Best Neighborhoods for
Parks & Green Space
in Seattle
Discover Seattle's greenest neighborhoods with abundant parks, trails, and natural beauty. From Discovery Park's 534 acres to old-growth forests at Seward Park.
Seattle: A City of Parks & Green Space
Seattle is renowned for its commitment to green space, offering residents over 11.9 acres of parkland per 1,000 people. From urban parks to old-growth forests, these neighborhoods provide unparalleled access to nature within city limits.
City-wide green spaces
Parkland per resident
Seattle's largest park
Miles of Trails
Old Growth Forests
Lake Access
Off-Leash Areas
Seattle's Greenest Neighborhoods
Explore neighborhoods with exceptional park access, extensive trails, and abundant natural beauty perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families.
Green Lake
259 acresNamed after its centerpiece 259-acre lake and park, Green Lake is Seattle's premier outdoor recreation neighborhood. The iconic 2.8-mile loop trail attracts thousands of runners, cyclists, and walkers daily.
Iconic Loop Trail
2.8-mile paved path perfect for running, cycling, and walking
Recreational Facilities
Sports fields, tennis courts, swimming beach, and boat rentals
Community Hub
Green Lake Community Center with pools and fitness facilities
Nearby Woodland Park
Adjacent 90-acre park with zoo, gardens, and picnic areas
Magnolia
534 acresHome to Discovery Park, Seattle's largest green space at 534 acres, Magnolia offers unparalleled access to forests, meadows, beaches, and scenic bluffs. The park features 11.81 miles of trails through diverse habitats.
Discovery Park
534 acres with forests, meadows, tidal beaches, and lighthouse
Extensive Trail System
11.81 miles of trails through diverse ecosystems and habitats
Stunning Views
Panoramic vistas of Puget Sound, Olympics, and Cascades
Wildlife Sanctuary
Environmental Learning Center and protected wildlife habitats
West Seattle
135+ acresWest Seattle combines beach access with forested parks, offering residents diverse outdoor experiences. Lincoln Park's 135 acres feature saltwater beaches, forested trails, and stunning Puget Sound views, while Alki Beach provides urban beach living.
Lincoln Park
135 acres with beaches, trails, and saltwater Colman Pool
Alki Beach
2.5-mile waterfront trail with beaches, volleyball, and dining
Coastal Forest Trails
Forested paths through native northwest vegetation
Beach Culture
Outdoor dining, beach volleyball, and sunset views year-round
Seward Park
300 acresSeward Park neighborhood surrounds Seattle's only remaining old-growth forest, a 300-acre peninsula on Lake Washington. Ancient Douglas firs and Western red cedars over 250 years old create a primeval forest experience within city limits.
Old-Growth Forest
Seattle's only old-growth forest with 250+ year old trees
Peninsula Trails
2.4-mile lakefront loop plus interior forest trails
Lake Washington Access
Swimming beach, fishing pier, and kayak launch
Audubon Center
Environmental education center and bald eagle nesting site
Ravenna
58 acresRavenna Park's 58-acre forested ravine offers a dramatic natural escape with Ravenna Creek flowing through a steep wooded gorge. The park connects to Cowen Park, creating an extensive urban forest corridor near University of Washington.
Ravenna Ravine
Dramatic forested gorge with creek and lush vegetation
Trail System
Winding paths through dense forest canopy and creek crossings
Connected Greenspace
Links to Cowen Park for expanded trail network
Historic Character
Natural sanctuary preserved since early 1900s
Leschi
17 acresLeschi combines lakefront living with hillside park access. Frink Park's 17 acres feature forested trails descending from Capitol Hill to the lake, while Leschi Park provides beach access and stunning Lake Washington views.
Frink Park
17-acre wooded ravine with trails from Capitol Hill to lake
Leschi Park Waterfront
Lakefront park with marina, dock, and swimming access
Urban Retreat
Peaceful forested trails minutes from downtown
Waterfront Dining
Restaurants and cafes with lake views and outdoor seating
Park & Green Space Comparison
Compare the key features and amenities of Seattle's greenest neighborhood parks
| Neighborhood | Park Name | Acres | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Lake | Green Lake Park | 259 | 2.8-mi loop, swimming, boating | Runners, Cyclists |
| Magnolia | Discovery Park | 534 | 11.8-mi trails, beaches, lighthouse | Hikers, Nature Lovers |
| West Seattle | Lincoln Park | 135 | Beach, forest trails, saltwater pool | Families, Beach Lovers |
| Seward Park | Seward Park | 300 | Old-growth forest, 2.4-mi loop | Forest Enthusiasts |
| Ravenna | Ravenna Park | 58 | Ravine trails, creek, forest | Quiet Retreats |
| Leschi | Frink & Leschi Parks | 17 | Lakefront, marina, hillside trails | Urban & Nature Mix |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Seattle's parks and green neighborhoods
Which Seattle neighborhood has the most park space?
Magnolia has the most park space with Discovery Park's 534 acres, Seattle's largest park. The neighborhood offers unmatched access to trails, beaches, forests, and meadows within city limits. Discovery Park alone provides 11.81 miles of trails through diverse habitats including coastal bluffs, forests, and grasslands.
What is Seattle's park acres per resident ratio?
Seattle averages approximately 11.9 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents citywide, ranking among the top U.S. cities for green space. This ratio varies significantly by neighborhood, with Magnolia, Seward Park, and Green Lake exceeding this average substantially due to their large parks. The city maintains over 485 parks across 6,400+ acres of parkland.
Where is the best old-growth forest in Seattle?
Seward Park contains Seattle's only old-growth forest, with 300 acres including ancient Douglas firs and Western red cedars that are over 250 years old. The park's Bailey Peninsula offers 2.4 miles of lakefront trails plus interior paths through this rare urban forest. The Audubon Center provides educational programs about this unique ecosystem.
Is Green Lake a good neighborhood for outdoor enthusiasts?
Yes, Green Lake is exceptional for outdoor enthusiasts. The 2.8-mile paved loop around Green Lake is one of Seattle's most popular running and cycling routes, attracting thousands daily. The neighborhood offers multiple sports fields, tennis courts, swimming beaches, boat rentals, and the Green Lake Community Center with pools and fitness facilities. Adjacent Woodland Park provides an additional 90 acres with the zoo and picnic areas.
Which neighborhoods are best for hiking in Seattle?
The best neighborhoods for hiking within Seattle city limits include: Magnolia with Discovery Park's 11.81 miles of trails through forests and coastal bluffs; Seward Park with lakefront and old-growth forest trails; Ravenna with dramatic ravine trails along the creek; and West Seattle with Lincoln Park's coastal forest trails. Each offers unique terrain from beach trails to dense forest hiking.
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