Plein Air in Seward Park

Because the view is wide and open you often see some nice cloud formations rolling along and – if you are fortunate – you will get a fabulous view of Mt Rainier hovering over Renton.

“...what is really special, and what I love to introduce my students to, is the ever-changing view looking over the south end of Lake Washington.”

One of the great gems of Seattle, Seward Park is located on Bailey Peninsula in Lake Washington. The municipal park offers a 2.75 mile car-free trail along the shore, a stand of old-growth forest, a playground, picnic areas and an outdoor amphitheater. The Audubon Society inhabits the old Seward Park Inn and the Seward Park Clay Studio inhabits the old Bathhouse.

There are many beautiful views around the shoreline, including the I-90 floating bridge and some nice urban vistas. But what is really special, and what I love to introduce my students to, is the ever-changing view looking over the south end of Lake Washington. In the distance is Boeing’s Renton Production Facility – a set of huge, white buildings that offer a sparkling focal point in the vista. To the east is Mercer Island and to the west is Rainier Valley. Because the view is wide and open you often see some nice cloud formations rolling along and – if you are fortunate – you will get a fabulous view of Mt Rainier hovering over Renton.

I like to arrive early and cycle around the park a few laps before settling in for some Northwest plein air painting. The trail around the peninsula is paved and wide enough to navigate easilyaround pedestrians.