Originally the honey and I were hoping to take the trail that cuts off from the 1-90 trail down and…read moreunder the East Portal Viewpoint, however it was cordoned off so we ended up taking in the gorgeous view and going back through the tunnel to Bradner Gardens Park. The view at the East Portal Viewpoint is amazing, especially on a clear day. It's so pretty that when you're on the other side of Lake Washington, you can think back on what it looked like like from so high up. It's almost entirely an easy walk from Sam Smith Park through the large tunnel, though the last 20 feet or so after the tunnel up to the view is up a steep incline, so be prepared. Otherwise this was a fun point in our day, and definitely worth the detour!

We've driven under here for decades but never looked to see what's above. After studying Google…read moremaps, I learned of this viewpoint and decided it's time to search for it. Essentially, you'll be standing above where it says "Seattle - Portal to the Pacific" This spot is not easy to find so definitely GPS your way there. If you drive a stick shift, be aware of some steep streets in the area. It was a cloudy day and the fact this is not a park with resting places, it's not crowded at all. It's kind of nice to stand here and take some pictures. If you want to explore, there's a walk/bike path to get down to I-90 and Lake Washington. The walk/bike path tunnel has some cool art work. Because it's relatively quiet, I'd suggest proceed with caution rather you're on foot or bike. I'm not familiar with the safety in this area. Probably don't come alone at night for your first visit. Anyway, as a local, I think it's a visit at least once worthy scenic stop.

Beautiful little park Perfect for a light stroll…read moreTwo levels you can walk Easily stay away from the steps and steeper levels Quiet Walk toward the salmon ladders and watch the seals even on off seasons Free parking

I think most people neglect this park in their hurry to get to the locks and the fish ladder. This…read moreis a nice park with benches and paved walkways. Immerse yourself in watching the boats from afar, and maybe even have a small picnic. You won't be competing for space even if the near by attractions are packed with people like sardines. The park is well maintained and very accessible to everyone of all ages and abilities.

The newly updated Elliot Bay Trail is stunning! Many places to sit and enjoy the views. Also a…read morecouple areas close to the waters edge. If you're brave you could take a dip. Not me! I appreciate the designated pathway for walkers and one for cyclists. Not everyone follows the rules but mostly everyone does. A new coffee shop is also on the pathway with gender neutral bathrooms. Even an attendant making sure folks line up and the bathroom stays clean. Wow. Views are amazing too! Across Elliot Bay. And watching the cruise ships is always fun. What a wonderful way to spend the better part of the day. Do it! Live your life! SYOY!

Beautiful park right by the water. I enjoyed a nice run here with views of the water, mountains and…read morecity. I ran towards the downtown Seattle waterfront. Super clean

Mount Baker Ridge Viewpoint is another spot you can add to your list of obscure Seattle viewpoints…read more It's not the most stunning view in this city, but it is a unique little place and worth a stop if you're in the area. This pocket park is an excellent example of what neighborhood community activism can accomplish in creating new public space. The project began in 1999 with a petition to acquire the land from the Washington State Department of Transportation and ended in 2009 when the park was dedicated on the spring equinox. Money to build the park was raised through a combination of public funding, corporate giving, and donations from individuals and foundations. The park is tucked back in the Mount Baker neighborhood on the ridge above the I-90 tunnels. The viewpoint is in the middle of an old, quaint two block commercial district with several eateries close by. Parking is on the street.

About 70 some folks and dogs stopped by for the June Solstice. A pretty neat and scientifically…read moreaccurate spot here in seattle. The sunset stones are a sundial. Check them out. Right above the I-90 tunnel and the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trail.

Five stars. For the size and lovely location, this park is five stars. A small parking lot. Small…read moregrass are. But the views? HUGE!!! Amazingly huge. From I-90 to Seward Park across the lake. Wow. A regular stop for me when I take a walk on the Island. Excellent place to chill. SYOY.

SMALL but effective!…read more Depends on what you're visiting for. We stopped by with a pizza and a few beers just to chill out for a second before walking back to our airbnb. I love that there's a few different little waterfront parks on the west side of Mercer Island. Gives a few different options ... & they all feel pretty private too, which is nice! Seems well kept up enough. Worth a little stop to chill for a second if you're on the island!

Beautiful park in posh Mercer island, so close to Downtown, yet so mentally far away from…read moreeverything. It was my first visit and enjoyed a lot, in particular the blackberry foraging! Someone told me summer in Seattle is the best of the best, and a visit to this park (and generally speaking Mercer island) is a must. I got hundreds of blackberries, the smell of fresh grass, the pure air breathing and a nice hike close to the water. Some people were fishing, very postcard idyllic. Go and visit!

The newest 'Fritz Hedges Waterway Park' really has some of the bleakest landscaping I've seen. In…read moresummer you will simply cook in the sun and the sparse parking lot tree species all look half alive. And the native landscaping is very weedy. I'm not sure why nobody put any thought into providing shade. It seems somebody landscaped it back in 2021 and forgot about anything but cutting the grass. I'm sure they send the folks in with gas powered blowers twice a week but god forbid they actually pluck a weed or water a tree. The grass is great if you're a goose or duck, and it's great for you to poop on, of course. It's a fine place to go swim or launch a boat but staying on shore...well you'd be better off visiting Greenlake.

Fritz Hedges Waterway Park at first blush really reminded the honey and I of Annabel Lake in San…read moreRamon. It has quite a bit of seating and a gorgeous view of the water. We loved watching the ducks and enjoying how peaceful the park is. The one star loss is that if you look a little closer you'll notice that the chairs are bolted down and could use a new coat of paint. The park is generally clean, but it appears that they've been doing some weed work on the garden and haven't yet cleaned out the dead plant material. I expected a bit more of Sakuma Viewpoint since wasn't really a viewpoint - it's just a water overlook and you have the same view almost everywhere in the park, but beyond that, we really enjoyed how relaxing the space was. So all in all, if you're in the area, I wouldn't hesitate to drop by.

Such a cute and fun addition to the iconic Fremont Troll. I never knew this area existed! I was a…read morebig fan of the benches to enjoy the city view on a sunny day. Loved the moss wish turtle. I recommend walking through :)

Not really much going on with this mini hike. I just wish that there was more water in the jug to…read moreuse for when you pat moss turtle baby for a good wish. Still cute w the little troll houses on the trees, though, hehe