Volunteer Park Water Tower
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A nice view from the spot and some really interesting history and facts inside about the Water Tower. I came on a rainy day with my partner and we made a date of it checking out the conservatory and nearby museum, at first we weren't sure if it was open but we walked up and saw some people going down the stairs. It's a little steep of a climb up but once you get to the top there are some benches to rest and lots of air circulating about the tower. We enjoyed the views and it was a nice quick stop in checking out the area.
The views are amazing and what a beautiful design and building from the outside. We went to check out the Volunteer Park Water Tower with some local friends. It is quite impressive and that climb up had my heart racing. There were platform landings you could take a break and catch your breath if needed (I did). It is worth the clime to get the views and the walk down doesn't take as long and is much easier. Not sure the Volunteer Park Water Tower is on everyone's list but the park and surrounding areas is definitely worth checking out.
A 75-ft water tower built in 1906 on the highest part of Capitol Hill. No fee to enter the observation deck but there's a mild workout cost of climbing a little over 100 steps (as someone who isn't one of the fittest I felt slightly winded when I reached the top but nothing too bad). A bit difficult to peer out of the windows here with the grating and bars on them (need a camera with good zoom to take nice overlooking photos) but the breeze felt very relaxing especially after the quick leg exercise. I stayed here for about 10 min before heading back down. Overall a nice spot to check out if you have some extra time during your Volunteer Park visit.
Can't complain too much - it's a free view of the city! It's a nice big park with some good viewpoints of the city, including from this tower. We enjoyed the challenge of the 100+ steps to climb. However, it's a bit of the letdown at the top because the city is so far away.... the view at Kerry Park is much better! But if you're looking for a nice chance to stretch your legs and get a little exercise, this is it.
The Volunteer Park Water Tower was inside Volunteer Park and you can't miss it. We were here on 1/3/20 and there were two stairs to walk to the top. The stairs were a tiny bit steep so it might be difficult to climb for some; however, it was fine for my friends and me. The view from the top let you see downtown Seattle and even have a photo op if you shot in between the linked fence. There were a few benches at the top if you wanted to sit, but it was more of a quick few minutes up there before going down since there was not much to see. It was worth checking out if you're already walking around Volunteer Park!
In an expensive city where everything has a toll, this is a nice free treat and a hidden gem. I had been to Volunteer Park several times but never knew you could climb up there until I saw a youtuber talk about it. It's a fun little walk up the spiral stairs and you get a unique view of the city. 10/10 would climb again.
The Volunteer Park Water Tower is perhaps the oddest attraction at Volunteer Park. It is a fort like structure straight out of a Disney fairy tale cartoon or some damsel in distress drama. As you walk up the winding stairs of one of the two entrances and reach the top you will encounter a cage like structure and barred windows. I wonder how many people take role play pics here like they are Quasimodo or Rapunzel locked up in this tower. Despite the tower dungeon feel at the top, this is a good spot to take pictures of the city. Since the bars are in the way, you do need to use your camera zoom feature to crop it out however. There is a nice view of the Space Needle and downtown Seattle. To the east, there is a partially obstructed view of Lake Washington. Large trees get in the way of a clear view. It is not an obvious spot to go to for a viewpoint of the city, but the Volunteer Park Water Tower is actually a pretty decent spot for this purpose and is one of the most interesting structures that I have come across in Seattle.
This was one of my first stops upon arriving Seattle on a Thursday night. The view wasn't as beautiful as I expected, because the city was blocked off by many trees and let me be real... It looked like a city for ants. Taking pictures of the city was also a challenge, because the windows were barred off both horizontally and vertically. Nonetheless, it was free. And, hey! Walking up all those stairs was a great workout for my legs! To be brief, as a tourist I wouldn't come out here unless I was conveniently nearby. However, I think if I lived in Seattle, it would be a cool spot just to get some air and alone time.
A neat tower which you can climb up to see a view of downtown! It's open to the public and is a nice addition to the park. There are two entrances opposite of each other that lead into a spiral staircase of a little over a hundred steps. I didn't see any other modes of accessibility though. At the top there are a couple of benches if you want to sit and rest. The view is unfortunately barred heavily with two layers, but a clear view of the Space Needle and the city can be seen between the slots.
We've lived here for eight years now and had no idea we could even climb up the water tower here! It was such a fun quick side visit to when at Volunteer Park! Visited with our four boys, including our 3-uear-old, and they were all able to make the climb easily!
So I expected a bit more with this. It's Free so that's a plus. There's no wait and it literally is a walk up about 100ish steps. The struggle for me was the attempt to see out of the bars on the water tower to get clear pics. I'm not super tall and feel like the trees are heavily overgrown so the view isn't as spectacular as I'd hoped. There is also a museum located in the same vicinity but it happened to be closed when I visited. So I literally wasn't' at this location for more than 15 min. As another viewer mentioned I wouldn't make a special trip to see this. There are better skyline views in Seattle even on the drive to this park there are amazing views. Tip: Be careful of the cars cutting through the parking lot. Almost got hit by a lady in a Prius that ran a stop sign when I was walking from the Water Tower. Apparently, those stop signs in that area are just a suggestion. I saw another car go through it as well.
We drove up to Volunteer Park for its views of downtown. They are some of my favorites anywhere. When we got there my friend asked what the stone tower was and we decided to climb. This is a cool old stone clad water tower. There is a steel tank in the middle with stairs winding up inside, along the way up there are windows here and there. Its a long climb to the top there is a big room with benches and lots of windows. The middle of the room is the roof of the tank and is fenced off. The views are great. The tower sits on top of the hill so you see out in all directions (not there are smallish windows covered with steel mesh which does obstruct the views some. Still there are views in all directions, We saw Bellevue across Lake Union. U of W's campus tothe north. To the west there is downtown, the Space Needle, Puget Sound, ferries... Finally to the south there are views of homes in the neighborhood... It is worth the climb, but it is a steep and long one.
5 months ago
I really enjoyed coming here, and I'm convinced that arriving right at sunset (aka golden hour) made the experience even better! The lighting truly added to the beauty of the scenery Parking was super easy to find in one of the nearby neighborhood streets. From there, it was just a short walk and quick street crossing to reach the tower. Even from the outside, it's so pretty, with lots of flowers, greenery, and plants surrounding it. Great photo spots already! Once you head inside, there are two staircases you can choose from, but both lead to the top. I won't lie, climbing them felt like quite the workout, so you might be a little out of breath once you reach the top lol. At the top, the inside itself is pretty plain, not much going on. But looking out the windows, completely different story!! The views are stunning. From the window closest to the stairs you can see Seattle's skyline and even the Space Needle. Another window gives you a beautiful view of all the greenery, trees, and the nearby park. Simple but still so pretty :) Overall, I'd definitely recommend visiting at least once, especially during golden hour! read more
Landmark in Seattle, Washington... The Volunteer Park Water Tower was 106 steps up... Inside the tower... It was chilly in the morning and I was by myself. Haha! It was quiet and deserted. I went quickly because I was getting scared... I don't remember how I found out about this free attraction. I do remember that it had a beautiful view of the city... Yes - through the metal gratings on the windows I could see the Space Needle and downtown Seattle! There were informative signs on the walls at the top floor of the Water Tower, including the history and the goals for Volunteer Park. I was happy to complete a Bucket List item! It was interesting, scenic, and helped me to burn off some calories! read more
4 months ago
A nice view from the spot and some really interesting history and facts inside about the Water Tower. I came on a rainy day with my partner and we made a date of it checking out the conservatory and nearby museum, at first we weren't sure if it was open but we walked up and saw some people going down the stairs. It's a little steep of a climb up but once you get to the top there are some benches to rest and lots of air circulating about the tower. We enjoyed the views and it was a nice quick stop in checking out the area. read more
7 months ago
The views are amazing and what a beautiful design and building from the outside. We went to check out the Volunteer Park Water Tower with some local friends. It is quite impressive and that climb up had my heart racing. There were platform landings you could take a break and catch your breath if needed (I did). It is worth the clime to get the views and the walk down doesn't take as long and is much easier. Not sure the Volunteer Park Water Tower is on everyone's list but the park and surrounding areas is definitely worth checking out. read more
1 year ago
4 years ago
A 75-ft water tower built in 1906 on the highest part of Capitol Hill. No fee to enter the observation deck but there's a mild workout cost of climbing a little over 100 steps (as someone who isn't one of the fittest I felt slightly winded when I reached the top but nothing too bad). A bit difficult to peer out of the windows here with the grating and bars on them (need a camera with good zoom to take nice overlooking photos) but the breeze felt very relaxing especially after the quick leg exercise. I stayed here for about 10 min before heading back down. Overall a nice spot to check out if you have some extra time during your Volunteer Park visit. read more
2 years ago
7 years ago
Can't complain too much - it's a free view of the city! It's a nice big park with some good viewpoints of the city, including from this tower. We enjoyed the challenge of the 100+ steps to climb. However, it's a bit of the letdown at the top because the city is so far away.... the view at Kerry Park is much better! But if you're looking for a nice chance to stretch your legs and get a little exercise, this is it. read more
The Volunteer Park Water Tower was inside Volunteer Park and you can't miss it. We were here on 1/3/20 and there were two stairs to walk to the top. The stairs were a tiny bit steep so it might be difficult to climb for some; however, it was fine for my friends and me. The view from the top let you see downtown Seattle and even have a photo op if you shot in between the linked fence. There were a few benches at the top if you wanted to sit, but it was more of a quick few minutes up there before going down since there was not much to see. It was worth checking out if you're already walking around Volunteer Park! read more
4 years ago
In an expensive city where everything has a toll, this is a nice free treat and a hidden gem. I had been to Volunteer Park several times but never knew you could climb up there until I saw a youtuber talk about it. It's a fun little walk up the spiral stairs and you get a unique view of the city. 10/10 would climb again. read more
The Volunteer Park Water Tower is perhaps the oddest attraction at Volunteer Park. It is a fort like structure straight out of a Disney fairy tale cartoon or some damsel in distress drama. As you walk up the winding stairs of one of the two entrances and reach the top you will encounter a cage like structure and barred windows. I wonder how many people take role play pics here like they are Quasimodo or Rapunzel locked up in this tower. Despite the tower dungeon feel at the top, this is a good spot to take pictures of the city. Since the bars are in the way, you do need to use your camera zoom feature to crop it out however. There is a nice view of the Space Needle and downtown Seattle. To the east, there is a partially obstructed view of Lake Washington. Large trees get in the way of a clear view. It is not an obvious spot to go to for a viewpoint of the city, but the Volunteer Park Water Tower is actually a pretty decent spot for this purpose and is one of the most interesting structures that I have come across in Seattle. read more
10 years ago
This was one of my first stops upon arriving Seattle on a Thursday night. The view wasn't as beautiful as I expected, because the city was blocked off by many trees and let me be real... It looked like a city for ants. Taking pictures of the city was also a challenge, because the windows were barred off both horizontally and vertically. Nonetheless, it was free. And, hey! Walking up all those stairs was a great workout for my legs! To be brief, as a tourist I wouldn't come out here unless I was conveniently nearby. However, I think if I lived in Seattle, it would be a cool spot just to get some air and alone time. read more
A neat tower which you can climb up to see a view of downtown! It's open to the public and is a nice addition to the park. There are two entrances opposite of each other that lead into a spiral staircase of a little over a hundred steps. I didn't see any other modes of accessibility though. At the top there are a couple of benches if you want to sit and rest. The view is unfortunately barred heavily with two layers, but a clear view of the Space Needle and the city can be seen between the slots. read more
7 years ago
We've lived here for eight years now and had no idea we could even climb up the water tower here! It was such a fun quick side visit to when at Volunteer Park! Visited with our four boys, including our 3-uear-old, and they were all able to make the climb easily! read more
9 years ago
So I expected a bit more with this. It's Free so that's a plus. There's no wait and it literally is a walk up about 100ish steps. The struggle for me was the attempt to see out of the bars on the water tower to get clear pics. I'm not super tall and feel like the trees are heavily overgrown so the view isn't as spectacular as I'd hoped. There is also a museum located in the same vicinity but it happened to be closed when I visited. So I literally wasn't' at this location for more than 15 min. As another viewer mentioned I wouldn't make a special trip to see this. There are better skyline views in Seattle even on the drive to this park there are amazing views. Tip: Be careful of the cars cutting through the parking lot. Almost got hit by a lady in a Prius that ran a stop sign when I was walking from the Water Tower. Apparently, those stop signs in that area are just a suggestion. I saw another car go through it as well. read more
We drove up to Volunteer Park for its views of downtown. They are some of my favorites anywhere. When we got there my friend asked what the stone tower was and we decided to climb. This is a cool old stone clad water tower. There is a steel tank in the middle with stairs winding up inside, along the way up there are windows here and there. Its a long climb to the top there is a big room with benches and lots of windows. The middle of the room is the roof of the tank and is fenced off. The views are great. The tower sits on top of the hill so you see out in all directions (not there are smallish windows covered with steel mesh which does obstruct the views some. Still there are views in all directions, We saw Bellevue across Lake Union. U of W's campus tothe north. To the west there is downtown, the Space Needle, Puget Sound, ferries... Finally to the south there are views of homes in the neighborhood... It is worth the climb, but it is a steep and long one. read more
Imagine watching the sunrise or set from the Water Tower and maybe bringing a piroshky from Piroshky Piroshky with you. There's something romantic about this old red brick water tower built in 1906 at the top of Capitol Hill. When you climb up the narrow old staircase and make it to top floor, you'll find panoramic views of Seattle. You can see the Cascades, Lake Union, the Space Needle, etc. The Olmstead Exhibit also explains the history of the park system in Seattle. Free. read more
It's just 107 steps up a winding staircase to beautiful views of the Emerald City. That may sound like a lot of steps but it's worth the short climb for the 360 degree view of Seattle. At 110 years old, the water tower at Volunteer Park is at the highest point of Capital Hill and can be found in the middle of a roundabout at the south entrance to the park. The tower is more than 75 feet tall but looks taller in my opinion. What is nice about it is that it is not just sitting in the roundabout right next to the street. It is actually landscaped with trees, shrubs and paths. The green from the trees contrast the dark bricks of the tower and make it seem as if it is found in a more secluded area. On the outside close to the north entrance, there is a bronze plaque to L.B. Youngs. He was the Superintendent of the Seattle Water Department. The memorial plaque was placed on the water tower in 1930. You can enter the tower and there is no entrance fee. Walk inside of the tower and begin your climb to the top. As you walk up the long thin winding stairs you will pass several windows that you can look out of. Stop a moment and enjoy the view from the different viewpoints from each window. Once you arrive at the top you will be able to take in views of Seattle from the many windows at the top. There are bars over each window so your view is a bit obstructed, but it is well worth the climb. You get a nice view of the park as well as the Space Needle and other sites as well. If you have health problems you may want to avoid the climb because the staircases are very small and while I was there people were running up and down the stairs. At the top of the tower there are a few park benches if you want to relax after the climb or just take a seat. I was more interested in looking out the windows and checking out the Olmsted Exhibit which is found on the walls of the tower in the top gallery. The exhibit was placed in the tower in 1997 by the Friends of Seattle's Olmsted Parks. It gives the history of the Olmsted brothers and their impact on the city of Seattle through a series of photos, maps and other historic information. The actual photos and maps are not used but there are display boards with copies of all the information. I thought it was interesting because I was not aware of their full impact on our city. As you walk down take the other staircase and you will come out on the south side of the tower. It will also give you a look out of the windows on a different side of the tower. An interesting thing you may notice is that there are several signs warning visitors not to climb the outside of the tower. It seems that because of the uneven placement of the bricks in the tower wall, rock climbers have climbed the outside of the tower in the past. The Volunteer Park Water Tower is a nice place to visit if you are in the park and it is a short climb to the top for a nice view. While you're at the top you can take in some history as well. If you've never climbed a water tower before you can check that off your list. Enjoy! read more
10 years ago
Built in 1906, is located in the southeast corner of Volunteer Park. It's pretty hard to miss. The tower stands more than 75-feet tall, and since it sits on top of Capitol Hill, the Volunteer Park Water Tower actually reaches an overall elevation of 520-feet, making it the highest point on Capitol Hill. Here's the best part: you can climb the 107 stairs to the top and soak in 360-degree view of Seattle. At the top of the tower, there are several open windows for you to look through. There are bars and grating on all the windows, but unless you're trying to take pictures, it doesn't stop you from enjoying the view. There are also several high trees in the area, but you can still see downtown Seattle, the Space Needle (which reaches a maximum elevation of 725-feet -- just 205-feet higher than the Volunteer Park Water Tower), Puget Sound, Bellevue and much more. Believe it or not, the Volunteer Park Water Tower is also popular for rock climbers. Since the tower is made of uneven brick, it allows them to grab a hold and either climb to the top or traverse along the base. I'm not really sure about the legality of it all, but to each their own. NOTE: I'm not encouraging or suggesting you climb, traverse, or rappel from the Volunteer Park Water Tower, I'm simply mentioning that people do it. I'm always on the prowl for the best views of Seattle, and the Volunteer Park Water Tower provides another fun option to check out. It's a great place for a little exercise (whether you're climbing stairs or the outside of the tower) and you definitely can't beat the price (again, it's FREE). Have you ever taken in the view of Seattle from the Volunteer Park Water Tower? read more
16 years ago
Want some free advice for out of town guests? Take them out for a nice meal and then over to Volunteer Park. Suggest one of the best views in the city by climbing 108 steps to the top and enjoy. I have a dodgy knee and I've made it to the top stopping once or twice. It's not difficult and there's seats up there for rest. Bring your camera for the spectacular vistas and on a clear day, you'll remember why you live in our lovely little city. read more
7 years ago
16 years ago
It's free and doesn't smell like a toilet! Sweet 360 degree view of Seattle - if you don't mind the fence!! It's only a water tower, but it was worth our trip there to see Seattle from a different vantage point. read more
10 years ago
I almost confused this for a castle, but the sign out front clearly states that it's a water tower. It's one of the coolest structured water towers that I've seen though. Easily accessible from the road, you have to hike up what feels like a mile of stairs (more difficult when carrying a 6 year old), but once you're at the top, there are benches to relax and catch your breath. The views are really nice (weather permitting) and you can see the city skyline, Space Needle, and surrounding woodlands. Iron barriers protect you from climbing out a window. The upstairs observatory has several pictures and explanations of the historical aspects of the water tower and the surrounding areas as well. Definitely worth the price of admission. read more
FREE SEATTLE VIEWS! Hidden within the massive, green Volunteer Park is the red brick Water Tower built in 1906 as part of the Olmstead Exhibition. The 106 stairs to the observation deck are absolutely dreadful...but keep reminding yourself of the light at the end of the tunnel. Take advantage of a 360-degree view of all the natural beauty the Pacific Northwest has to offer: Lake Washington, Bellevue downtown, Mount Rainier (on a clear day), Seattle downtown, Cascade and Olympic Mountain Ranges! Well, that is as long as it is a clear day. While the Space Needle is much more posh, the Water Tower is how the locals enjoy their city. I'm glad Seattle Park District was able to keep this tower free of charge for all to enjoy. read more
Seattle is full of free gems, including this landmark. The stairs upward are just enough for you to catch a breather once you reach the top - the reward is a 360 panoramic of the city including the iconic Space Needle. Having been only once Im not too certain of the normal people traffic - and the stairs wrapping around the tower may be too narrow when a herd of people are going in the opposite direction. Something to keep in mind but from my recent experience that wasn't the case. Nice gem indeed. read more
9 years ago
I decided to stop by and see the beauty that this park had to offer after taking a test at the University of Washington. It is only about 1.5 miles away from UW (10-15min drive) and I think it is totally worth it. The park has a lot of parking and feels like you are not in the middle of a busy city. It has a lot of free things to enjoy (like this water tower). I give it 5 stars for its unique feeling and beautiful photo opportunities. I'm glad I stopped by and will definitely be back when I feel like getting away. read more
11 years ago
Awesome place, I wish I came on a clearer day. It is a little trek to get up the stairs and it might be a little scary for people afraid of heights but I think it's well worth it. It is sort of annoying that you can't take perfect pictures because of the small window bars but its better than not having any bars! read more
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