Saint Edward State Park
A Historic Seminary, Old-Growth Forest & Secret Lake Washington Beach
Saint Edward State Park is a 326-acre urban oasis in Kenmore and Kirkland, Washington, combining one of the largest intact mature forest ecosystems in the Seattle metro area with nearly a mile of undeveloped Lake Washington shoreline. At its heart stands a 1931 Romanesque Revival seminary — now transformed into The Lodge at Saint Edward, a boutique hotel inside a state park.
The Seminary & Lodge
The historic Saint Edward Seminary, built in 1931, served as a Catholic theological school for decades before becoming a state park. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building was renovated and reopened in 2021 as The Lodge at Saint Edward State Park — a unique hotel where guests sleep within a landmark building surrounded by old-growth forest and lake views.
Trails
- Beach Trail Loop: Descends through towering Douglas fir and western red cedar to the lakeshore
- Grotto Trail: Leads to a historic stone grotto (built ~1945) and down to a secluded swimming spot on Lake Washington
- South Canyon & North Trails: Forested loops through one of the most biodiverse urban forests in the Pacific Northwest
- Mountain biking permitted on designated trails
Lake Washington
The park’s nearly one mile of undeveloped Lake Washington shoreline feels remarkably wild for a park just 30 minutes from downtown Seattle. Swim in crystal-clear water from a forested beach with no houses in sight — a rare experience on this heavily developed lake.
Visitor Tips
- Day use only (no camping). Discover Pass required ($30/year or $10/day).
- Best Time: Summer for swimming; fall for forest colors; year-round for hiking.
- Dogs: Allowed on leash on all trails.
