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Saint Edward State Park sits on roughly 316 acres in Kenmore, Washington, on the northeastern shore of Lake Washington about 12 miles north of Seattle. The land was originally operated by the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle as a seminary; the state of Washington acquired it in 1977, and Washington State Parks has managed it ever since.
The park is defined by two contrasting landscapes: dense second-growth forest laced with ravines and streams, and the formal open grounds surrounding the 1931 Gothic Revival seminary building. That building — now commonly called the "Lodge at St. Edward" — underwent a significant renovation and opened as a boutique hotel and event venue operated under a concession agreement. Visitors are free to walk the grounds whether or not they are staying at the lodge.
Because it abuts Bastyr University's campus to the north, the area has an unusually quiet, campus-like feel uncommon among Pacific Northwest state parks. The combination of architectural heritage, waterfront access, trails, and proximity to Seattle makes it a popular day-use destination for hikers, swimmers, and families year-round.
Getting There
By Car
The park entrance is located at approximately 14445 Juanita Drive NE, Kenmore, WA 98028. From Seattle, take I-5 north to SR-522 east, then follow local roads north toward Kenmore. From the Eastside (Bellevue/Kirkland), take NE 132nd Street or Juanita Drive NE north. GPS navigation to the park address is reliable.
By Public Transit
King County Metro operates bus routes connecting Kenmore and the surrounding area to Seattle and Bellevue. Routes and schedules change; check the King County Metro Trip Planner (metro.kingcounty.gov) for current service to stops near Juanita Drive NE. The park is not directly served by Link Light Rail as of the time of writing, though regional transit expansion is ongoing — verify current options before your visit.
By Bike
The Sammamish River Trail passes through nearby Bothell and connects to the regional trail network. Cyclists familiar with King County trail maps can plan a route to the park, though the final approach on Juanita Drive NE involves road riding on a moderately busy arterial.
Where to Stay
The Lodge at St. Edward State Park
The renovated seminary building operates as a hotel under a long-term concession agreement with Washington State Parks. The lodge offers guest rooms within the historic structure along with event and dining facilities. Because it is a privately operated concession, room availability, rates, and amenity details change — check the lodge's official website or a booking platform for current information.
Camping
Saint Edward State Park does not offer traditional tent or RV camping. Visitors planning overnight stays in the area should look at accommodations in Kenmore, Kirkland, or the broader Seattle-Eastside area, or consider nearby parks that do offer camping (see Nearby section).
Day Use
The park is primarily set up for day use. Parking is available in the main lot off 68th Avenue NE; a Discover Pass is required for vehicles parked at Washington State Parks — verify current pass requirements and fees at the Washington State Parks website or at the entry kiosk.
Things to See & Do
Trails
The park contains approximately 3 miles of marked trails that wind through conifer and maple forest down to Lake Washington. Gradients range from gentle to moderately steep, particularly on routes that descend to the waterfront. Trail surfaces include packed earth and some rooted sections; conditions can be muddy from November through April. Mountain biking is permitted on designated trails — verify current designations with Washington State Parks before riding.
Lake Washington Waterfront
A small beach area at the bottom of the ravine trail provides direct access to Lake Washington. Swimming is popular in summer; there is no lifeguard on duty, so swimmers enter at their own risk. The lake views across to Kirkland and Bellevue are a draw in themselves.
Historic Seminary Grounds
- The 1931 seminary building is on the Washington Heritage Register and worth examining for its Gothic Revival stonework and scale.
- A gymnasium, pool building, and several outbuildings also survive from the seminary era.
- The seminary pool — historic and largely intact — has been a subject of restoration discussions; verify its current status locally before planning a visit around it.
Community Garden
A community garden plot area operates within the park boundaries, a legacy use that dates to the state's early stewardship of the land.
Photography and Birdwatching
The wooded ravines, open lawns, and lakefront attract migratory and resident birds. Pileated woodpeckers, great blue herons, and Steller's jays are commonly reported. The grounds offer good light for architectural photography in the morning hours.
Food & Drink
The Lodge at St. Edward operates dining facilities on-site; hours and menu offerings are subject to change under the concession arrangement, so verify directly with the lodge before counting on a meal there.
Kenmore's commercial corridor along Bothell Way NE (SR-522) is approximately a 5–10 minute drive and offers a practical range of casual dining, coffee shops, and grocery options. The nearby city of Kirkland (roughly 10–15 minutes south) has a wider restaurant selection along its lakefront and downtown core.
If planning a picnic — a popular choice given the park's grounds — bring supplies from home or stop at a grocery store in Kenmore or Bothell before arriving, as in-park food retail is limited to whatever the lodge may offer.
Practical Information
Discover Pass
Parking at Washington State Parks requires a Discover Pass for most vehicles. Day passes and annual passes can be purchased online through the Washington State Parks website, at the park entry kiosk (cash and card options — verify availability), or at various outdoor retailers. Verify current pricing on the official Washington State Parks website.
Facilities
Restrooms are available near the main parking area. The lodge concession operates its own facilities for hotel and dining guests. There is no general park store or visitor center in the traditional sense; the lodge staff can often answer basic park questions.
Dogs
Leashed dogs are permitted on park trails and grounds. Clean up after pets — waste bag stations may be available but supply is not guaranteed.
Accessibility
The upper grounds around the seminary building are relatively flat and accessible. Trails descending to the lake involve significant grade changes and uneven surfaces; they are not suitable for standard wheelchairs. Contact Washington State Parks to ask about current accessible route options.
Emergency Services
Kenmore is served by King County Emergency Services. In any emergency dial 911. The nearest full-service hospital is verify locally, as facilities and closures change.
Safety
Trail conditions can deteriorate quickly after rain; wet roots and steep descents to the lake create slip hazards from fall through spring. Wear footwear with grip and check recent trail condition reports before visiting in wet weather.
Lake Washington is cold year-round relative to ocean beaches, even in summer. Swimmers should be aware of cold water shock risk and the absence of lifeguards. Children should be supervised closely near the water.
The forested areas of the park are generally safe, but standard urban-park precautions apply: do not leave valuables visible in parked vehicles, stay on marked trails after dark, and be aware of your surroundings.
