Myrtle Edwards Park photo
ParkWashington, US

Myrtle Edwards Park

Myrtle Edwards Park offers a stunning waterfront escape in Seattle, Washington, where the beauty of Elliott Bay meets the urban landscape.

About

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.

What to do here

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.

Seasonal info

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).

Accessibility

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.

Don't miss

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Paved pedestrian and bike trails.

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Two expanded beach coves.

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Children's exploration area.

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Panoramic views of Elliott Bay, Olympic Mountains, Mount Rainier, and the Seattle skyline.

Wildlife you might spot

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Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

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Good to know before you go

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.

Frequently asked questions

A: Visitors to Myrtle Edwards Park can enjoy a variety of activities, including walking, jogging, and cycling along the scenic paved trails, picnicking on grassy areas, and exploring the two newly expanded beach coves. It's also an excellent spot for observing local wildlife, from marine invertebrates in tide pools to various bird species.
A: Yes, Myrtle Edwards Park is designed with accessibility in mind. The park features wide, paved pedestrian and bike trails, along with recent accessibility improvements that ensure key areas, including the beach coves, are reachable for all visitors. New amenities buildings also include accessible restrooms.
A: Myrtle Edwards Park is a vibrant habitat for diverse wildlife. In its tide pools, you might spot Ochre Sea Stars, Purple Shore Crabs, Mottled Stars, Frilled Dogwinkles, Orange Sea Cucumbers, and Painted Anemones. Marine mammals like California Sea Lions and Harbour Porpoise are occasionally seen in Elliott Bay. Birdwatchers can look for Bald Eagles, American Crows, Glaucous-winged Gulls, and Anna's Hummingbirds.

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