Washington State Parks mobile

Park overview:

Saint Edward State Park is a 316-acre day-use park with 3,000 feet of freshwater shoreline on Lake Washington. Once a Catholic seminary, the park's rich history reflects in its grounds and architecture. Walks along the undeveloped lakeshore are peaceful and give the visitor many opportunities for nature study.

Want to support Washington State Parks? Get involved by joining a friends' group. For more information, visit the Friends' Group web page.

Park hours/updates:

The park is open year round for day use only.

Summer: 8 a.m. to dusk.
Winter: 8 a.m. to dusk.

Current alerts:

Agency information:

Don't move firewood: Please protect the Pacific Northwest from invasive species by obtaining or purchasing your firewood at or near your camping destination (within 50 miles). Firewood can carry insects and diseases that threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by buying and burning your firewood locally. For more information, visit online at www.dontmovefirewood.org or the Washington Invasive Species Council website.

Campsite Information:

The park has no camping.

Group Accommodations:

The park provides two rentable day-use heritage places: the Grotto and the Grand Dining Hall.

The Grotto is a secluded garden alcove, that lends itself well to intimate ceremonies and services. Capacity is 120 people. Water and electricity are not available at the site. Tables, chairs, outdoor heaters, 20' x 20' and 10' x 20' canopies are available to rent for an additional fee.

The Grand Dining Hall, within the first floor of the Seminary Building, is an ideal setting for special events and conferences of up to 50 people. Facilities include an expansive dance floor. Tables and chairs rent for an additional fee.

Rates for both heritage places vary with size of the group. For information or reservations, call (425) 823-2992.

Park Features

The park offers many outdoor play amenities. The park hosts the last undeveloped waterfront along Lake Washington's shore. Bald eagles, otters and other animals may be viewed along the 3/4-mile natural portion of the perimeter.

The park has two sites suitable for weddings and other special events.

History

This site was once used by Native Americans while fishing the area.

In the late 1920s, the archbishop of Seattle donated the property to the Diocese of Seattle for use as a seminary by the Sulpician Order of Catholic Priests. In 1931, St. Edward Seminary was constructed. In the fall of 1977, because of declining enrollment and changes in the education of seminarians, the diocese sold 316 acres, including the seminary, to the state for use as a state park. In 1978, the property was dedicated and received its current name.

Interpretive opportunities

There are currently no interpretive opportunities at this park.

Services/Supplies

Available in the park	Available in the area
• Pay phone	• Auto repair • Airport • Boat rental • Diesel • Fishing/hunting • Gasoline • Gifts • Golf • Groceries • Hardware • Hospital • Marine supplies • Overnight Accommodations • Pay phone • Postal service • Propane • Recreational equipment • White gas • Wood • Swimming

There are snack and drink vending machines located at the pool and gymnasium. Supplies available for rent through the park include 20' x 20' and 10' x 20' canopies, chairs, folding tables and outdoor heaters.

Activities

Trails	Water Activities	Other
	• Boating (freshwater) • Boating (freshwater, non-motorized) • Fishing (freshwater) • Personal Watercraft (freshwater) • Swimming (freshwater) • Water Skiing (freshwater)
A big toy playground is popular with kids. The playground was built by the community for the community and completely funded by donations from the community. Picnicking, hiking, soccer, mountain biking, fishing, bicycling, swimming, bird watching, softball and horse trails also are in the Holmes Point area. Access to waterfront from the shore is by trail only. There is no vehicle access to the beach, which is undeveloped and unguarded. There are many trails open to mountain bike and is a very popular activity within Saint Edward State Park. Remember several of the trails are open to hiking only and bikes are strictly prohibited on these trails. Check with the park office or kiosk for trail maps and information. A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington state parks. For regulations, fishing season information or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife website.

Events

Find other events at Washington State Parks

Boating Features

Boats may be launched at the Department of Fish and Wildlife ramp in Kenmore, which is just north of Saint Edward State Park.

Picnic and Day-use Facilities

Saint Edward State Park is extremely popular for special events, weddings and family picnics. To ensure your family/group can have your event/picnic on the date you select, reservations are strongly recommended. Regardless of the size of your group, a Special Activity Recreation Permit may be required pursuant to WAC 352-32-047. To make a reservation or to obtain a Special Activity Recreation Permit for your event, please call the park manager at (425) 823-2992. Even though the park offers first come, first served picnic tables, if the park has reached its capacity level with reservations, first come, first served tables will not be available. Also, because of limited parking and to help save resources, visitors are strongly encouraged to car/vanpool.

The park offers five unsheltered picnic areas for rental to groups. Each site accommodates at least 150 people with picnic tables and stand-up style grills. The east and west picnic sites have a ball field with their areas. The north picnic area has an open play field and horseshoe pits. The south picnic site has a beach-style volleyball area with a net and is very close to the playground. There are 20' x 20' and 10' X 20' canopies, tables, chairs and portable heater rentals available for outdoor picnics. Extra parking may be set up for events in advance, call the park manager for details at (425) 823-2992.

Wildlife

Mammals	Birds	Fish & Sea Life
• Chipmunks • Coyotes • Deer or Elk • Foxes • Muskrats • Otters • Raccoons • Squirrels	• Crows or Ravens • Doves or Pigeons • Ducks • Eagles • Geese • Gulls • Hawks • Herons • Hummingbirds • Jays • Owls • Woodpeckers • Wrens	• Bass • Bullhead • Salmon • Trout

Environmental Features

Physical Features		Plant Life
		• Cedar • Douglas Fir • Hemlock • Yew • Alder • Apple • Ash • Birch • Maple • Foxglove • Rhododendron • Rose • Berries • Ferns • Moss or Lichens • Thistle

The Discover Pass