Magnuson Park

Explore Warren Magnuson a.k.a Sandpoint Park, a diamond in the rough

Hike Length: Several miles

Elevation Gain: 100'

Hike Difficulty: easy

Updated 9/24/2021

At 350 acres, Warren G. Magnuson Park (or "Sandpoint Park" as it commonly called) is Seattle's second largest park, behind Discovery Park. Its main features include almost a mile of Lake Washington waterfront, swimming beaches, vast lawns and sports fields, and Seattle's best off-leash dog area.

The park was a naval air station for most of the 20th century. Eventually the base was decommissioned and its land and buildings given to Seattle in 1975. The military roots of the park still show. Remnants of runways, old buildings, and even weapons bunkers can be seen. The park is a bit of a diamond in the rough, but the healing process is well on its way. The city has a long-term plan to remove rundown buildings and crumbling runways to create more natural areas. It's already pretty nice now!

Unique sculpture garden made out of submarine fins at Magnuson Park

Getting There

From downtown Seattle, ride Link Light Rail to the University of Washington Station at Husky Stadium. Walk to Stevens Way on the university campus and catch the Metro 75 bus. Ride to Sand Point Way and NE 65th Street.

The Hike

At the bus stop you are right at the entrance to Magnuson Park. Head into the park and start walking.

No hiking itinerary is recommended, just wander about. Head for the water, take a swim at the beach, and follow the paved promenade north to Seattle's best off-leash dog park. The grassy Kite Hill is nearby and offers one of the best views in Seattle.

At the south end of the park, beyond the boat ramp and parking area, is a wooded hill called Promontory Point, Trails climb up and over the hill to give you a bit of a view and exercise. Just west of the boat ramp is a new artificially constructed wetland area with gravel trails that ramble through it. It is hard to believe that this area used to be covered with pavement.

At the north end of the park is the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) facility. Once upon a time, you could wander along the extensive waterfront there and enjoy visiting a range of interesting outdoor art projects, including the wind-powered, eerily howling Sound Garden. But heightened security since 2001 has mostly blocked easy access by the lake shore. You can still visit the NOAA site, but you have to check in at the guard gate at the main entrance off Sand point Boulevard. It's a bit of a hassle but worth doing. If you arrive at the waterfront gate near the dog beach around noon on weekdays, the gate is sometimes open, and then you can enter the NOAA site after checking in with the guard.

Magnuson Park is close to the Burke-Gilman Trail, and you can do more walking there if you need more exercise. Head north to Lake Forest Park or south to the University District.

"Dog park" beach at Magnuson Park

Restored wetlands created from old runway, Magnuson Park

Getting Back

Catch the southbound Metro 75 on Sand point Way. Ride to the University District. Get off at Stevens Way on campus, and walk down the hill to the Link Light Rail station.