Mount Baker Park

Park Overview

Mount Baker Park is a 21.7-acre urban park located in the Mount Baker neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. The park stretches from South McClellan Street in the south to Lake Washington Boulevard at its north end, where it connects to Mount Baker Beach on Lake Washington.

Designed as part of the 1903 Olmsted Brothers plan for Seattle, Mount Baker Park was constructed in 1909 and expanded after the lowering of Lake Washington in 1917.

Natural Setting

The park is characterized by a gentle ravine that slopes down towards the lake, offering visitors a serene natural setting within the city. The park features a mix of open grassy areas and mature trees including maples, mountain ash, and chestnuts.

Walking paths wind through the landscape, with a wide pathway leading from the upper section of the park down to Lake Washington Boulevard and the beach area.

Amenities & Activities

The upper portion of the park includes tennis courts and a playground, while the waterfront section offers swimming access and a fishing pier.

Mount Baker Park serves as a community gathering space, with local residents using the area for picnics, tennis matches, and children's play. The park also marks the starting point for Seattle's "Bicycle Sunday" events, where a portion of Lake Washington Boulevard is closed to motor vehicles for recreational use.

Historical Significance

In 2020, Mount Baker Park, along with the adjacent Colman Park, was added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its significance in Seattle's park system and urban planning history.