Warren G. Magnuson Park

Warren G. Magnuson Park Review

Also called Sand Point-Magnuson Park and most often simply Magnuson Park, this 350-acre space was once a naval air base, so it's not surprising that this park northeast of the University District (U-District) is flat and open. The paved trails are wonderful for cycling, jogging, and pushing a stroller. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails; a gigantic off-leash area includes one of the few public beaches where pooches can swim. Farther south, on the mile-long shore, there's a swimming beach, a seasonal wading pool, and a boat launch. The beachside park juts into Lake Washington northeast of the University District. Innovative art is threaded through the grounds, including Soundgarden, a series of aluminum tubes mounted to catch the wind and create flutelike music. (Yes, Seattle's famous band named itself after this sculpture.) Morning walkers and joggers often rest on the whale-shape benches to watch the sun rise over Lake Washington—a spectacle that's especially lovely when accompanied by this gentle sound track. The sculpture is in the northern part of the park, through the turnstile and across Moby Dick Bridge (embedded with quotes from Melville's novel). To get here from the U-District, you can follow 45th Street east past the University Village shopping center until it turns into Sand Point Way, and then follow Sand Point until you reach the park. If you're coming from Downtown, take 1-5 to the 65th Street exit and head east on 65th until you reach the park. Note that traffic around University Village is usually pretty slow, especially on weekends.