Saint Edward State Park

Saint Edward State Park is a state park covering 316 acres of forest in Kirkland, with a network of trails running through dense woods. The park extends to an undeveloped shoreline on Lake Washington, and also features sports fields and fishing areas for visitors to use.

A Catholic seminary was built here in 1931 by the Seattle Archdiocese and operated for about 46 years training priests. After it closed in the late 1970s, the land passed to the state and became open to the public.

The grounds once served as a Catholic seminary, and visitors today can see how this religious past shaped the landscape. Walking through, you notice the older buildings that stand among the trees, reminding you that this place held deep meaning for many people over time.

The park is open from dawn until dusk, and trails here work well for both hikers and mountain bikers of different abilities. The ground can get muddy after rain, so wear shoes with good grip and bring layers for changing weather.

The forest here is second-growth woodland, meaning it was once cleared and has been recovering for decades on its own. Walking through, you witness how nature quietly repairs itself, with new trees and wildlife gradually returning to what was once stripped land.

Location: Kirkland

Operator: Washington State Parks

Opening Hours: 08:00-dusk

Website: https://parks.state.wa.us/577/Saint-Edward

GPS coordinates: 47.73169,-122.25813

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:01