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Carkeek Park

Amenities

Hand Carry Boat Launches Drinking fountains Play Area Views Trails Picnic Sites Restrooms Grills

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About

Map of Carkeek Park trails

This popular park offers extraordinary views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Explore the secrets of this northwest Seattle watershed, nine miles from downtown. Here, 220 acres of lush forest, meadows, wetlands, creeks, and beach are formed by the magic of water and time. Come take part in an education program, have a picnic, or get involved as a volunteer teacher or as part of an outdoor work party. Walk the Pipers Canyon Story Trail, play on the uniquely salmon themed play area, or touch time at the historic Piper Orchard.

Hand carry boating access is located at the shoreline south of the overpass and extending south for 300'. Access is restricted to boats arriving by water only.

History

The first Carkeek Park was located at Pontiac Station just north of Sand Point and in 1918 was named for Morgan J. Carkeek, an English building contractor who came to Seattle in 1875. In 1928 the park moved to its location in northwest Seattle. From the beach you can see the southern tip of Whidbey Island, the Kitsap Peninsula, and the Olympic Mountains.

Carkeek Park EarthKeepers Day Camp

Carkeek Park's EarthKeepers Day Camp for children (ages 6-12) is within 220 acres of lush forest, meadows, wetlands, creeks, and beach formed by the magic of water and time. On any given day a camp participant may explore the tide pools, hike the many trails, play in a field, learn about nature or create art.

We offer activities to foster friendship, learning, creativity and leadership. EarthKeepers Summer Day Camp is a collaboration between the Carkeek Park Advisory Council, the Associated Recreation Council, and Seattle Parks and Recreation. 

Volunteers

In Carkeek Park, years of hard work by neighbors and volunteers have:

  • brought salmon back to Pipers Creek,
  • restored major portions of the forest,
  • built miles of trails,
  • created a 1-acre Demonstration Garden,
  • educated visitors, and
  • restored a unique fruit orchard.

More information and get involved at Carkeek Park Advisory Council and Green Seattle Partnership.

Carkeek Park Visitor Center

Carkeek Park Visitor Center is no longer open for public use. 
Carkeek Park Visitor Center was temporarily open during the closure of Discovery Park Visitor Center, most recently from October 2022-June 2023.  Read about it on the Parkways blog.

Current Projects

Carkeek Park Playground Renovation

Visit Carkeek Park Playground Renovation for information on the playground renovation and how to participate in the community input process.

Carkeek Park Overpass Project

Visit the Carkeek Park Pedestrian Bridge Replacement project webpage for information on this project and how to provide input.

Parks and Recreation

AP Diaz, Superintendent
Mailing Address: 100 Dexter Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109
Phone: (206) 684-4075
Fax: (206) 615-1813
pks_info@seattle.gov

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