Westcrest Park

Park Overview

Nestled in the southwestern corner of Seattle, Westcrest Park is a breath of fresh air in the urban landscape. At 81.1 acres, it ranks as Seattle's seventh largest park, offering a little bit of everything for nature lovers and recreation enthusiasts alike.

Perched atop "Boeing Hill" (west of Boeing Field), the park offers panoramic views of Seattle's beauty. On clear days, you can see downtown Seattle, Mount Baker, the Cascade Mountains, and the city skyline - excellent for quiet contemplation or photos.

Natural Features

The park strikes a beautiful balance between open meadows and dense forest areas. Wander through the wooded sections and you'll discover yourself among impressive Douglas fir, red cedar, maples, and madrone trees, some of which have clearly been standing watch for decades.

The network of intersecting trails creates a nice sense of exploration. These paths weave through the forest, offering a surprisingly immersive experience - there are moments when the city seems miles away rather than just beyond the treeline.

Recent Improvements

In 2013, Westcrest got a major upgrade when the West Seattle Reservoir was covered, adding 20 acres of green space to the park. The renovation, funded by the 2008 Parks and Green Space Levy, brought new amenities and enhanced existing features.

More recently, parts of the dog park received some much-needed drainage improvements - no more muddy paws on rainy days (well, less mud at least - this is still Seattle after all).

Recreational Facilities

The star attraction for many is the generous off-leash dog area, spanning about 8.4 acres. Dog owners appreciate the thoughtful design, which includes separate sections for small and shy dogs. A team of dedicated volunteers keeps the area in good shape, and your four-legged friends will enjoy amenities like doggie drinking fountains and a small agility course complete with ramps and tunnels.

The wide open field near the entrance isn't just for show - it's meant for flying kites or picnicking. If you're lucky, you might spot RC plane enthusiasts taking advantage of the hill's elevation to launch their aircraft.

Family Amenities

For families, the modern playground is a hit with the younger crowd. Kids gravitate toward the two zip lines and hillside slides that provide just the right amount of excitement. The playground is rounded out with swings and various climbing structures, including a large climbing dome that challenges even the most adventurous children.

The great lawn offers a flexible space for impromptu games, picnics, or just lounging on a sunny day. Picnic tables scattered around the park make it easy to enjoy an outdoor meal, whether you're near the playground watching the kids or by the P-Patch taking in the garden views.

Community Garden

The community garden P-Patch adds a special touch to Westcrest Park. Local residents transform their plots into vibrant displays of vegetables and flowers that often represent the diverse cultural backgrounds of the Highland Park neighborhood.

Taking a stroll by the garden offers a glimpse into this community effort - you'll see everything from familiar local produce to plants that might be staples in cuisines from around the world.

Practical Information

Restrooms are available near the parking lot, but they sometimes close during winter months. You can find several parking areas, with many regular visitors preferring the northwest corner lot.

The park is open daily from 6AM to 10PM, offering a mix of sunny and shaded areas. If you're visiting during summer heat, note that some sections, especially around the playground, don't offer much shade - so bring your sunscreen and water bottle along.