Saint Edward State Park – An Urban Wilderness
Interested in finding somewhere to spend a few quiet hours? Allow us to recommend Saint Edward State Park in Kenmore. It is the largest remaining undeveloped area on Lake Washington. According to the brochure we picked up from the park,
“Those who take the time to hike the trails may enjoy 3,000 feet of shoreline and many species of birds, animals, plants and trees including Douglas fir, Western hemlock, red alder, bigleaf maple, Western red cedar and Pacific madrone.”
It’s absolutely spectacular and, once you get out on the trails, easy to forget that you’re on Finn Hill instead of the middle of nowhere. Here are a few photos from our recent visit and hike along the North trail and Grotto Trail.
Originally a Catholic seminary, the Romanesque Revival style brick buildings remain and are on both the Washington State Heritage Register and the National Historic Register. There’s also an indoor swimming pool and large playground. They offer two different spaces for rent for special events like weddings, receptions, and parties. Bastyr University is also accessed from the main driveway in off Juanita Drive.
There are a variety of hiking and bike trails – rated from easy to difficult. You can see the park map in the slide show above.
Both trails we hiked – the North trail which leads from the main part of the park down to the water and Grotto trail which leads back up – are rated in the “most difficult” category. It’s always easier downhill than up, but we didn’t find the trails too taxing so don’t worry that you have to be an expert or especially practiced hiker to enjoy them if you’re in decent shape.
Check it out!
