Take the Plunge...In a Saltwater Pool

From a heated outdoor saltwater pool to an overnight stay in a rustic cabin, West Seattle’s parks offer outdoor enthusiasts a myriad of ways to get out and play.

Discover the neighborhood’s many parks, trails and beaches — there is literally something for everyone.

Alki Beach Park
1702 Alki Ave. SW

Picture a perfect summer day, and chances are your thoughts will take you to Alki Beach Park, a long beach strip that runs from Alki Point to Duwamish Head on Elliott Bay. It’s a great spot for a 2.5 mile walk any time of year, and in the summer draws joggers, roller bladers, volleyball players, beachcombers, sunbathers, bicyclists and strollers out to enjoy the sun.

Belvidere Viewpoint Park
3600 Admiral Way SW

It’s small, but the Belvedere Viewpoint really packs a view. One of the city’s most popular sites for scenic photos, the park offers a stunning view of Elliott Bay, Downtown Seattle, and on a clear day, Cascade Mountains and Mt. Rainier. Divided in two on either side of Admiral Way, the east side features a totem pole depicting stylized beavers, fish and frogs.

Camp Long
5200 35th Ave. SW

One of Seattle’s best-kept secrets, this 68-acre park offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy nature, hike in the forest, camp overnight in rustic cabins, rock climb and learn about natural history. Rental facilities include a lodge with one meeting room and kitchen space, 10 cabins, two covered picnic areas, group fire ring and climbing rock.

Don Armeni Park and Boat Launch

Located on Harbor Avenue and Maryland Street south of the Duwamish Head, Don Armeni is Seattle’s most popular saltwater boat ramp. Its close proximity to favorite fishing spots on the south end of Marine Area 10 makes it a popular ramp for fishing boats during salmon season.

Fairmont Playfield
5400 Fauntleroy Way SW

Fairmount Playfield is next to Fairmount Park Elementary School. It has a soccer and softball field as well as a children’s play area. The shelter house is decorated with a Native American mural painted by local teens.

Hiawatha Playfields

Located adjacent to West Seattle High School, Hiawatha Playfields include ball fields, tennis courts, trails and a wading pool. Its community center offers programs and events such as dog training, gymnastics, martial arts, tap dancing, yoga and a study hall program for middle school students.

Highland Park Playfield
1100 SW Cloverdale St

With views of Mt Rainier to the southeast and the Cascade Range to the east, Highland Park is a beautiful place to relax, enjoy a picnic, or splash about in the wading pool. Park features include ball fields, a shelter house, swings, tennis court and children’s play area.

Lincoln Park
8011 Fauntleroy Way SW

Lincoln Park is one of Seattle’s largest parks. Its 135 acres of open space provide a broad range of landscape types and a rich variety of recreational opportunities. Features include tennis courts, ball fields, horse-shoe pits, children’s play areas, waterfront access, public shelters, a wading pool and the Colman Pool, a heated outdoor, salt-water pool.

Lowman Beach Park
7017 Beach Dr SW

Just north of Lincoln Park, this small park includes 300 feet of shoreline to explore, as well as tennis courts, a children’s area and spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains, Alki Point, and William’s Point.

Me-Kwa-Mooks Park
4503 Beach Dr. SW

Most of Me-Kwa-Mooks Park stretches up a hillside and extends north and farther south on land that is largely undeveloped. The dense trees provide habitat for many birds, including screech owls. Immediately across the street is a rocky beach that is accessible during low tide. The tidepools here are rich in limpets, lumpsuckers, blennies, chitons and other strangely named creatures of the sea.

Roxhill Park
SW Roxbury St

Roxhill Park is the headwaters of Longfellow Creek and possibly Fauntleroy Creek. The park features a children’s play area and picnic tables. Restoration of the wetland is currently underway to improve water quality and steady water flow to Longfellow Creek, enhancing the creek and improving salmon habitat.

Schmitz Preserve Park
5551 SW Admiral Way

Schmitz Preserve was donated to the city in pieces between 1908 and 1912 and, aside from a paved entrance and parking lot, has remained virtually unchanged ever since. The perfect place for quiet contemplation, the park is home to wildlife such as foxes, eagles, falcons, opossums and raccoons.

Seacrest Boathouse and Pier
1660 Harbor Ave SW

Located next to the Don Armeni Boat Ramp, Seacrest Boathouse and Pier is accessible by boat on Elliott Bay. The Boathouse rents kayaks and other human-powered watercraft and the pier is a popular spot for fishing. The Boathouse also features a coffee shop.

Southwest Community Center
2801 SW Thistle St., 98126

Grab your bathing suit and head for the 4,000 square-foot pool at the Southwest Community Center. The center also features a 2,880 square-foot multi-purpose room, teen center, computer room and a 7,000 square-foot gymnasium. The center offers a variety of programs including childcare and summer camp, and space is available for community events, meetings and rentals.

West Crest Park and Off-Leash Dog Park
9000 8th Ave SW

This 80-plus-acre park features a view platform with a panoramic view of the city skyline, four miles of trails, picnic area and a children’s play area. In addition, there is a four-acre off-leash dog park with doggie drinking fountain, shade trees and lots of open space for Rover to romp and play.