8) Saint Edwards State Park

Hike Length: 3 miles
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
Hike Difficulty: Easy
Map: None recommended
hike overview map


Saint Edward State Park is a 316-acre pocket wilderness hidden away right in the middle of Puget Sound’s most densely populated county. The park’s most wonderful feature is its 3,000 feet of undeveloped shoreline on Lake Washington. Two deep ravines with flowing brooks cut deeply into the hillside above the lake shore, comprising lushly forested havens of tranquility. A good network of trails allows exploration of the diverse terrain that the park offers.

A magnificent building on the hilltop surrounded by expansive lawns was once used as a Catholic seminary, before the land was donated to the State Park system. Visitors will enjoy the rich history reflected in the building’s grounds and architecture.

Getting There:

From downtown Seattle, at 3rd and Union, catch the northbound ST 522 bus and ride it to the major intersection at Bothell Way and 68th Avenue NE [GPS N 47 deg 45 min 30 sec, W 122 deg 15 min 00 sec].

There, transfer to either the M 935 minibus (hourly departures, weekdays only) or the M 234 bus (half-hourly departures) at the bus stop on 68th just south of the intersection. 

Once on either bus line, it’s just a 5 minute ride to the park. You’re in luck if you catch the 935 bus, because it takes you right into the heart of the park at Bastyr College; simply get off at the stop in front of the college building. A trailhead for the South Ridge Trail begins by the water tower up the hill from the main college building.

Access to the park via the M 234 bus is almost as good. When the M 234 makes a sharp left turn off Juanita Drive onto 153rd Place, get off at the first stop [N 47 deg 44 min 18 sec, W 122 deg, 15 min 00 sec]. Here you are close to the north edge of the park. Look for the start of the Arrowhead Trail heading into the park on the other side of Juanita Drive, just a few steps uphill from the intersection of Juanita and 153rd.

M234 bus service is available weekends. The M 935 does not run on weekends.

The Hike:

St. Edwards is too small to recommend any definite itinerary. Just follow your nose and explore. Starting near the water tower above Bastyr College, the South Ridge trail drops steeply down through thick second growth forest to the lake shore, which on a sunny way is a wonderful place to relax and have a picnic. Once you are down at the lake shore, you can walk the various trails that travel along the shore, climb up the wooded slopes, or prowl through deep ravines. The South Canyon trail is a particularly nice choice as it ascends a forested, fern-filled valley up to the seminary grounds.

The south edge of St. Edwards park is contiguous with Big Finn Hill Park and O.O. Denny Park; it may be possible to follow trails into those parks. Take the time to explore.

Getting Back:

Catch either the northbound M234 or M935 bus and ride back to Kenmore (Intersection of Bothell Way and 68th Avenue NE). From there, ride M372 to the University District or ST 522 to downtown Seattle.

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