Belvedere Park

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HOURS

4 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.

ABOUT THE PARK

This park has a stunning view across Elliott Bay to downtown Seattle, and on clear days to the Cascade Mountains and Mt. Rainier.

Divided into two parts on the east and west sides of Admiral Way, the east section features a totem pole depicting stylized beavers, fish and frogs.

Belvedere Viewpoint is a popular spot for scenic photos and as a backdrop for wedding and other ceremonial photos.

HISTORY

Belvedere Viewpoint was named after the "Belvidere District" subdivision. It comes from the Italian words for "beautiful" and "to see."

The original 25-foot totem was a gift to the city in the 1930s from E. "Daddy" Standley, owner of Ye Olde Curiosity Shop on the downtown waterfront and a booster of the viewpoint, from his collection. It was carved by Bella-Bella Indians from the Queen Charlotte Islands.

It became famous from use on postcards and telephone directories. Deemed beyond repair in 1966, its replacement was carved from a cedar log cut from Schmitz Park. Robert Fleischman and Michael Morgan, both Boeing engineers, donated some 300 hours of work carving the new totem.