Denny Blaine Park

Denny Blaine Park is a small 2-acre waterfront park located in the Denny-Blaine neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. Situated along Lake Washington Boulevard, the park offers picturesque views of Lake Washington, Bellevue across the lake, and Mount Rainier in the distance.

The park features a grassy beach area surrounded by an old stone wall, which marks the original shoreline before the lake level was lowered by 9 feet in 1917 due to the construction of the Lake Washington Ship Canal. This tiered layout provides space for various activities, with the upper level suitable for activities like volleyball, while the lower level near the water is ideal for quiet picnics and sunbathing.

Denny Blaine Park has been a significant location for Seattle's LGBTQ+ community since the 1970s, known as an unofficial queer- and trans-friendly clothing-optional beach. The park's history is tied to Seattle's early development, as it was one of five small parks in the area donated by the Denny-Blaine Land Company, a real estate development firm operated by Elbert F. Blaine and Charles L. Denny.

The park is primarily used for recreational activities such as picnicking, sunbathing, and swimming. It's worth noting that the beach is non-lifeguarded, so visitors should exercise caution when engaging in water activities. The park's tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty make it a popular spot for relaxation and enjoying views of the lake and surrounding landscape.