West Seattle

West Seattle's Many Parks, Green Spaces & Neighborhoods

First settled by the Denny Party at Alki Beach in 1851, West Seattle from Duwamish Point to Roxbury Street was annexed to the City of Seattle in 1907. Today, West Seattle parks, green spaces and neighborhoods offer outdoor enthusiasts myriad ways to get out and explore.

West Seattle is sprinkled with lovely city parks, from the massive Lincoln Park from the high points with play fields to the cobbled beach, Solstice Park looking west to the Salish Sea with a unique astrolabe, Fauntleroy Park, Lowman Beach Park, Schmitz Park, Me-Kwa-Mooks Park, Alki Beach Park & Akli Point, and Jack Block and Joe Block Parks.

West Seattle stairways

3.5 miles, 400 feet of elevation gain, 495 steps down and only 69 steps up

Start on busy California Way but soon find a sheltered alley with grand views heading south towards the third longest stairway in the city.  Thistle Stairs paved with concrete pried from city streets and guard railed with street car ties, leads towards Lincoln Park but on streets above busy Fauntleroy Way.  A short, uphill jog finds Solstice Park where West Seattle's version of Stonenge reveals astrolabe sight lines.  A walk through the elegant Lincoln Park Annex P-Patch leads to  Lincoln Park play fields and picnic areas.   A bluff-top stroll finds the switch-back North Beach Trail leading down to Vashon Way along the beach.  Just north is Lowman Beach Park and the return to California Way is reached via the well concealed Beveridge Stairs. This urban adventure combines walks # 16 and #17 from Seattle Stairway Walks. 

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

• Difficulty: *Varies*, Easy
• Length: 3.5 mi
• Elevation Gain: 500 ft
• High Point: 350 ft

• Land Manager: Seattle Parks and Recreation
• Parking Permit Required: None
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 25
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12