Frink Park

A Forest Escape in the City

Tucked into Seattle's Leschi neighborhood, Frink Park spans 17.2 acres of lush, forested ravine that cascades down toward Lake Washington. As you wander through, you'll hear the gentle sounds of Frink Creek bubbling along, creating a peaceful backdrop that makes you forget you're still in the city. The dense vegetation hosts all sorts of local wildlife and birds - a little pocket of wilderness hiding in plain sight.

Hiking trail winds through the dense forest

Photo: Rob Bolton (CC0 1.0)

A Touch of History

Back in 1906, John M. Frink - a businessman with a clear appreciation for green spaces - donated this land to Seattle. The park was part of the Olmsted Brothers' grand vision for the city's parks system, and you can still feel that thoughtful design today in its winding, natural pathways. If you look closely, you'll spot concrete stairways approximately 120 years old that once led residents down to the lake - little reminders of the park's long history in the community.

Narrow hiking path through green fern undergrowth

Photo: Dan Ox (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Finding Your Way

The trails here weave through the wooded ravine like nature's own maze. Fair warning: some paths don't mess around when it comes to steepness, but about 300 wooden bin steps help make the climb manageable. The park connects smoothly to Leschi Park at its northwestern edge, creating an extended green space to explore. Lake Washington Boulevard S. runs along the eastern side, while quiet residential streets frame the rest.

As you climb higher, you'll catch glimpses of Lake Washington peeking through the trees. And don't stick strictly to the marked trails - some of the park's best features are the hidden clearings, old bridges, and magnificent trees that you'll discover along unofficial paths.

Towering tree reaches for the sky

Photo: Rob Bolton (CC0 1.0)

What to Do Here

This is a place to reconnect with nature without leaving the city. The trails offer everything from casual strolls to legitimately challenging hikes - we're not kidding about those steep sections giving you a workout! Dog owners, your four-legged friends are welcome here, and they can even splash around in the creek.

Bring your binoculars if you're into birdwatching, or simply find a quiet spot to sit and see what wildlife appears. You'll discover several picnic tables scattered throughout, plus open clearings excellent for spreading out a blanket. If lounging is more your style, there are ideal spots for hanging a hammock between the trees. And yes, there are clean restrooms available when nature calls.

Tall trees with amber leaves in autumn colors

Photo: Rob Bolton (CC0 1.0)

Beyond the Basics

The park's hills present a challenge that some locals can't resist tackling on bikes. And during Seattle's rare snow days, you might even spot neighborhood residents skiing down these slopes. More importantly, though, this space represents a vital green corridor and watershed protection area - a genuine forest experience that feels miles away from urban life, despite sitting right in the heart of Seattle.