Carkeek Park

About

Map of Carkeek Park trails

Carkeek Park Visitor Center

During the Discovery Park Visitor Center construction closure, Carkeek Park Visitor Center was open from October 2022 through June 2023. At this time, the Carkeek Park Visitor Center is closed and staff have returned to Discovery Park Visitor Center.

This popular park offers extraordinary views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Explore the secrets of this northwest Seattle watershed, nine miles from downtown. Here, 220 acres of lush forest, meadows, wetlands, creeks, and beach are formed by the magic of water and time. Come take part in an education program, have a picnic, or get involved as a volunteer teacher or as part of an outdoor work party. Walk the Pipers Canyon Story Trail, play on the uniquely salmon themed play area, or touch time at the historic Piper Orchard.

In Carkeek Park, years of hard work by neighbors and volunteers have brought salmon back to Pipers Creek, restored major portions of the forest, built miles of trails, created sustainable gardens, educated visitors, and restored a unique fruit orchard. A group of dedicated forest volunteers, named the WEWOS (Weekday Workers), work every Friday morning in the Carkeek Park forests, removing invasives, planting trees and shrubs, and doing aftercare. More information at Green Seattle Partnership.

Hand carry boating access is located at the shoreline south of the overpass and extending south for 300'. Access is restricted to boats arriving by water only.

Current Projects

Visit Carkeek Park Playground Renovation for information on the playground renovation and how to participate in the community input process.

Carkeek Park Overpass Project

Visit the Carkeek Park Pedestrian Bridge Replacement project webpage for information on this project and how to provide input.

Carkeek Earthkeepers Day Camps

Carkeek Park's EarthKeepers Day Camp for children (ages 6-12) is within 220 acres of lush forest, meadows, wetlands, creeks, and beach formed by the magic of water and time. On any given day a camp participant may explore the tide pools, hike the many trails, play in a field, learn about nature or create art. We offer activities to foster friendship, learning, creativity and leadership. EarthKeepers Summer Day Camp is a collaboration between the Carkeek Park Advisory Council, the Associated Recreation Council, and Seattle Parks and Recreation. 

History

The first Carkeek Park was located at Pontiac Station just north of Sand Point and in 1918 was named for Morgan J. Carkeek, an English building contractor who came to Seattle in 1875. In 1928 the park moved to its location in northwest Seattle. From the beach you can see the southern tip of Whidbey Island, the Kitsap Peninsula, and the Olympic Mountains.