About Saint Edward State Park

Saint Edward State Park is a 326-acre day-use park in Kenmore, Washington, at the north end of Lake Washington. Its forested trails, lawns and about 3,000 feet of shoreline surround the brick buildings of a former Catholic seminary, built in 1931 and now a private hotel. Washington State Parks runs the park, which opened in 1978 and sits about 25 minutes from Seattle.

What Makes Saint Edward Different

The park brochure calls Saint Edward the largest remaining undeveloped area on Lake Washington. On a lake ringed by homes, it keeps a long stretch of wooded shore open to everyone. It is also built around a historic campus: the seminary's lawns, orchard and stone Grotto are still part of a visit.

What's in the Park

• Forest trails: 14 named trails on the agency map, many shared with mountain bikes. See hiking.
• Lake Washington shoreline: about 3,000 feet of rocky beach, reached on foot. See the beach.
• Lawns and picnic areas: open lawns around the seminary, first-come picnic tables, grills and reservable spots like the Orchard and the Nun's Garden.
• The Grotto: a 1940s cobblestone alcove rented for weddings. See the Grotto.
• Play and sports: Washington State Parks lists playgrounds, ball fields and volleyball among the amenities.
• Buildings: the old seminary, now The Lodge at Saint Edward, plus a gymnasium and a building marked EERC on the park map.

The Seminary and the Lodge

The four-story seminary was designed by John Graham and finished in 1931 for Seattle's first Catholic bishop, Edward O'Dea. It closed in 1976, and the state bought it the next year. Since May 7, 2021 it has been The Lodge at Saint Edward, a hotel run under a long-term lease. The agency's park page says the Lodge offers overnight rooms, three places to eat, a spa and event space.

The Lodge is a private business. Staying there is not required to visit the park, and this guide has no connection to it. See history for the full story.

Nature

The brochure lists Douglas fir, western hemlock, red alder, bigleaf maple, western red cedar and Pacific madrone, plus many species of birds and animals. Washington State Parks also lists bird watching, wildlife viewing and seasonal wildflowers among the park's draws.

Who Runs the Park

Saint Edward is managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. The volunteer group Friends of Saint Edward State Park runs community events, education programs and volunteer work. Park office: (425) 823-2992, saint.edward@parks.wa.gov.

Day Use Only

There is no camping at Saint Edward. The park is open 8 a.m. to dusk all year, and cars need a Discover Pass. See hours and fees.