West Montlake Park

Location and Views

West Montlake Park is a small public park located in the Montlake neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. Situated along West Park Drive East, the park offers scenic views of Portage Bay and the Montlake Cut, a part of the Lake Washington Ship Canal.

The park spans approximately 2.82 acres and serves as a connection point between neighborhoods. It features a stretch of flat grass bordering the Seattle Yacht Club and Montlake area homes, providing a vantage point for observing both Portage Bay and the Montlake Cut.

History

West Montlake Park was originally dedicated as part of the Montlake Park Addition plat filed in 1908. The City of Seattle acquired the park area in 1909, with the State deeding the portion that was in the water to the city at that time.

Over the years, the park has undergone various developments, including the construction of a wooden bulkhead and filling behind it.

Notable Features

In recent years, the park has been the site of a community project to repurpose fourteen 100-year-old cast-iron lampposts. These Olmsted Brothers-designed lampposts, originally from Hamlin and Shelby Streets, were restored and installed as a colonnade in the park, with solar lanterns providing gentle illumination during evening hours.

Recreation and Connections

The park is particularly popular among fans of crew racing, offering excellent views of rowing events on the Montlake Cut.

Its location near the University of Washington and its connection to the Montlake Cut Waterside Trail make it a frequented spot for both locals and visitors.