Carkeek Park

Carkeek Park is a 216-acre urban oasis located in the Broadview neighborhood of northwest Seattle, Washington. Established in the 1920s, this diverse park offers visitors a unique blend of natural landscapes and recreational facilities.

The park encompasses a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, wetlands, creeks, and a stretch of Puget Sound beach. Its topography features steep ravines and hillsides, providing challenging hiking opportunities and scenic viewpoints. The park's main waterway, Piper's Creek, along with its tributaries Venema Creek and Mohlendorph Creek, form one of Seattle's few remaining salmon-bearing stream systems.

Carkeek Park boasts an extensive trail network, with approximately 6 miles of paths winding through its varied terrain. These trails offer visitors the chance to explore the park's natural beauty, from dense forests of Douglas fir, western red cedar, and big leaf maple to open meadows and wetland areas. The park also provides access to a sandy beach on Puget Sound, reached via a pedestrian bridge that crosses over the BNSF railway tracks.

One of the park's notable features is Piper's Orchard, a historic fruit tree grove that dates back to the late 19th century. This orchard, once neglected, has been restored through community efforts and now serves as an educational resource on heritage fruit varieties and sustainable orchard management.

The park includes several educational facilities, such as the Carkeek Park Environmental Learning Center, which hosts environmental education programs. There's also a salmon imprint pond used for salmon release programs, supporting the park's role in local conservation efforts.

Carkeek Park offers stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, making it a popular destination for both nature enthusiasts and casual visitors seeking a peaceful retreat within the city limits.