I love the trail system at Saint Edward State Park down to the lake. Just know you hike down and then need to ascend back up. I enjoy this park for a quick hike with my dog, especially in the evenings. Trails are well maintained with a few muddy spots no matter what time of year. There are restrooms at the bottom where the main beachfront is. This recent time I went, there were quite a few trail runners. I can see how this a great spot for that. read more

Beautiful state park! Love the trails and it's really nice down by the water, looking out on Lake Washington. It gets really busy there, so I suggest getting there early. Parking gets tricky once it fills up, but if you get there early, you'll have no issues. Discover Pass required. The Lodge is beautiful too, so be sure to pop in there. read more

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The food is excellent. The seminary has been restored beautifully and I got to stay there for the weekend because I was in a three day Murder Mystery! The staff is overall very hospitable and helpful! The rooms are extremely comfortable and well appointed. I would recommend this to anyone for unforgettable experience! read more

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TLDR; super pleasant, pup-friendly nature trails down to and around Lake Washington. ... Basically grew up at St Edwards Park hiking and playing tennis since the late 1980s. The addition of The Lodge (2024 Michelin Key!) is for sure a net positive but that's a separate review. Long gone are the tennis and racquetball courts and the pool is now closed. Happy the gym has been taken over by The Lodge and now hosts 4 indoor pickleball courts (basketball floors). The old baseball diamond is still there although I never see anyone use it. Now there is also a cricket pitch in the middle which sees use in the summer. The massive children's playground is also still there next to The Lodge and reminds me of the big old wooden playground at Marymoor Park back in the day. The best parts of this park of course are the trails. The lower trails down to the lake are moderately steep but worth it. The main trail is wide and the least strenuous. There are a couple benches for rest. I like to take the more challenging side trails down and then walk back up the main trail. There are now two restrooms at the bottom so you don't have to piss on a tree like in the old days. Pups are welcome. The trails are very well maintained and clean although there is the occasional stray dog poop unfortunately so be alert. There are some muddy areas. Upper trails along Juanita Drive are also very nice and flatter. Just be mindful as some allow mountain biking. Most bikers are courteous and give a heads up, I have never had an issue. Lots of lovely native plants and enjoy eating wild huckleberries in the summer. There is a massive stand of Oplopanax horridus that I like to visit to give myself the chills. IYKYK Parking is via Discovery Pass and is usually packed on weekends, mostly empty on weekdays. Alternatively the hotel has separate valet parking if you plan on grabbing a brewski afterwards. 10/10 I shall stop rambling now. read more

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This was our Covid favorite! Well also the lodge opened during Covid ( 2021). It got even better. You need discover pass to park here. Baci loves coming here. We hike! We can go inside the hotel. Even stayed at the hotel once. Smaller rooms, older charm. Cute. Love the bar downstairs and the spa too. The grounds are kept well. Awesome for hiking ! read more

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Really nice State Park that abuts the Northeastern end of Lake Washington. Parking requires a Discoverist Pass or paid one-day parking so make sure to plan accordingly since it's not as easy as just finding an available spot and calling it a day. There's a small handful of trails in the park, most comprised of ~1 - 3 mile brief hikes. It'll take you just under a mile to get to Lake Washington via the Grotto or Seminary trail and there's a bit of elevation getting down. The Seminary trail is much more gentle of a slope while the Grotto trail poses slightly more elevated drops managed via switchbacks. Both are accessible, but if you're looking for less impact on your knees, it may be doing the Seminary trail there and back. We tried to do the Orchard Loop but realized it was an extremely steep and slippery trail that didn't seem to be worth the hike given the brevity (either that or we completely went on the wrong trail... sorry Orchard to shame your name if you don't deserve the criticism). Overall nice little State Park that also includes a nice little resort (The Lodge at St. Edward Park) and a unique little university just slightly East of the main park that is private / not available for public recreation. read more

Saint Edward State Park - Parks Near Me - Kenmore, Washington

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We enjoyed the most beautiful hike at Saint Edward State Park! The trails were very well kept and all of the other hikers, and dogs, were so respectful. It's a cool spot to bring your furry friend, but there were some very steep inclines and descents that may be tough for kiddos. Gorgeous views of the forest and Lake Washington, with plenty of spots to for a rest to take in the scenery. Parking wasn't free. It's $10 for a day pass or $30 for a Discover Pass. We went for the Discover Pass as it seemed like the best investment. read more

Saint Edward State Park - Great spot to hike with your pup - Parks Near Me - Kenmore, Washington

This is a great park with the most amazing playgrounds - one for littles and one for biggers, and adjacent to one another making it easier on the parents and caregivers of multiple children. There are plenty of fields to run free, play games or simply sit and soak in the weather or enjoy a picnic. Surrounding woods give more space for exploration, discovery and imaginative play. Creativity abounds in all parts of this great state park! read more

Saint Edward State Park - Parks Near Me - Kenmore, Washington

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Saint Edward State Park is an urban oasis, easily reachable from multiple eastside neighborhoods. It is a 326-acre day-use park with 3,000 feet of freshwater shoreline on Lake Washington, fourteen trails, a huge playground (aka the Grotto), picnic tables, and a newly opened hotel called "The Lodge at Saint Edward State Park". We have barely begun to explore this park in depth. Their huge playground is a tremendous attraction for this park. If you have a child of playground-age, I highly recommend visiting here. Meanwhile, it's always a pleasure to explore the trails, especially trail #1, the Beach trail, to reach the coastline of Lake WA. Note that it's a short but steep walk; see the website's pdf for the trail symbols that denote difficulty level. https://parks.state.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/871/Saint-Edward-State-Park-PDF?bidId= Because this is a state park, the WA State Discover Pass needs to be displayed on your vehicle to park. Day pass or annual pass can be purchased online or on site. read more

Saint Edward State Park - Grotto - the huge playground - Parks Near Me - Kenmore, Washington

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Whether you're going out for a hike, or barbeque under the sunlight, or just enjoying the natural beauty, this park will be an awesome choice for you. I often wish I could live closer to see eastside's plain wonder, but luckily something like this does exist. Summertime is definitely the best season to come and enjoy the fresh air, also watch the squirrel running up and down the trees is quite relaxing. The trails along the woods down to the lakefront may be steep and slippery, if you plan to walk all the way to the waters. Be careful as the narrow pathway can be muddy. I'd recommend get a discovery pass under $30, it's necessary for parking. Again, thank you Saint Edward for bringing such a beautiful scenery to us. read more

Love this park. A beautiful loop trail skirts the edge of the lake and you can swim in the middle of a quick convenient conditioning hike.

St Edward State Park Grotto Review We've been here several times and it's such an amazing Park. Great for hiking, picnics, play by the water with the little ones. And now there's even a hotel. In this review I'll talk about the "St Edward State Park Grotto" only which is a playground made out of wood. Big enough so kids can share without the feeling of being in a crowded space. It has a little bit of everything: slides, sledges, swings, stairs, lots of opportunities to practice your balance, musical instruments. I liked the fact that it's tall enough that children can get some shade in a sunny day (so mostly in the summer) There are restrooms and several tables and benches for you to seat and have a snack before going back to play or go for a hike. Remember to bring your Discovery Pass for your car. read more

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Get out on the trails in the park and rejuvenate your mind and spirit in nature. Be inspired by towering trees, lush ferns, soft moss, lichens, fungi and so much more. Fill your lungs with fresh air and contemplate life in a whole new way. read more

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Bike and walking and hiking trails, super clean, gorgeous trees and a GREAT play structure. Loads of picnic tables available for fun outings for larger groups. What a great park!! You have absolutely everything here. Little and big kids alike can love it here. And adults. read more

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Nice state park to visit for a short hike! It offers some elevation gain/loss which is nice. The best is the lake access it provides - it was perfect during this last summer's pnw heat wave. There are plenty of spots along the water to provide some privacy for your own mini beach! We found a good open spot with other people there and enjoyed the cool water for a while. There are restrooms along the trail also. read more

Saint Edward State Park - Small beach area - Parks Near Me - Kenmore, Washington

This is a beautiful park. There are trails down to the beach. Or you can just hike through the woods. It's beautiful, quiet and peaceful. read more

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We've been using this COVID-19 time to do more exploration of our local state parks, and have been thoroughly enjoying it! Most recently, we spent some time at Saint Edward. This park has a diverse offering for everybody, so it is very family-friendly. There's a huge playground, and it's one of the biggest and nicest that I've seen so far at a state park. During this time, it is closed, though we did see quite a few kids and parents using it. Our curious minds took us on the many trails that surround this park. There are easy, moderate, and difficult trails, though most of them are under 1 mile. The Grotto trail was listed as one of the difficult trails, and I would highly recommend going on this one if you don't have any underlying injuries or health conditions as it is pretty steep and narrow. It's a steady half mile incline over various terrain but the views are stunning. It is also extremely quiet, so you can fully immerse yourself and take in the fresh air and lush greenery. The trail leads you down to the beach overlooking Lake Washington, so definitely don't miss on that. The Seminary trail is moderate in difficulty, so that's an alternative to the Grotto trail. The trailheads are not far from each other. We came on a weekday afternoon, and there were several people on the grounds, and it's easy to socially distance. I imagine the weekends will yield bigger crowds, but with over 326 acres, there's plenty to explore. :) Overall, this is one park that I would come back to regularly, and it's easily accessible from downtown Kirkland. It's also not far from Bridle Trails State Park, another park worth checking out. Don't forget your Discover Pass, or you can pay $10 in the automated machine. read more

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Beautiful setting, very well done hotel. Checkin staff could use extra hands, but very pleasant. read more

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Saint Edward State Park is fantastic! The park is HUGE - large enough for parents to run around with their children. It is well maintained and has been very clean every time I have visited. There are lovely hikes around the park, my favorite hike is about 1.5 miles down to the lake. Don't forget to pack your Discover Pass - you will need it to park! read more

Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful grounds. I came here with my sister, her baby, and my two fur babys. Baby Oaks was in a stroller so we needed a good walking trail for everyone. I arrived first and I was a tad worried, to my left were two parking lots and both were pretty full, but turn right instead and there is a huge parking lot. I drove towards the end and there were plenty of parking spots, we were actually able to park right next to each other. The lodge is beautiful, reminds me of a castle or something. We didn't go in because of the pups but the outside is very pretty and there is a restaurant that we would love to come back and visit. Their outdoor seating looked perfect for a summer lunch! We walked around to the left of the building and found a restroom (very important before a long walk) and they were fairly clean. All along the back there are large fields with picnic tables spread out and if you walk further towards the bushes there are trails. We followed one towards the middle and ended up by the water where kids and pups were playing inside. Afterward we picked a picnic table and had lunch. The tables were very spread out so we were able to let the dogs loose and they played fetch without bothering anyone and Baby Oaks was able to roam around freely with all of the space so it was a great spot for everyone! read more

Beautiful, spacious state park with a historic background. We came here for a sunny Saturday and enjoyed a lot of what Saint Edward State Park has to offer. Nestled near the Juanita neighborhood of Kirkland and Kenmore near Bastyr University, it's worth a drive to get away from the city, but close enough for it to be accessible. Because it is a state park - you do need a Discovery Pass to park here or pay the $10 fee. There are several park rangers here, frequently checking the parking machine and cars, as they have an office here. There are tons of parking spaces in the private lot available, in front of the old seminary building. You cannot visit the seminary building, as there is still discussion of what's to become of this historic sight. The seminary building was the first Catholic seminary in the Pacific Northwest and much of the grounds is still reflective of that. Unfortunately, it's all fenced off due to much-needed repairs, but can be available for private events, such as weddings. As of right now - the state legislature was able to allocate some funding for the restoration of the building and many campaigns and citizen advocacy groups are working to explore the future of the seminary building. The grounds are beautiful here. There is a grotto, many hiking trails and the beach overlooking Lake Washington. I especially loved that we ended up hiking down to the beach, anticipating the water even more. And the beach is large and spacious and was not crowded. You can definitely find a private area to swim at, which is what we did on a Saturday. There were also restrooms nearby. On the grounds by the building was a large playground, picnic tables, and picnic areas where you can reserve a spot to use a grill. Although the state park is popular, it never feels that way since there is so much space to roam. I highly recommend spending a day here. read more

Saint Edward State Park - Beach - Parks Near Me - Kenmore, Washington

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Best park ever!!!! So much history, nature, beauty and endless activities. Definitely recommend for all ages, great place for families and individuals to get outside. read more

Saint Edward State Park - Edited picture of St Edward's Sate Park church/hotel. - Parks Near Me - Kenmore, Washington

This place is so great I want to give it a bad review just so more people don't find out about it. But, I won't. Found this place on yelp because we wanted to get out of the house but go somewhere close. This place is maybe a 15 minute drive from shoreline so was perfect. I needed to break in new hiking boots so the short trials were perfect (multiple between .5-1 miles). I was super excited to find the trail that led down to the lakefront. It was steep, but we were headed down so it didn't matter. The views on a sunny day were great and we were happy there was a less steep route back up. Even though the playground was crowded the trails weren't packed, which was nice. This place inspired me to buy a discover pass so that I could come back multiple times throughout the summer. read more

Saint Edward State Park - Parks Near Me - Kenmore, Washington

This is one of the best parts in the state, and it's difficult to top it. You need a Discover Pass to park here but this park is on the large site of an old (remodeling currently, but will be a hotel) catholic school and as I understand it's now owned by Bastyr University next door, but the state park is still owned by the state. There is tons of green grass and picnic tables as well as miles of hiking trails all over ranging from easy to difficult. I went down to the waterfront via hiking trail and it wasn't too bad for .6 miles down and back. A restroom at the waterfront is also helpful for those with young kids after the hike down. The trials offer views of huge beautiful moss trees and tons of plants to admire. There is a bathroom right next to the playground which is by the way enormous. The play structure is off the charts fancy! It's made of wood and literally a giant two story fortress with secret tunnels; two pairs of two way pipe speaking boxes, rock climbing wall, five slides, many swings, artwork everywhere, three musical instruments, two tire swings, battlements, secret entrances, a captains wheel and a pirate ship, three mirrors and much more. Even adults or older kids will have fun exploring this massive playground and castle. If you go hiking I'd recommend bringing at least water and snacks and to be sure you wear the correct hiking footwear. On the more advanced hiking trails good hiking shoes/boots are very important since advanced trails can be quite difficult with steep inclines and some heavy mud areas. Using the correct hiking equipment is especially critical if you're hiking in the park with children. Most trails are dirt or gravel with some muddy areas, so if you're not wearing good boots or trail/hiking shoes you may get sore or wet feet quickly. They also have several intermediate to advanced mountain biking trails and they look really fun. If you don't feel like hiking there are also lots of flat area paths to ride bikes, walk or run on as well. The large grass flat open areas are great for a picnic or relaxing. I did not see any specific sports fields (baseball, soccer, etc) on the park map but there is plenty of flat grassy field areas for sports activities. They offer a lot of parking spaces and an onsite debit terminal to pay for a one day or yearly Discover Pass. I'd definitely recommend visiting this park often. read more

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There are so many different hiking trails at Saint Edward State Park! It is fun to have so many options in terms of forest or beach, playground or grassy fields, and various levels of hiking difficulty. It's not super crowded on week day afternoons, and even week-ends aren't too bad in terms of crowding, especially considering that this is one of the nicest local parks in the area. Many visitors take their dogs along the trails. Bikes are prohibited on certain trails, and for good reason, since those trails have a good number of exposed roots criss-crossing the trails, areas that are quite steep and/or narrow, and a few hairpin turns. My husband and I ran into someone who'd taken his bike on one of the no-biking trails (what a rebel!), and he'd given up riding his bike and was having a hard time getting his bike back up with him! I'd recommend heeding the signs! On some local hiking trails almost everyone who passes you on the trail says hi. Not so here. This doesn't bother me at all and I actually prefer it, but if you want a friendlier hiking trail, this isn't the place to go. This park is quite spread out. Be sure to allow enough time to return to your car well before dusk. They do close the gates at dusk. We had a near-miss once after taking a wrong turn on a trail we'd never tried before, and our car almost got locked in for the night. I'm not sure exactly what we would've done if that had happened, but I'm glad I didn't have to find out! I've been to this park many times and tried several different trails, and I have yet to have a bad experience here. It's gorgeous, and very peaceful. read more

This is an urban gem that should be on your list to visit! There are ample trails for running, mountain biking or walking. It is a busy well lived park but never feels crowded since it is so spread out. The kids play area is huge and has benches with a bathroom nearby. The adjacent Finn Hill park offers an extension if the trail system and new terrain to explore for future visits. Bastyr University is on site which is fun to walk by or coordinate with one of their events. And then there is the new Lodge in the park in the old Seminary building! They have a nice restaurant with a patio, two bars and a spa! There is definitely something for everyone at this park! read more

This is my favorite local park to go walk. Construction is going on, but come after work hours and it's not a problem. Lots of different trails to explore. Take a look at AllTrails to see all the different hikes and ratings. This is also dog friendly (but please clean up after your dog!). There is normally a playground for kids, but it is closed due to COVID. read more

Saint Edward State Park - Spotted this cool survey marker on a recent hike. - Parks Near Me - Kenmore, Washington

I love biking the trails here! Very close to my home in Edmonds and a good place to bike for a weekday night. read more

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Beautiful, beautiful beautiful. Whatever it is you are looking for, chances are, this park has it for you. A Discover Pass is required, and there are stations located throughout where you can purchase one. The playground is simply amazing. There is a dedicated area for the littlest ones, fully fenced, with one way in/out. The bigger kid area has swings, a climbing wall, and multiple slides and passsge ways to run and have fun in. There are tons of benches on the perimeter of the play area, and the bathroom is a short walk away. There's a large grassy expanse next to the seminary that has several picnic tables where you can nosh while surrounded by huge trees. There are hiking/biking trails all over the park, some leading down to the lake, all within the gorgeous, lush forest. Depite there being quite a few people at the park, it still felt incredibly peaceful. It was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. read more

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This is the park that my family usually goes to for outdoor birthdays and 'picnics' with the grandparents. There are trees and a neat (pretty easy) trail down to the lake. Lots of people seem to bring their dogs here (and they LOVE swimming in the lake). The main reason my parents like going here is because it's easy for the grandparents to walk over to the picnic tables from the parking lot. As for me? Well.... I just like trees, plants, water, and.... eating outside. They also have some pretty neat festivals here in the warm months. One time we stumbled onto Midsommarfest (hosted by the Skandia Folkdance Society), which included the raising of a Scandinavian solstice pole. (I should look into that one sometime, cause before this I only knew about the May Day pole) It was very family-friendly and I think they had music as well as booths. The only booth I really remember, though, is the one that was selling sugar cookies. Mmmm sugar cookies... read more

Saint Edward State Park - Midsommarfest - Parks Near Me - Kenmore, Washington

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This place is a great one for a jog down to the water. Destination is a big tree going down into the water. Very cool. read more

Saint Edward State Park - This place has got to be known for its roots and the most trees fallen into the water - Parks Near Me - Kenmore, Washington

Beautiful views and an easy hike to Lake Washington. The lush greenery is breathtaking and the trails weren't overcrowded despite being a Saturday afternoon. We parked near the college so we could park for free. The trail was pretty narrow and there were some wet/muddy patches, but it's relatively flat, which makes it easy to appreciate the views. If you're wanting a hike that will make you sweat, this is not it. If you're looking for an easy stroll to appreciate nature, look no further. It's a dog-friendly Park, so there were quite a few dogs, but they require them to be on leashes. read more

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My kids love the playground. The play structure has so many nooks to explore. There are different size monkey bars so my little can try without getting scared that it's too high. like how the toddler area is separated from the bigger kids but close by so I can keep an eye out on the older kid. The many walking trails to the lake are awesome. My little when he was three was able to walk down to the water without getting carried, splashed in the lake, and we even saw a bald eagle swoop by us. Parking can be limited on sunny days and either pay $10 or have a Discovery Pass. read more

Saint Edward State Park - At the end of the trail is an area to dip your toes. A lot of dogs enjoying the water too. - Parks Near Me - Kenmore, Washington

I had no idea this place existed and it's so close to home! There are miles of nice trails, but beware in March they can be a bit muddy and slippery in several places. They have easy, moderate, difficult trails. Sometimes you are surrounded by trees and then a moment later you can see Lake Washington or else you might be walking along the lake. They had a huge children's playground which looked really nice. They also have lots of picnic tables. I'm not sure what the buildings are or what they are used for. The one improvement might be better trail signage. It wasn't to clear in several places. Also it might be important to note that the trails in many places are very narrow. I could never talk my mother here, she's wouldn't be stable enough to manage on the narrow/muddy/slippery slopes. Also many trails don't allow bikes. read more

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Nice place to get lil bit of hiking done.We are pretty lucky to have such a park within a 15 minute drive.Awesome playground for the kids,access to the lake,picnic areas, and they even have trails for mountain biking.Don't forget you need to purchase a one day pass for $10 or use your Discover Pass which costs $30.It's worth getting the annual pass if you're gonna come here often or if you want access to other state parks State Parks do have free days though, when the Discover Pass will not be required to visit a state park. 2017 State Parks Free Days Jan. 1 -- First Day Hikes; New Year's Day Jan. 15-16 -- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day March 19 -- State Park's 104th birthday April 15 -- Spring day April 22 -- Earth Day June 3 -- National Trails Day June 10 -- National Get Outdoors Day Aug. 25 -- National Park Service 101st Birthday Sept. 30 -- National Public Lands Day Nov. 11 -- Veterans Day Nov. 24 -- Autumn day Please note, free days apply only to day use (not overnight stays or rented facilities), A Discover Pass will still be required on these days to access lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. read more

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I came here many times. It has picnic tables and playground. A good place for family or party with friends. read more

Saint Edward State Park - Parks Near Me - Kenmore, Washington

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A short drive from downtown and worth the visit!! Kids had a great time playing in the park and exploring on our hike. The playground is great for older kids and toddlers. My 3, 9 and 12 year old loved playing hide & seek, hitting the cool wooden instruments and of course - swinging & sliding! We went for a short hike (my arms couldn't hold my toddler for the longer hikes), the map is very clear and easy to follow. We had lunch on one of the many picnic tables. Bathrooms and grounds are clean and well kept. read more

Saint Edward State Park - Great playground! Love the multi-layer fort for the kids - a winding wonderland to explore! - Parks Near Me - Kenmore, Washington

It's really wild to be in the middle of Kirkland and then find yourself in a lakeside oasis! Great for a weekday walk or a sunny day, parking is plentiful and trails take you through lush trees and you can end up right at the shore of Lake Washington. There are only a few picnic tables right at the water so you'll have to grab them quick. read more

We LOVE THIS PARK. The trails, the children playground and summer activities are awesome. Keep in mind you need Discovery pass to park, totally worth it. read more

Review of the Children's Play Structure at St Edwards State Park Play Area = ***** Parking = *** SPF = *** What a magical wonderland this is! This play area is HUGE and beautiful. LOL ** I ** wanted to play on it. Play Area (5 stars) Play area is divided into two areas. There is fenced (but not gated) toddler area. The toddler area has things to climb on, in, under and through. It has one wide slide. There is a very attractive sand pit equipped with several large trucks to push around and dig with. Directly adjacent to the Toddler space is a HUGE big kid play area that is a labyrinth of levels, corners twists and turns. Tall towers. Many slides. And it's beautiful too. The pictures I shared really doesn't do it justice. There is also a modest climbing wall and set of swings. Parking (3 Stars) Parking is ample and a short distance from the Play Area. BE ADVISED. Effective July 1st 2011. A "Discover Pass" will be required to visit Washington State Parks or risk a hefty fine. See links below for more information. SPF (3 Stars) I visited on a grey day so it's hard to be sure. There are a lot of trees around, but not many near the play area. That being said the structure itself is so large it will likely offer some cover for the UV shy. Discover Pass Info: http://www.wta.org/hiking-info/hp/hiking-info/action/olympia/discover-pass-faq http://www.wta.org/hp/hiking-info/basics/what-pass-do-i-need-faq http://www.wta.org/hiking-info/basics/what-pass-do-i-need-faq/passes-and-permit-info read more

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