Warren G. Magnuson Park
Walking

Construction Update Starting in March 2008 construction will begin on Phase 2 of the Wetland and Athletic Fields Project. Construction fencing will be installed around the project site. The Cross Park Trail will be the main east-west access through the park. » More information

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Walking In

You can "hoof it" into the park at both the N.E. 65^th Street and the N.E. 74^th Street main entrances. Additionally, there are two pedestrian gates along Sand Point Way N.E.-one at the 70^th street bus stop, the second further north just north of N.E. 77^th Street, adjacent to the south side of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) entry road.

Walk This Way

The park's "historic district" features more than 20 brick and metal structures built in the 1930s and 1940s. A suggested walk (approximately one mile) begins at the corner of N.E. 65^th Street and 62^nd Avenue N.E. Head north to where it crosses N.E. 74^th past the former Navy offices, storage buildings, and hangars. Follow the signs to the North Shore Recreation Area that leads through a vehicle underpass onto the shore area. Don't miss the unexpected, spectacular views to the north and east of Lake Washington. The green areas across the lake on its eastern shore are O. Denny Park and Big Finn Hill Park.

Cross Park Trail

The Cross Park Trail connects the Junior League of Seattle Playground to the lake shore, providing walkers who enter at N.E. 74th with direct access to the beach. From the main parking lot near the Junior League of Seattle Playground, the "Cross-Park Trail" offers a one-mile loop when the NOAA gate is locked (as it has been since 9/11/2001). Visitors to the Junior League of Seattle Playground, special events in Building 30, or the Brig (Building 406) also can enjoy direct access to the beach by using the new trail.

View Trail Map

Whoa, trail blazers! Exploration and experience is what the park's all about, but please keep to the designated walking trails. Plowing through grass and underbrush disturbs the nesting of birds in the spring through mid-July.

As part of a construction project to renovate athletic fields east-west access on the Cross Park Trail will be obstructed. People can take one of two routes either through the dog off leash area, or along NE 65th Street. Look for the green signs to guide you around the construction area. From the east the detour route starts near the Sports Meadow parking lot, while from the west it starts just south of the Junior League Playground.

During September and October 2004, trucks will be transporting dirt from the east side of the Building 193, the former commissary, to the sports meadow fields. Watch out for dump trucks traversing between the Commissary and the fields.

Art and Scenery to the North

The NOAA Art Walk still exists to the north of the park, but due to the events on September 11th access to NOAA is restricted for security reasons. Access is restricted to only pedestrians and only via the NOAA Access Road. To gain access one is required to present photo identification and obtain a visitor's pass that must be returned upon exiting. The eastern turnstile gate between the park and NOAA is closed. NOAA is closed to all access on Saturdays and Sundays. Other trails cross the park's dog off-leash area and connect with various natural and activity areas-you'll not lack for scenery changes as you stroll.

If you can see a water tower on the ridge across Lake Washington, that is St. Edwards State Park, the former location of the St. Edward seminary. South of this area at about N.E. 120^th Street you can find O. Denny Park (adjoining Big Finn Hill Park, managed by King County) which is owned by the Seattle Parks and Recreation. These three parks comprise more than 600 acres.

Native Plants, Birds to the South

At the southern end of the park, the Promontory Point wildlife habitat area includes trails that explore the hillside south of public boat launch. Wear sturdy walking shoes. Stick to the designated trails to see the work of hundreds of volunteers and nonprofit organization staff who have been rehabilitating and enhancing the site as a prime northwest native plant and bird territory.

For more information about the Promontory Point Habitat Area, Projects - ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS