🎓 A Historic Seminary in Old-Growth Forest on Lake Washington — 316 acres of rare remaining old-growth forest on the shores of Lake Washington, a stunning 1930s seminary building transformed into a boutique lodge and pool, 3,000 feet of undeveloped lakefront, 7 miles of forested trails, and one of the most unique urban parks in the Pacific Northwest
On the northeastern shore of Lake Washington — just 20 minutes from downtown Seattle in Kenmore — an unlikely survivor endures. While nearly every acre of old-growth forest around Lake Washington was logged in the 19th and early 20th centuries, Saint Edward State Park preserves 316 acres of rare remaining old-growth and mature second-growth forest on one of the last undeveloped stretches of lakefront. The reason this forest survived? For decades, it was the private grounds of a Catholic seminary, shielded from logging by its institutional ownership.
The park’s centerpiece is the magnificent 1930s seminary building — a Spanish Colonial Revival structure perched on a bluff above the lake. After the seminary closed in 1977, the property became a state park. The building has since been adapted into The Lodge at St. Edward, a boutique hotel featuring an outdoor heated swimming pool with views into the forest canopy. It’s an extraordinary juxtaposition: luxury lodging in a historic seminary, surrounded by ancient trees, on the shore of Seattle’s favorite lake.
The Seminary Building
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Built | 1930s — Spanish Colonial Revival architecture |
| Original Use | Catholic seminary (Seminary of Saint Edward) |
| Current Use | The Lodge at St. Edward — boutique hotel |
| Pool | Outdoor heated pool in forest setting |
Old-Growth Forest
The park protects one of the last significant old-growth forest stands on Lake Washington. Towering Douglas fir, western red cedar, and bigleaf maple create a dense canopy that filters light into a green twilight. The forest floor is carpeted in sword ferns and moss — a remnant of the ancient forest that once covered the entire Puget Sound lowlands.
Trails — 7 Miles
| Trail | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Seminary Trail | Connects seminary building to lakefront — steep descent |
| Plateau Trail | Level walking through old-growth canopy |
| South Canyon Trail | Ravine descent through mature forest |
| Beach Trail | Access to 3,000ft of undeveloped Lake Washington shoreline |
Lake Washington Access
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Shoreline | 3,000 feet of undeveloped lakefront |
| Swimming | Seasonal beach access (no lifeguards) |
| Kayaking | Hand-carry boat launch available |
Essential Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Kenmore, WA (20 min from downtown Seattle) |
| Hours | 8 AM to dusk |
| Parking | Discover Pass required ($10/day or $30/year) |
| Camping | No camping available |
Wildlife & Nature
Saint Edward State Park — 316 acres on the east shore of Lake Washington in Kenmore — preserves one of the last undeveloped stretches of Lake Washington shoreline. The former St. Edward Seminary (1931, now The Lodge at St. Edward — a boutique hotel) crowns the hilltop. The park’s 3,000 feet of Lake Washington waterfront is accessible via steep forest trails. Bald eagles fish the lake. Pileated woodpeckers drum in the old-growth. River otters are spotted along the shore. The park has an outdoor pool and 7+ miles of trails.
Nearby Attractions
Kenmore — adjacent — has seaplane flights from Kenmore Air. Bothell — 3 miles east — has the Burke-Gilman Trail and McMenamins Anderson School. Kirkland — 5 miles south — has waterfront parks and galleries. Seattle — 15 miles south — provides major city amenities.
Can you stay overnight at Saint Edward State Park?
There is no camping at Saint Edward State Park. However, The Lodge at St. Edward — housed in the historic 1930s seminary building within the park — operates as a boutique hotel with rooms, an outdoor heated pool, and dining. It’s a unique opportunity to stay overnight in a state park setting without camping, surrounded by old-growth forest just 20 minutes from downtown Seattle.
Insider Tips
Lake Washington old-growth: Saint Edward protects 316 acres of old-growth forest on the shores of Lake Washington — just 15 minutes from downtown Seattle. Pro tip: The park’s seminary building (1931) is being converted into a lodge. Trails: 7 miles of trails through towering Douglas fir and western red cedar.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round: Evergreen forest is green always. Summer: Lake access and swimming. Fall: Mushroom foraging (with knowledge). Spring: Trillium blooms on forest floor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there old-growth forest near Seattle?
Yes. Saint Edward State Park contains one of the last significant stands of old-growth forest on Lake Washington. Some Douglas fir trees are over 300 years old. The park survived logging because it was owned by a Catholic seminary from 1931 to 1977, then became a state park.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, St. Edward State Park is a short drive away, and Bridle Trails State Park is a short drive away.
Park Location
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