This is my favorite Seattle neighborhood park. It's a pleasant and quiet park in between Meridian…read moreand Wallingford nestled in a residential neighborhood behind the Meridian School, next to the Demonstration Garden. There's a big lawn perfect for frisbee and picnics, a playground with swings and play structures, and a path underneath a cool rock archway, all circumscribed by a path shaded by big trees. A peaceful retreat with ample shade and open space.

This is a good playground, a bit of a hike, like a 2 mile walk from the University Ave (University…read moreof Washington campus area) area. It is behind, in the back of the property, and has lots of playground equipment, but it's a bit secluded and harder to access by walking to it. It's not better than other family friendly park & rec's in California, but maybe for Seattle it's considered above average. It's the best I've experienced in Seattle, which isn't saying much 'tho. I'd still recommend this for toddlers 'tho.

Leschi Park is across the street from Leschi South Moorage along Lakeside Avenue S. Leschi Park…read moreitself is NOT along the water, unlike the several photos posting water views. That's the moorage itself. Don't expect to pack a picnic with a view of the water. That doesn't mean Leschi Park is anything to sneeze at. It's sizable with a portion that is well manicured and good for a picnic. There are several benches in this area and some portions are shady. When we went, the rose hedges were blooming and quite pretty. There's also a sequoia that was dedicated to the head gardener from 65 years ago. There are a few tennis courts too. The parts that I like more are the trails that have a forest vibe. Leschi Park is adjacent to Frink Park; together, they form a very large area to explore. I didn't find much signs or maps so I just used Google maps to choose walking paths. Cell signal was solid inside both parks. On a hot day, these two tree filled parks provide lots of shade; they would be an excellent place to visit.

It's a nice park with waterfront views in the Leschi neighborhood. I've been here a few times,…read moreespecially on clear days, and the setting always makes for a memorable time. Leschi Park is small, and most who visit are here for the views, as it's off of Lake Washington, so you can see the eastside and I-90. There's a small covered seating area and a dock for boaters. It's cool that there are a few restaurants and businesses nearby, as well as a parking lot. It's walking distance to the residential area and the Madrona neighborhood. If you're looking to access the water, I would recommend the short walk up north along the trail to Madrona Beach Park, which is larger and is more popular. However, Leschi Park is here for when you want more of a private, quiet scene, just for the views. Not a bad spot at all.

While taking a mini stroll along Eastlake Ave, saw a random sign that mentioned a park. To access…read morethis park from the street, simply follow a set of stairs. While going down the stairs, there is a small dirt path you can veer off and see the plants/some flowers. Once you reach the bottom of the stairs, you'll see a nice open space with benches and a grassy area ideal for a small picnic or playing with your dog or kids. Venture a little further and you'll see a small ramp that leads out to the water. Here, you can easily launch boats/canoes/kayaks or simply just sit and enjoy the nice view of the water and such. For a sunny day, this place was close to being super empty (at least, to me when I visited), which is pretty awesome if you're seeking a nice oasis from the busy city vibe and such. Do be aware that there are quite a few gnats and bugs near the grassy area but nothing near the water :) Also, the park itself super small and you can easily just finish everything in like.....10min or less.

This is another of my favorite places in Seattle to go and escape the noise and rush of everyday…read moreresponsibilities. It's a small park hidden off of Eastlake Ave. Here you will find two or three benches, a small patch of grass, a neighborhood garden patch and a boat launch that's perfect for canoes or kayaks. I love to sit here and watch the last golden rays of the setting sun slowly disappear and then wait for a few minutes until the bats come out, darting here and there.

Originally the honey and I were hoping to take the trail that cuts off from the 1-90 trail down and…read moreunder the East Portal Viewpoint, however it was cordoned off so we ended up taking in the gorgeous view and going back through the tunnel to Bradner Gardens Park. The view at the East Portal Viewpoint is amazing, especially on a clear day. It's so pretty that when you're on the other side of Lake Washington, you can think back on what it looked like like from so high up. It's almost entirely an easy walk from Sam Smith Park through the large tunnel, though the last 20 feet or so after the tunnel up to the view is up a steep incline, so be prepared. Otherwise this was a fun point in our day, and definitely worth the detour!

We've driven under here for decades but never looked to see what's above. After studying Google…read moremaps, I learned of this viewpoint and decided it's time to search for it. Essentially, you'll be standing above where it says "Seattle - Portal to the Pacific" This spot is not easy to find so definitely GPS your way there. If you drive a stick shift, be aware of some steep streets in the area. It was a cloudy day and the fact this is not a park with resting places, it's not crowded at all. It's kind of nice to stand here and take some pictures. If you want to explore, there's a walk/bike path to get down to I-90 and Lake Washington. The walk/bike path tunnel has some cool art work. Because it's relatively quiet, I'd suggest proceed with caution rather you're on foot or bike. I'm not familiar with the safety in this area. Probably don't come alone at night for your first visit. Anyway, as a local, I think it's a visit at least once worthy scenic stop.

Such a cute and fun addition to the iconic Fremont Troll. I never knew this area existed! I was a…read morebig fan of the benches to enjoy the city view on a sunny day. Loved the moss wish turtle. I recommend walking through :)

Not really much going on with this mini hike. I just wish that there was more water in the jug to…read moreuse for when you pat moss turtle baby for a good wish. Still cute w the little troll houses on the trees, though, hehe

Another great Grindline skate park in Seattle. I typically get here early in the morning before the…read moreriff raff. Perfect for transition or street skaters. In a nice and quiet park away from busy roads.

Really nice little park with a walkway around the park with benches and a skateboard park. Only…read moreproblem is no restroom. You can walk your dog, bring your kids, exercise and enjoy the outdoors off the mail highways. There is ample parking .

The University Playground is definitely not one of the famous Seattle parks... that is for sure…read more It's more of a neighborhood park for all of the nearby residents and in that aspect it's fine. The park is actually pretty clean aside for some urban camping going on in one corner of the park. There is a lot of playground equipment for the kids to enjoy as well as a playing field so this park definitely has all of the basics covered as to what makes up a park. It just isn't one of the parks with a lot of bells and whistles ( ex. leash free dog park, swimming pool, etc.). Despite not having a lot of walking trails in this park it is still a decent park to take a stroll through. There is a piece of playground equipment with a troll statue on it... definitely not to be confused with the Fremont Troll.

As far as playgrounds are concerned for toddlers and kids this is kinda weak and lackluster…read more There were a few homeless camps set up in the perimeter of the play area, 'tho the transients didn't cause any trouble nor bother anyone, their presence seemed alarming and disturbing by sight as more of a negative than positive to the environment and atmosphere. The play area itself and equipment for toddlers and kids were not that much to do or play around on or with, so I'd probably never come back here again for the purpose of getting a kid to play. This place has the potential for re-invigoration 'tho.

This is a surprisingly nice park! There was a person screaming there, but we did the entire loop…read moreand had no other issues. The path around the water cuts off and appears to go all the way around on the map. But we turned back and had ourselves a nice, flat walk around the water. The trees are gorgeous and we saw two bald eagles!

I visited Terminal 105 (T-105) Park today, Tuesday the 1st of September 2020, as part of my field…read morework on my project on the West Seattle Bridge. I had not been here before so my goal was to come and find out if I could see the West Seattle Bridge from the park. Trying to find a line-of-sight from the south to the bridge and see how far south I can find such a point. So I started today at Terminal 105 Park. The park has a fence and a gate that is open during park open hours. A sign just inside the fence is visible from W Marginal Way SW, which helps with knowing when to turn. The turn in to the park is sharp, so I made sure to slow down enough to make the turn. There are two parking lots, one just inside the gate and a second one down a short paved drive. I chose to walk down the paved drive and parked in the first parking lot. At the end of the paved drive by the second parking lot are two grassy areas, a sheltered picnic area, benches on a platform extending over the water, and shoreline access to the Duwamish River. I explored all of these areas and found them to be well maintained. The park as a whole is an idyllic place to take in the beauty of the area in and around the Port of Seattle. The view of the West Seattle Bridge is unobstructed over the Duwamish River. It can be seen over the land portion of the park as well, though some other structures may get hinder a clear line-of-sight to the bridge. As I was making my way to the shoreline access area I saw a boat moving just past the trees, so I ran out to the muddy beach and it turned out to be a tugboat! I waited and watched, and yes took a video, and a second tugboat cruised past as well. Soon after as I explored the shoreline I noticed a large flock of birds resting on one of the muddy spits of land. One of the birds dove in the water and caught something, came over by me and sat on a line and ate its food. It turned out to be a Belted Kingfisher. First time I have seen a Belted Kingfisher in Seattle proper so that was pretty cool! The wildflowers here are very pretty and varied. I also found a few different types of berries. Bird tracks in the muddy sand led down to the water's edge. Careful where you step on the beach, the sand is muddy and very slick. On the trails through the vegetation above the brook and the beach I found numerous cobwebs and spiders. Also, be on the watch as to where to step. Signs note areas of importance for conserving native plant life.