Plan Your Visit

Saint Edward State Park is an easy day trip: open 8 a.m. to dusk all year, with lawns, picnic areas and a playground at the top of the park and forest trails down to Lake Washington. Bring a Discover Pass for the car, water and good shoes for the steep trails. There is no camping, so plan to leave by dusk.

What to Bring

• A Discover Pass, or buy one at the park's pay station: $10 a day, $45 a year. See Discover Pass.
• Water. The agency lists drinking water, but some taps may be off in the colder months.
• Shoes with grip. Trails to the lake are steep in places, and the climb back is the hard part.
• A leash of 8 feet or less, if your dog is coming.

Picnics

Small, casual groups are welcome at the picnic areas any time. Washington State Parks lists picnic tables and grills, and it strongly recommends reserving for events, because first-come tables may be taken when bigger groups have the park booked.

Reservable spots:

• The Orchard: apple and cherry trees near the playground, with a stand-up barbecue grill, for up to 100 people.
• The Grotto: the 1940s stone alcove, for up to 120 people. See the Grotto.
• The Nun's Garden: for small family gatherings of up to 30 people.

Book online at washington.goingtocamp.com or by phone at (888) 226-7688. Planning a bounce house or outside vendors? Call the park at (425) 832-2147 about a special activity permit first.

For Kids

The agency map shows the playground beside the picnic area just south of the seminary building. Washington State Parks also lists ball fields and volleyball. Older kids may like geocaching, which the agency lists as an activity here.

Accessibility

Washington State Parks lists accessible restrooms, accessible parking, ADA buildings and accessible trails at Saint Edward. The trails down to the lake are steep, so the lawns, picnic areas and Grotto area near the top are the easiest parts of the park to reach.

Events and Volunteering

The Friends of Saint Edward State Park organize volunteer work, community events and education programs. In past summers Washington State Parks' Folk and Traditional Arts in the Parks program has co-hosted Skandia Midsommarfest at Saint Edward, with a maypole raising and dancing. Check the official park page for this year's dates.

Food and the Lodge

Washington State Parks lists concessions at the park, and The Lodge at Saint Edward, a private hotel in the old seminary, has its own restaurants and a spa. This guide isn't affiliated with the Lodge.

Good to Know

• Day use only. No camping or overnight parking.
• Alcohol must stay at your picnic site, and keg beer isn't allowed.
• Fires only in designated areas; check the official page for burn bans.
• Private property borders the park, so stay on park trails.

See rules and regulations for the details.