SAINT EDWARD STATE PARK
Saint Edward State Park is a 316-acre day-use park with 3,000 feet of freshwater shoreline on Lake Washington. Once a Catholic seminary, the park's rich history reflects in its grounds and architecture. Walks along the undeveloped lakeshore are peaceful and give the visitor many opportunities for nature study. The park offers many outdoor play amenities. The park hosts the last undeveloped waterfront along Lake Washington's shore. Bald eagles, otters and other animals may be viewed along the 3/4-mile natural portion of the perimeter. An indoor swimming pool and gymnasium are available. The Carole Ann Wald Memorial Pool, named in 1969 for the sister of a seminary student by their father a major donor, now provides year-round, indoor public swimming programs for all ages and abilities. The park has two sites suitable for weddings and other special events.
Wildlife Mammals Birds Fish & Sea Life? Chipmunks? Coyotes? Deer or Elk? Foxes? Muskrats? Otters? Raccoons? Squirrels? Crows or Ravens? Doves or Pigeons? Ducks? Eagles? Geese? Gulls? Hawks? Herons? Hummingbirds? Jays? Owls? Woodpeckers? Wrens? Bass? Bullhead? Salmon? Trout
Environmental Features Physical Features Plant Life ? Cedar? Douglas Fir? Hemlock? Yew? Alder? Apple? Ash? Birch? Maple? Foxglove? Rhododendron? Rose? Berries? Ferns? Moss or Lichens? Thistle
This site was once used by Native Americans while fishing the area.
In the late 1920s, the archbishop of Seattle donated the property to the Diocese of Seattle for use as a seminary by the Sulpician Order of Catholic Priests. In 1931, St. Edward Seminary was constructed. In the fall of 1977, because of declining enrollment and changes in the education of seminarians, the diocese sold 316 acres, including the seminary, to the state for use as a state park. In 1978, the property was dedicated and received its current name.
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the
Discover Pass web page.
The park has no camping.
Boats may be launched at the Department of Fish and Wildlife ramp in Kenmore, which is just north of Saint Edward State Park.
Saint Edward State Park is located near Bainbridge Island, Bellevue and Bothell
Saint Edward State Park is extremely popular for special events, weddings and family picnics. To ensure your family/group can have your event/picnic on the date you select, reservations are strongly recommended. Regardless of the size of your group, a Special Activity Recreation Permit may be required pursuant to WAC 352-32-047. To make a reservation or to obtain a Special Activity Recreation Permit for your event, please call the park manager at (425) 823-2992. Even though the park offers first-come, first-served picnic tables, if the park has reached its capacity level with reservations, first-come, first-served tables will not be available. Also, because of limited parking and to help save resources, visitors are strongly encouraged to car/vanpool.
The park offers five unsheltered picnic areas for rental to groups. Each site accommodates at least 150 people with picnic tables and stand-up style grills. The east and west picnic sites have a ball field with their areas. The north picnic area has an open play field and horseshoe pits. The south picnic site has a beach-style volleyball area with a net and is very close to the playground. There are 20' x 20' and 10' X 20' canopies, tables, chairs and portable heater rentals available for outdoor picnics. Extra parking may be set up for events in advance, call the park manager for details at (425) 823-2992.
There are many trails open to mountain bike and is a very popular activity within Saint Edward State Park. Remember several of the trails are open to hiking only and bikes are strictly prohibited on these trails. Check with the park office or kiosk for trail maps and information.
Water Activities ? Boating (freshwater)? Boating (freshwater, non-motorized)? Fishing (freshwater)? Personal Watercraft (freshwater)? Swimming (freshwater)? Water Skiing (freshwater)
A big toy playground is popular with kids. The playground was built by the community for the community and completely funded by donations from the community.
Picnicking, hiking, soccer, mountain biking, fishing, bicycling, swimming, bird watching, softball and horse trails also are in the Holmes Point area.
Access to waterfront from the shore is by trail only. There is no vehicle access to the beach, which is undeveloped and unguarded.
There are many trails open to mountain bike and is a very popular activity within Saint Edward State Park. Remember several of the trails are open to hiking only and bikes are strictly prohibited on these trails. Check with the park office or kiosk for trail maps and information.
Located at the north end of Lake Washington in Kenmore, Wash.
From I-405 northbound : Take exit #20-A (116th St. N.E.) and turn west (left). Travel 4.5 miles. (At 98th Ave., the road name changes to Juanita Dr.) Park entrance is on left.
From I-405 southbound : Exit at Hwy. 522 (exit #23-B). Drive through Bothell to Kenmore. Turn left at 68th Ave. (68th turns into Juanita Dr.) Park is 1.5 miles on the right.
From I-5 : Take exit #175 (145th St.) and travel east to Bothell Way. Turn left. Travel north to 68th Ave. in Kenmore. (68th turns into Juanita Dr). Park is 1.5 miles on the right.
We go here all the time. Love this park! But the pool is now closed permanently.
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