West Montlake Park

Location and Views

Located in Seattle's Montlake neighborhood, West Montlake Park might be small in size, but it offers impressive views. This little 2.82-acre green space along West Park Drive East provides excellent vistas of Portage Bay and the Montlake Cut, where boats cruise through the Lake Washington Ship Canal.

The park is essentially a nice stretch of flat grass that borders the rather fancy Seattle Yacht Club and some pretty Montlake homes. From here, you can gaze out at both Portage Bay and watch vessels navigate the Montlake Cut. If you look a bit further, you'll catch sight of the University Bridge and Ship Canal Bridge in the distance. The park is particularly nice after sunset, when Seattle's cityscape lights up against the night sky.

History

This little touch of Seattle has been around for quite some time. It was officially dedicated as part of the Montlake Park Addition back in 1908, with the City of Seattle snagging the land in 1909. The State even handed over the waterside portion to the city that same year.

Like many Seattle parks, it's seen its share of changes over the decades, including the addition of a wooden bulkhead with fill behind it to shape the landscape we see today.

Notable Features

In recent years, West Montlake Park has become home to a pretty cool community project. Fourteen century-old cast-iron lampposts have found new life here. These Olmsted Brothers-designed lampposts originally lined Hamlin and Shelby Streets before being carefully restored and arranged as a colonnade through the park. They now glow softly with solar lanterns when evening falls.

These posts with their lighthouse-style light bulbs cast a gentle glow across the park in the evening. You'll also find several benches throughout the space, great for sitting back and taking in those waterfront panoramas.

Recreation and Connections

If you're into crew racing, you've found your perfect viewing spot. The park offers some of the best vantage points for watching rowing events on the Montlake Cut.

Its proximity to the University of Washington and connection to the Montlake Cut Waterside Trail make it a natural stopping point for students, locals, and visitors alike. The open grassy area is just right for throwing down a blanket for a picnic or just lounging with a good book.

Some brave souls even take a dip from the waterfront, however be warned - that water is definitely on the chilly side! Just a heads up: the park is a favorite hangout for geese, which means you might need to watch your step in certain areas.

Practical Information

Parking around here is pretty limited, so you might want to consider biking, walking, or public transit instead. The park welcomes visitors daily from 4AM to 11:30PM.