Carkeek Park, A Hidden Gem: 5 Not-to-Miss Highlights of this 216-Acre Park

When you think of Seattle’s largest parks, places like Golden Gardens, Discovery Park, and Washington Park Arboretum might come to mind. But have you heard of Carkeek Park?

Situated along the shoreline in north Seattle’s Broadview neighborhood, Carkeek Park is a huge expanse of natural wonder that offers 220 acres of lush land to explore. Here are a few of the park’s major highlights you won’t want to miss on your visit:

 

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Visit historic Piper’s Orchard

This restored fruit orchard is tucked away in the park along Pipers Creek Trail, and Piper’s Orchard has become a gathering place for the community. Many locals have come together to revitalize and maintain the orchard, and there are various work parties, harvest get-togethers, and other events throughout the year. The orchard is home to several different types of trees and varieties, and you’ll find apples, cherries, pears, plums, quince, filberts, walnuts, hawthorns, chestnuts, and more in the orchard. Click here to view a map of the different types of trees.

 

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Explore the miles of trails

Scenic trails wind their way through the 220 acres of Carkeek Park, and you can wander to your heart’s content as you birdwatch and take in the view, or find a map of trails to follow here and here.

 

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Play on the salmon-themed playground

Carkeek Park is the perfect destination on a sunny day—pack a picnic and you can stay from morning ’til evening since there’s plenty to do and see! The Carkeek Park Playground is sure to be a highlight for kids, and there are also fields perfect for running and playing sports.

 

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Carkeek Park Beach

The Railroad Foot Bridge is a pedestrian bridge that leads from the parking lot over railroad tracks to the beach, and especially when the tide is out, there is plenty to explore. Relax and take in the view, or traipse through the sand to see what kinds of sea creatures the tide left behind!

 

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Educational programs

There’s much more to Carkeek Park than “just” it’s outdoor amenities—Carkeek Park is home to the Carkeek Earthkeepers Day Camps, a summer camp for kids ages 6-12. There are different themes each week throughout the summer, and you can learn more about the camp here. The park is also home to Creative Kids Preschool and the Environmental Learning Center.

 

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You can learn more about Carkeek Park and how to get involved with the park’s upkeep and community here.

Our latest listing in Bitter Lake is only a 5-minute drive to Carkeek Park! Click here to see all photos + info.