Seward Park Paddleboarding: Seattle’s Wilderness Peninsula SUP Experience

Seward Park Paddleboarding: Seattle’s Wilderness Peninsula SUP Experience

Address: 5900 Lake Washington Blvd S, Seattle, WA 98118
Parking: Free parking along loop road (ample spaces)
Water Body: Lake Washington
Skill Level: Intermediate (some open water exposure)

Imagine paddling alongside a 300-acre old-growth forest peninsula while staying within Seattle city limits. That’s the magic of Seward Park! This Bailey Peninsula jutting into Lake Washington offers something truly special – wilderness paddling with urban convenience. Eagles nest overhead, seals hunt in the depths, and ancient trees line the shore, all just 15 minutes from downtown Seattle.

Why Seward Park is Unique

The Peninsula Experience: Seward Park sits on a forested peninsula extending into Lake Washington. Paddle around it for 2.5 miles of spectacular shoreline with forest coming right down to the water’s edge.

Old-Growth Forest: The park protects one of Seattle’s last stands of old-growth forest – massive Douglas firs, western red cedars, and big-leaf maples that are 200-300+ years old. Paddling beside ancient trees is magical!

Wildlife Hotspot: The combination of deep water, forest habitat, and relatively undeveloped shoreline makes Seward Park exceptional for wildlife viewing. This is where nature thrives within the city.

Multiple Launch Options: The 2.4-mile perimeter road offers numerous beach access points. Choose calm protected spots or more open water depending on conditions and skill level.

Less Crowded: Despite being a major park, Seward Park sees fewer paddlers than Gas Works or Madison Park. You’ll often have long stretches of shoreline to yourself!

Launch Locations Around the Peninsula

1. South Beach (Main Launch Area)

Location: Southern tip of peninsula, near main parking areas
Best For: Beginners, main facilities, easiest access

The Beach: Grassy slope leading to small gravel/sand beach. Easy entry, gentle slope into lake. Most protected from wind.

Facilities Nearby: Restrooms, picnic areas, playground, art studio

Why Launch Here: Most protected spot, good for beginners, close to parking, easy return point

2. North Shore Beaches

Location: North side of peninsula along loop road
Best For: Experienced paddlers, quieter launch, great views

Access: Several small beach access points along the north shore. Park along the loop road and carry board down short paths.

Advantage: Less crowded, beautiful views across to Bellevue, closer to eagle nests

3. East Side Coves

Location: Eastern shore of peninsula
Best For: Exploring hidden coves, wildlife watching

Conditions: More exposed to open lake – can get wavy with boat traffic and wind. Intermediate paddlers only.

The Peninsula Paddle: Seward Park’s Signature Route

Distance: 2.5 miles around the entire peninsula
Time: 60-90 minutes
Skill Level: Intermediate

The Route: Launch from South Beach, paddle clockwise around the peninsula. The west side is usually calmer (protected from prevailing winds), while the east side can have more boat traffic and waves.

What Makes It Special:

• Constant change in scenery as you round different points
• Forest shoreline feels like wilderness paddling
• Hidden coves and small beaches to explore
• Wildlife encounters likely
• Accomplishment factor – completing the full loop!

Caution: The eastern shore is more exposed to Lake Washington’s main body. Boat wakes and wind-driven waves can create choppy conditions. Stay close to shore and be prepared to cut across back to the protected west side if needed.

Best Times to Paddle Seward Park

Early Morning (6:30-9 AM) – ABSOLUTE BEST:

• Glass-calm water before wind picks up
• Eagles most active (hunting from treetops)
• Often have the water nearly to yourself
• Best wildlife viewing
• Magical morning light through trees

Late Evening (6-8 PM summer):

• Winds usually calm down
• Beautiful golden hour lighting
• Cooler temps after hot days
• Eagles return to nests

Weekdays:

• Much quieter than weekends
• Easier parking
• More peaceful experience

AVOID: Windy Afternoons: The east side of the peninsula gets the full force of afternoon winds. Can create 1-2 foot chop that’s challenging for intermediate paddlers.

What You’ll See From Your Board

Bald Eagles (The Stars of Seward Park): Multiple nesting pairs of bald eagles live in the old-growth trees. You’ll regularly see them:

• Perched in massive trees overlooking the water
• Hunting fish from above
• Flying overhead with 6-7 foot wingspans
• Teaching young eagles to hunt

This is one of the best eagle-viewing spots in urban America!

Harbor Seals: Lake Washington has a resident harbor seal population. Seward Park’s deep water (the lake’s deepest areas are near here) makes it prime seal habitat. Watch for:

• Heads popping up near you (they’re curious!)
• Seals hunting fish
• Groups of seals diving together

Give them space but enjoy these amazing encounters!

Forest Shoreline: The ancient trees create a stunning backdrop. Douglas firs reaching 200+ feet tall, massive cedars, maples with huge canopies – it’s like paddling beside a temperate rainforest.

Osprey: These fish-hunting raptors patrol the waters around Seward Park. Watching an osprey dive-bomb the water to catch a fish is thrilling!

Waterfowl: Cormorants, mergansers, buffleheads, grebes, loons (in migration), great blue herons

Mount Rainier Views: From the south end of the park, clear days offer spectacular Rainier views framed by the peninsula and Mercer Island.

Bellevue Skyline: Paddle the east side for views across Lake Washington to Bellevue’s modern skyline

Alternative Routes

The Protected West Side (Beginner/Intermediate – 1.5 miles, 40 min)

Launch from South Beach, paddle up the west (protected) side to the north point, then return. Stays in calmer water, still scenic, easier escape route if conditions change.

South End Exploration (Beginner – 1 mile, 30 min)

Stay in the southern protected area. Paddle south from the beach toward Seward Park’s southern tip, explore the small coves, return. Very safe, perfect for building confidence.

The Wildlife Float (All Levels – Distance Varies)

Paddle slowly, stop often, watch and listen. Early morning, drift quietly along the west shore watching for eagles, seals, and other wildlife. This is about nature observation, not distance or speed.

Parking & Access (Much Easier Than Most Seattle Parks!)

The Loop Road: Seward Park’s 2.4-mile perimeter road has parking all along it – dozens of spaces!

Main Parking Areas:

• South Beach area (largest concentration)
• Art Studio/playground area
• Along the entire loop road

Fill Times:

• Summer weekends: Busy but you’ll find spots (loop road has many)
• Summer weekdays: Easy, usually plenty of spaces
• Spring/Fall: Rarely full
• Winter: Empty except sunny weekend afternoons

Walk from Car: Depends on where you park, but typically 50-200 yards to water. Some spots are right at the beach.

Facilities

Restrooms: Multiple locations around the park, open year-round

Picnic Areas: Numerous covered shelters and tables – great for post-paddle meals

Playground: Large playground near south beach

Trails: 2.4-mile paved loop road (walking/biking), plus forest trails through old-growth

Swimming Beach: Designated swim area at south beach (stay clear when paddling)

Art Studio: Seward Park Clay Studio operates in the park

Safety Considerations

East Side Exposure: The eastern shore faces the open main body of Lake Washington. This side can get:

• Boat wakes from passing vessels
• Wind-driven waves (especially afternoons)
• Choppier conditions than the west side

Stay close to shore and be prepared to cut back to the protected west side if conditions deteriorate.

Deep Water: The water off Seward Park gets deep quickly – some of Lake Washington’s deepest spots (200+ feet) are near the peninsula. Stay close to shore if you’re not a strong swimmer.

Wildlife Distance: If you encounter seals or eagles:

• Keep 50+ feet distance from seals
• Don’t approach eagle nests (stay 100+ yards away)
• Never chase or harass wildlife
• Observe quietly and respectfully

Cold Water: Lake Washington is 60-65°F in summer, colder in spring/fall. Always know how to remount your board.

Combine Paddling with Hiking

The Perfect Seward Park Day:

• Morning: Paddle around the peninsula (90 minutes)
• Midday: Hike the forest trails (2.4-mile loop or interior trails)
• Afternoon: Picnic at one of the shelters
• Bonus: Visit the Clay Studio or just relax by the water

Forest Trails: The interior trails wind through the old-growth forest. Some trees are 250+ years old! It’s a completely different experience from the water perspective.

Why Seward Park is Underrated

Ask most Seattle paddlers where to SUP, and they’ll say Gas Works, Alki, or Madison Park. Seward Park doesn’t get mentioned as often – and that’s exactly what makes it special!

The combination of ancient forest, wildlife abundance, multiple paddling options, easy parking, and relative solitude creates an experience you can’t find at the “famous” spots. This is where you come when you want nature instead of crowds, eagles instead of engines, and wilderness instead of urban energy.

The peninsula loop is challenging enough to feel like an accomplishment but doable for intermediate paddlers. The protected south and west sides welcome beginners. And the wildlife encounters? They’re genuine, frequent, and thrilling.

Seward Park proves that Seattle still has hidden gems – places where you can experience Northwest natural beauty without fighting for parking or sharing the water with dozens of other SUPs.

Local Tips & Insider Knowledge

Eagle Watching: The nesting trees are on the eastern shore, north side. Early morning, paddle quietly along here for best eagle viewing. Bring binoculars if you have them!

Best Season: Spring (April-May) for eagle activity and baby eagles. Summer for warm water. Fall for migrating waterfowl. Each season offers something different.

Photography: The best shots are from offshore looking back at the forested peninsula, or close-ups of the massive trees right at the waterline. Eagles in flight are the ultimate catch!

Midweek Mornings: If you want the park nearly to yourself, come on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning around 8 AM. You might paddle the entire peninsula seeing only 1-2 other people.

Winter Magic: With a wetsuit, winter paddling at Seward Park is spectacular. Eagles are active year-round, the forest is moody and dramatic, and you’ll have it completely to yourself.

Nearby Dining

Seward Park is in a residential neighborhood, so dining options require a short drive:

Columbia City (2 miles north):

• Great diverse dining neighborhood
• Tutta Bella (pizza)
• Various ethnic restaurants
• Local cafes

Bring a Picnic: Honestly, Seward Park’s picnic facilities are so good, bringing your own food and enjoying the park is the best option!

Quick Reference: Seward Park SUP

Best For: Wildlife watching, wilderness experience, eagles, intermediate paddlers, escaping crowds

Water Conditions: West side protected, east side can be rough

Launch Difficulty: Easy from south beach, moderate from other spots

Parking: Easy – loop road has many spaces

Crowd Factor: Low to moderate – less crowded than famous spots

Scenic Rating: 9/10 – forest, eagles, Mount Rainier views

Wildlife Rating: 10/10 – BEST in Seattle area!

Beginner Friendly: South/west side yes, full peninsula intermediate

Typical Paddle: 60-90 minutes (full peninsula)

Must-Do: Complete the full 2.5-mile peninsula loop!

Must-See: Bald eagles hunting from ancient trees!

Pro Tip: Early morning weekdays for the ultimate peaceful wildlife-watching paddle. The eagles are most active at dawn!