Even from the car, the air felt lush, with extra oxygen from the forest, and the peaceful chirping of birds added an additional sense of tranquility. When I returned for a more extended visit, the trails beckoned, with towering trees, quiet glens full of ferns, and a vast expanse of Lake Washington to enjoy.
Of course, I am far from the first person to have reveled in the joys of Saint Edward State Park. In one form or another, the space has been a treasured part of the Kenmore community for centuries!
Trees, Stones, and Stories: The Background of Saint Edward State Park
If you’re anywhere near Kenmore, this park is nearly impossible to miss, with 326 acres of woods, meadows, and water. The mixture of challenging trails and prime relaxation spots would already make this a perfect destination, but it’s the rich history on display that makes it all the more enticing.
For years, Coast Salish Indigenous tribes hunted and fished in the area, and when the land was ceded to European settlers, it was quickly recognized as a prime place for development.
In the late 1920s, Edward O’Dea, a longtime fixture of the local Catholic community, purchased the acreage. He was Seattle’s first Bishop of the Diocese of Seattle and had long dreamed of creating one of the Pacific Northwest’s best theological schools. The result was the Saint Edward Seminary, a religious institution uniquely intertwined with its natural surroundings.
The centerpiece was the massive, ornate building that still stands at the center of the park. Built in 1931, the Late Romanesque Revival masterpiece was where aspiring priests were housed and educated. When they weren’t in class, students could spend their spare time strolling along the wooded paths, using their natural surroundings as a space to reflect on their studies.
The seminary closed in 1976, but the lingering nostalgia of one of its alumni gave the grounds new life. Archbishop Hunthausen, who was in charge of the space, sold it to the State of Washington for public development. In 1978, it was officially designated as a state park and began a new life as a community fixture and even a luxurious getaway spot!
Making Your Own Memories At Saint Edward State Park
Ninety-four years later, that big, beautiful former school is still one of the park’s most prominent features, but it has moved from a space of learning to one of celebration.
Indeed, the Lodge at St. Edward Park is now a luxury hotel filled with aesthetic and culinary delights, including fine art pieces, a spa, two bars and a restaurant. Instead of theology lessons, it hosts a lively lineup of parties, weddings, and every kind of performance imaginable. And, of course, it still hosts overnight guests, albeit with somewhat more upscale conditions!
If you’re looking for something more casual, the lovely picnic areas are perfect for any occasion. In the shade of The Orchard, you can smell the sweet blooms of apple and cherry trees or enjoy the quiet enclave of the Nuns Garden.
Plus, the opportunities for outdoor activities are nearly endless. Hit the slopes of the mountain bike courses, cast your fishing line on the lakeshore, or break out your binoculars for a peek at some of the abundant animals that make their homes here.
Always A New Adventure At Saint Edward State Park
With such an enticing combination of culture and nature, one of the best activities at the park is simply roaming around and taking things in, as I did one sunny afternoon. Inside the Lodge, the Cedar + Elm Restaurant was already bustling, and rows of beautiful paintings and sculptures made the hallways look like their own unique gallery. Next door, the former gymnasium advertised an upcoming comedy show and pickleball tournaments.
But of course, no trip would be complete without a stroll along the park’s many wooded trails or a bike ride!
I opted to go on foot, following the Seminary Trail that was trekked by so many students for decades. It’s a beautiful walk, with ravines on either side layered with ferns and leaves and mosses, ending right at the edge of the lake. Then, a brisk uphill hike got me straight to the Grotto, which dates back to the 1940s. While the Saint John Vianney statue is no longer there, the simple structure still feels profound in its own way, a smooth archway of stones inviting visitors to take some time to slow down and contemplate just as generations of scholars did.
I ended my visit with some quality time in one of the many meadows behind the Lodge, watching families on the playground, dogs fetching tennis balls, and a constant stream of birds and squirrels on the move. From the contemplative to the celebratory, from life’s big moments to its small, sweet pleasures, this is one park that keeps getting better with age.
Saint Edward State Park is open all year from 8 a.m. to dusk, and a Discover Pass is required. For more information about amenities and programs, visit the park’s website. If you’re interested in the Lodge specifically, you can learn more here.
Saint Edward State Park
14445 Juanita Drive NE, Kenmore
