🌤 Weather at Saint Edward State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39–65 °F | 53–77 °F | 41–71 °F | 37–50 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Seattle Sand Pt Wsfo, 3 mi away, elevation 60 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🎓 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.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Saint Edward State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in most Washington state parks but must be under physical control on a leash at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 8 ft maximum leash required; pets must be under physical control
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted on designated swim beaches
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed inside vacation houses but are permitted in designated pet-friendly cabins and yurts (e.g. Grayland Beach, Seaquest, Ike Kinswa — Cape Disappointment does NOT allow pets in its yurts), typically up to two pets, with a pet fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $15 per night pet fee in pet-friendly cabins/yurts
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Director-designated off-leash areas are exempt from the leash rule and are conspicuously posted
Are dogs allowed at Saint Edward State Park?
Pets are allowed in most Washington state parks but must be under physical control on a leash at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.wa.gov. More: Washington state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Saint Edward State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
