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The Perks of Seattle’s Parks
The city’s parks offer lush green spaces and easy access to nature, ranking it among the nation’s top park systems
This article originally appeared in the July/August 2025 issue of Seattle magazine.
Seattle’s parks are not just green spaces — they’re integral to the city’s identity. With nearly 500 parks and natural areas spanning 6,500 acres, Seattle is home to lush urban sanctuaries, offering everything from towering evergreens to scenic lakes and mountain views. These parks provide residents with plenty of opportunities to connect with nature, whether by hiking trails at Discovery Park or enjoying skyline views from Gas Works Park.
Seattle ranks No. 8 on the Trust for Public Land’s 2025 ParkScore index, a testament to the city’s commitment to green spaces. According to the Trust, 99% of Seattle residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, far surpassing the national average of 76%. These parks play a critical role in fostering a healthy, active community, offering a range of recreational options.
The average park size in Seattle is 5.4 acres, matching the national average, and providing ample space for both active and passive outdoor activities. With this abundant green space and strong commitment to accessibility, Seattle’s park system continues to be a vital resource for its residents, promoting well-being and environmental connection in one of the nation’s top big-city park systems.
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A New Perspective on the Oregon Coast
Beyond the usual suspects like Astoria and Cannon Beach lie 300 miles of open road.
The Oregon Coast is a beguiling drive year-round, but autumn is when it feels most vital. The colors deepen, whales loiter in the shallows, and kites swoop against gray skies dappled with bursts of sunlight. At Tillamook Bay, Highway 101 veers inland through fifty miles of old-growth forest before re-emerging along the water. On this…
Inn at Langley: Where the Shore Meets the Sky
After a property-wide redesign, the Whidbey Island retreat reopens with a locally inspired take on vacationing in the Pacific Northwest.
Michelin-star chef Johnny Spero never planned to end up in the Pacific Northwest. A lifelong East Coaster born and raised in Baltimore, he began his culinary career at 16, working for a series of big-name chefs and restaurants before opening his own establishments in Washington, D.C., including Reverie, which earned him his Michelin star in…
The Northwest’s Gateway to Wine, Culture & Adventure
Escape the crowds. Slow down. Savor fall in the Lewis Clark Valley. As autumn paints the hillsides in gold, crimson, and amber, the Lewis Clark Valley becomes a picture-perfect place to slow down and savor the season. Where Washington and Idaho meet, fall brings crisp days, colorful landscapes, harvest among the vines, and plenty of…
Meet West Seattle’s “Freelance Beaver Detective”
A group of urban beavers helped Pamela Adams through a tough time. Now she’s returning the favor.
Pamela Adams was living in Port Townsend when her marriage fell apart. Little did she know at the time that she would soon find love again while doggedly pursuing the Five Families—not the ones of Mafia lore, but a four-legged sort living along the Longfellow Creek Watershed. Prior to moving to Washington, Adams resided in…