Saint Edward State Park

getting there

driving

From SR-522 in Kenmore, turn south onto 68th Ave NE, and continue 1.8 miles after it becomes Juanita Dr. Turn right onto NE 145th St, staying right at the fork and follow the signs to the park.

From I-405 near Bellevue and Kirkland, take Exit 20A off of I-405, turn left NE 116th St, and drive west 1.4 miles. Continue straight onto Juanita Dr for 3.9 miles. Turn left onto NE 145th St, staying right at the fork and follow the signs to the park.

transit

King Country Metro Route 234 stops near the northeast corner of the park.

about the park

from Washington State Parks

Amidst the sprawling grounds, lapping lakeshore and verdant footpaths, you'll find a place steeped in Northwest history. The large brick building was the first successful Catholic seminary in the Pacific Northwest and the first accredited Catholic seminary university in the United States. Envisioned and financed by Seattle's first bishop, Edward O'Dea, and designed by famed architect John Graham, the remarkable edifice was constructed in 1931 and served students until 1976.

form Craig Romano, Urban Trails Eastside

Saint Edwards State Park contains the largest undeveloped stretch of shoreline on Lake Washington. A former Ctholic seminary, this lovely hilltop and lakeside retreat contains historic Romanesque buildings and more than 9 miles of trails. Hike or run down lush ravines and up forest ed ridges and hillsides. And stroll along more than 3,000 feet of wild Lake Washington shoreline—one of the many blessings this popular park has to offer.

Notes

• There is no watercraft launch at the park, but paddlers launching from other parts of Lake Washington may land on the beach.
• With Saint Edward, Big Finn Hill, McDonald Preserve & O.O. Denny so close to each other, this makes for a 7.5 mile round trip trail run.

Information for Leaders

scheduling

• If you are scheduling this as a non-course related activity, please limit your group size to the recommended party size. The maximum party size is for use by course field trips only, and includes both students and instructors. Group size maximums do not reflect how course field trips are run (in smaller groups of students and instructors), but allow for course leaders to register the course in our system.
• This route/place allow multiple bookings to accommodate morning and afternoon sections of our programs. Please be sure that no activities schedule here overlap.
• If you are scheduling a course field trip, please contact our Member Services Team to confirm the field trip and any permitting regulations.

permits

• The Mountaineers has a commercial use permit with Washington State Parks for all free and fee-based outings at state parks. Leaders should carry a print or digital copy of our  commercial use permit to show rangers they may encounter. 

• Suitable Activities: Bikepacking, Day Hiking, Trail Running, Urban Adventure
• Seasons: Year-round
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Easy/Moderate, Bikepacking MTB I, Bikepacking MTB II
• Length: 7.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 1,300 ft
• High Point: 360 ft

• Land Manager: Saint Edward State Park
• Parking Permit Required: Discover Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 36
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 36