





Myrtle Edwards Park offers a stunning waterfront escape in Seattle, Washington, where the beauty of Elliott Bay meets the urban landscape.
Myrtle Edwards Park offers a stunning waterfront escape in Seattle, Washington, where the beauty of Elliott Bay meets the urban landscape. This beloved park is a true Pacific Northwest gem, providing a serene setting with breathtaking panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains, Mount Rainier, and the Seattle skyline. Featuring a 1.25-mile (2.01 km) paved trail, it's an ideal destination for leisurely strolls, invigorating bike rides, or simply unwinding amidst nature's splendor. Recent extensive renovations, completed in June 2026 as part of the Elliott Bay Connections project, have revitalized the park, enhancing its natural habitats and visitor amenities.
The park's primary features include its winding pedestrian and bike trails, which seamlessly connect to the adjacent Centennial Park, offering an extended 2.5-mile (4 km) route. Visitors can explore two expanded beach coves and new children's exploration areas, perfect for families. The landscapes have been refreshed with abundant native plantings, including pollinator meadows, providing crucial habitat and a vibrant display of local flora like the strawberry tree and Puget sound gumweed. Tide pools along the shore are teeming with marine life such as the Ochre Sea Star, Purple Shore Crab, Mottled Star, Frilled Dogwinkle, Orange Sea Cucumber, and Painted Anemone. Overhead, you might spot Bald Eagles, Glaucous-winged Gulls, and American Crows, while Anna's Hummingbirds flit among the foliage.
Myrtle Edwards Park is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique blend of urban accessibility and natural tranquility. Its unobstructed views, especially at sunset, create a truly memorable experience, making it a favorite spot for photographers and romantics alike. The newly added amenities, including a haʔłali (meaning "the good place") amenities building with restrooms and concessions, further enhance visitor comfort. Whether you're seeking active recreation, a peaceful retreat, or a chance to connect with local wildlife like the California Sea Lion and Harbour Porpoise, Myrtle Edwards Park delivers an authentic and restorative Pacific Northwest experience. Don't forget to bring the Snappit nature identification app along to scan local species.
Myrtle Edwards Park was originally known as Elliott Bay Park. In 1976, it was renamed to honor Seattle City Councilwoman Myrtle Edwards, who played a significant role in preserving waterfront areas for public use. The park has been part of a long-term vision to reconnect Seattle with its Elliott Bay waterfront. The recent Elliott Bay Connections (EBC) project, a public-private partnership, commenced construction in March 2025 and saw the park fully re-open on June 4, 2026, marking a significant milestone in its development and enhancement.
Walk, jog, or bike the scenic waterfront trails. Picnic on grassy areas. Explore the tide pools for marine invertebrates. Look for Bald Eagles soaring overhead or California Sea Lions in the water. Enjoy the native plantings and pollinator meadows. Connect to the adjacent Olympic Sculpture Park for art and more views.
Spring brings blooming trees and plants. Summer (late June to Labor Day) might offer access to nearby wading pools and sprayparks (check specific Seattle Parks & Recreation listings for nearby facilities).
The park boasts repaired, enhanced, and wide paved pedestrian and bike trails. Significant accessibility improvements have been made to key areas, including access to the beach coves. New restrooms are available at the haʔłali building.
Paved pedestrian and bike trails.
Two expanded beach coves.
Children's exploration area.
Panoramic views of Elliott Bay, Olympic Mountains, Mount Rainier, and the Seattle skyline.
Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.
Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.
Explore the tide pools
Visit during low tide to discover the fascinating marine life in the beach coves, such as sea stars and crabs. Remember to observe gently and avoid disturbing the creatures.
Bring binoculars
Enhance your wildlife viewing experience by bringing binoculars to spot birds like Bald Eagles and distant marine mammals in Elliott Bay.
Rent a bike
The paved trail is excellent for cycling. Consider renting a bike to cover more ground and enjoy the extended route that connects through Centennial Park.
Plan for sunset
The park offers incredible sunset views over the water and Olympic Mountains. It's an ideal time for photography or a romantic stroll.
Combine with Olympic Sculpture Park
The park is adjacent to the Olympic Sculpture Park, providing an opportunity to combine natural beauty with outdoor art.
Check parking in advance
Parking can be challenging in downtown Seattle. Consider public transport, rideshares, or researching parking options near the Olympic Sculpture Park or through services like SpotHero.
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Massachusetts, US
You might spot Virginia Bluebells and Great Golden Digger Wasp.
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Maryland, US
You might spot White-Tailed Deer and Japanese Knotweed.
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Illinois, US
You might spot White Mulberry, House Finch, and Scissor Grinder.
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Maryland, US
You might spot Great Blue Heron, Eastern Bluebird, and White-Tailed Deer.
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