Northacres Park

A Wooded Retreat in the City

The park's defining feature has to be its extensive forested area - a little pocket of wilderness right in Seattle's Haller Lake neighborhood. Northacres Park spans 20.7 acres at the intersection of Interstate 5 and N.E. 130th Street, and it feels anything but urban once you're inside.

You can wander through a network of trails that meander through the woods, ideal for when you need to clear your head or just enjoy a bit of nature. The towering mature fir trees not only create a peaceful atmosphere but also provide welcome shade in summer and shelter during Seattle's notorious rainy days.

Get Your Game On

Beyond its natural charm, Northacres doesn't skimp on recreational options. Sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the park's baseball diamond and soccer field. In a clever use of space, the baseball fields transform into soccer fields when baseball season is quiet, and you'll often spot people playing ultimate frisbee here too.

Families will appreciate the park's two playground areas, both renovated in 2012. There's a dedicated space for the little ones (toddlers ages 2-5) with age-appropriate equipment, while older children 5 and up can challenge themselves on the larger playground with more advanced climbing structures and features.

Dog owners will be pleased to find One of the park's notable features is its fully fenced off-leash dog area where dogs can run free and socialize. The dog park even includes a water pump to keep pups hydrated, and its unique wooded layout with paths makes it more interesting than your average rectangle of fenced grass. It's become something of a social hub for the neighborhood's dog owners.

Something for Everyone

Planning a gathering? The park offers several picnic areas with tables nestled under the trees, creating natural outdoor dining rooms. If you're in the mood for grilling, you'll discover BBQ pits scattered around the grounds.

A 2012 upgrade replaced the old wading pool with a modern spraypark where kids can cool off during Seattle's warmer months. This water feature has become a hotspot for summer birthday celebrations and family get-togethers.

Restrooms are conveniently located near both the baseball field and the playgrounds. Just note that they may close during certain seasons, so it's worth planning ahead if facilities are essential to your visit.

A Cold War Relic

For most of its existence, Northacres Park was home to a piece of history that most people walked right past. A Civil Defense tower erected in 1954 once stood on the grounds, supporting a Chrysler Air-Raid Siren - a model recognized by Guinness World Records as the loudest siren ever constructed. It was one of only two such towers remaining in Seattle. The tower was removed in 2025, so you won't find it on a visit today, but for decades it served as a quiet (and potentially very loud) reminder of mid-20th century civil defense infrastructure.

Sponsored content

AD

Waterfall Rappelling Canyoneering Adventure + Photo Package!

Explore waterfalls from a new perspective! Wild Sky Adventure Guides guides unique adventures to canyons and waterfalls that are only accesible through canyoneering routes.

$329.00

View Details

Community Hub

Northacres also has a community focus. During summer, it hosts a free lunch program for children, and occasionally you'll find community dental health services available in the mornings.

Getting here is straightforward, with multiple parking lots strategically positioned - you can find them at either end by the ball fields and another near the central playground area. This thoughtful layout makes the park easily accessible whether you're coming from across town or just down the street.