. Great place to walk the dog, jog, bike, make-out, smoke a joint and all the other great park related activities. In November I saw the salmon running which was really exciting to experience! read more

What a beautiful park! Sunsets are incredible. Excellent place for BBQs and family reunions! Love it.

I was visiting Seattle and happened to find this park it is a very nice park and seems like a lot of activities happen here there is a cool creek running through the park and although I didn't see any fish it was a nice clear creek. Nice walking trails and birds galore. read more

It had been awhile since visiting this park, so when a friend suggested heading north to check it out we jumped into the car with the dog and gave it a whirl. Walked down to the beach (yes, quite illegal with the dog, huh? I am crazy like that) although were sad to find out with the tides in we couldn't walk far in either direction...so we hit the bluff trail, which was totally short and ended up in a meadow that backed up to some houses. Hmmm...now what...we hit some additional trails on the south side of the park, gazed at the leaves and told some stories before hitting the playground...be careful on the see-saw if you are small like me you could end up with a bruised tailbone. All in all, it's a mighty fine park, but I think I still heart Discovery the best for my urban in-city escapes. read more

This was a great park. The trails, which are plentiful, are well groomed and varied in difficulty (for a city park). It may have been gray today, but there were some beautiful views and I can only imagine what it must look like on a sunny day. If I had kids I would bring them here. Good beach, a unique play ground and wonderful city nature hikes. It was a great walk with my dog though. I was bothered by the beer cans and garbage thrown over some of the ledges, but we can't blame the park, just the jackasses who did it. read more

Nice park right near me that I never knew existed. Great view and a nice beach to sit and relax (maybe too cold for swimming). There are picnic tables with small BBQs for grilling in the shade. There is a nice lawn area to throw frisbees, a football, or to kick a soccer ball. Bathrooms are not too nice and could use a little more upkeep. It's a good place to visit! read more

This is a great park. You can access the sound, lose yourself in the trees, and possibly discover hidden treasure (no, seriously). I like Carkeek for the variety of terrain and the unmanicured landscape. There a bunch of great trails for walking and running. I found a great 5k course, and several hour or two hour hikes. As for the treasure hunts, letterboxes live here. read more

Carkeek is my favourite park in Seattle so far after visiting quite a few of them. It has a little bit of everything: flat and incline trails, the beach, picnic ground, etc. For the most, I love the running tails which is right in the middle of forest, absolutely green and gorgeous! Love it! :) read more

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Coming from a very biased point of view, this is one of the best parks in Seattle. There are lots of beautiful trails you can take to charming benches overlooking the water. There is a playground that supplies all of your kids' needs. There is a beautiful beach, where I have built 2-story log cabins with my friends. In the summer, Osprey fly above the beach, diving into the water to catch fish. Eagles and even the once in a blue moon orca can be spotted. In November, make sure you come here for the salmon. Piper's Creek is the best place in Seattle to see the salmon come out of the ocean to reproduce. There is also an apple orchard a ways from the lower field. Carkeek is my backyard, as I live walking distance from this beautiful place. I couldn't be luckier. read more

One of the best parks I have ever seen in my life. This park is awesome! Breathtaking views, beautiful landscape, picnic spots, lush green grass, wilderness as well as huge playarea for kids & an absolutely romantic beach...the list can go on. This park is for everyone. Whether you have kids and would like to have a picnic or if you would like to spend some time alone or want to have some romantic time with your boyfriend/girlfriend....this park has so much to offer for every age group and fir every mood. I love this park! If you are going on weekend on a sunny day, parking might be bit difficult. read more

Woods, water, sand, sun, fun and of course, trains! This is a great park, a little less crowded than Golden Gardens to the south. The trails are good little mini hikes with some amazing viewpoints from the bluff above the beach and plenty of viewing spots of Pipers Creek. Go in August and try to see salmon, which have finally been reintroduced. To get to the beach there's a pedestrian overpass over the railroad tracks. Of course it's a big attraction to be on the overpass when a train goes through right underneath you. There's an Environmental Learning Center, playground, big field, and plenty of space to enjoy a day. read more

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One of the best parks in Seattle honestly. It is beautiful and scenic. It's right by the water but you have to walk across and down a fence bridge over a train track. Went here for a work retreat. Best place for team building. If I had children I would totally take them here everyday. read more

Carkeek Park - Early morning light - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Great park for groups like family bbq, school class outings, bday parties....but also nice to just come here to get away...it's like closing out the external world for a while. I don't like the fact that you have to take the stairs up and down from the beach but it is good exercise. This is definately a kids' place, but grownups can enjoy it just as well. read more

Kid heaven. Playgrounds, grass, bugs. What more do they need? Classes for the rest of us as well as trails to wander around on so we can commune with nature. read more

Beautiful hidden park with nice view, lots of parking! Nice picnic area, multiple entrances. Great place to go mini day hike and for kids to play around the shore. read more

Such a beautiful park! Gorgeous views of the water. Fun play areas for kids. Large grass area for pets and sports. This park is worth the drive to its little hiding spot nestled in the wooded area. read more

Carkeek Park - So beautiful even on cold days! - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Solid spot, alright parking, would be better if dogs were allowed on the beach but they aren't. A lot of "hiking" trails which is awesome. Definitely not a bad spot but is a little small but that's not their fault. read more

This park definitely has a variety of features. From playground to hiking trails to beach and open playing fields. There's also a stream where I had my first live salmon encounter!! :) The north bluff hiking trail was nice and short. I think 1 mile loop. We did run into some private residential area and wasn't sure where to continue so we just turned back and took a different route back down. The view from the top of the bluff was beautiful but so was the view on the bridge leading down to the beach so you can take your pick on where to take in the magnificent puget sound shoreline. read more

I'm partial to Carkeek. It is one of the first places I went when moving to Seattle and I still go there even though it is a bit of a hike now. Beach access, all is really rocky and no doggies allowed (most people appear not to care about that second part). Trains pass through pretty commonly. Park isn't overly large, has a play area for children, a couple shelter, a bunch of picnic tables, large grassy knolls for basking and frolicking. Super busy on a nice day! Lots of off-leash dogs with poor recall though, so beware if that is a concern to you. Trails are easy and short, some up hill but not difficult by any means! Great views. read more