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25 Amazing Views Every Seattleite Should Know About

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Photo: Orange Suede Sofa, Wikimedia

Back in April. Elizabeth Tudor pointed out fifteen unique, hidden and special views around Seattle that everyone needed to be aware of. Now that it's Outdoors Week and the weather is forcing you out of your apartments and into the cruel world, we thought it might be time to revisit that list and add on some more essential spots for views of Mt. Rainier, The Olympics, the Space Needle and everything else worth looking at nearby. We made sure to include reader suggestions from last time around as well.


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Green Stairs in Carl English Botanical Gardens

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Wander around the Dawn Redwoods--trees dinosaurs once stood beside--and you'll eventually find the green stairs. Appreciate the view of Salmon Bay, and the Hiram M Chittenden Locks among 570 species, and 1500 varieties of plants from around the world.

The Bench in alley behind Flying Apron Bakery

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Who put this bench here? Who cares? Take a quiet moment to yourself, watch Fremont pass you by and keep an eye on the sliver of alley directly across for a glimpse to 35th Street.

Top of Volunteer Park Water Tower

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If you don't mind climbing about 100 steps, your efforts will be rewarded with a 360-degree view of the city through caged windows. If it starts raining, stay awhile and read about the history of the park

Ward St. Hill at 5th Ave North

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You don't need a permit or money to park up here and own the view of downtown and infinity.

Benches across from Parsons Gardens

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After your tryst with your paramour in Parsons Gardens, rest across the street, and let the view of Puget Sound help you forget your sins.

Howell Park

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Between Madrona and Madison Parks, a hidden shore conceals nude sunbathers and Peeping Toms. Everyone knows you're not just here for the view of Lake Washington.

The End of SW Brace Point Drive

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Go to the very end of what looks like a private drive, and arrive at a small stretch of public beach. Remember you're sandwiched between private beaches, so don't let your excitement of watching ferries pass by get you arrested.

Hitt's Hill Park

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Named after the man who loved watching things explode, and founded one of the largest fireworks companies on the West Coast, this hilltop park boasts views of Lake Washington, downtown, and Rainier Valley.

NW 60th St. Viewpoint

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Watch the boats that you can't afford rush past on their way to Puget Sound. Remember to wave or flash!

Fremont Peak Park

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Follow the twisty silver ribbon on the ground to a panoramic view of Fremont and Lake Washington Ship Canal. Take pictures with the mysterious cement balls.

Wandering Rocks at Olympic Sculpture Park

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Sneak between the trees and find the black rocks aliens left behind millions of years ago. Stroll through Olympic Sculpture Park, and take in the view of Puget Sound.

Cormorant Cove

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Picnic with the Cormorants, and study the thoughtfully landscaped beach foliage. Launch your kayak or canoe into Puget Sound, and never return.

Northlake Park

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The sign says there's a park here, but it's hard to figure out where to go. Once you find it, it's totally okay to stand and stare at the boats in Lake Union under the I-5 overpass for a few hours.

Mt Baker Ridge Viewpoint

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Views of downtown, Beacon Hill, Elliott Bay, and the Olympic Mountains will make you forget you're on a suspended metal platform far above the treetops. Say a Druidic chant as you watch the sun go down through a sunset stone.

Aurora Avenue Pedestrian Overpass

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Just off the Fremont side, you'll find a sweet spot that gives you an equal view of Queen Anne Hill, Lake Union, the Seattle Skyline and the very top of the Space Needle. It's a little bit of everything in one shot.

View From The Seattle Great Wheel

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If you haven't sampled some edibles and ridden the Great Wheel because you think it's too touristy, you have no sense of adventure. No other wheel on the West coast will give you an orgasmic view of Seattle 175 feet above Elliott Bay.

Sunset Hill Park

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It's a very small park, but, the value is right there in the name. You'll forget that as you admire the sailboats float by in the Shishole and Elliott Bays in front of the Olympic Mountains. Do not spill your $8 coffee on your $400 distressed jeans cause you're in awe.

Magnolia Bridge

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Don't mind the shake as you admire the view of downtown Seattle on this crumbling bridge many are afraid to cross. Don't forget to smile and wave at the terrified people driving by. This could be the last time you see each other.

Beacon Hill Viewpoint

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The Port of Seattle, Elliot Bay, and the south side of downtown greet you as you meander around this humble patch of grass. Stop staring down people walking by though because now you're acting creepy.

Hamilton Viewpoint Park

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If you're patient enough to wait until the sun goes down, you'll be rewarded with a shimmering Seattle Skyline. Now you can pretend you're in that movie where people can't sleep because they're in love or something.

Marine View Park

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Visit this somewhat secret, uncrowded beach on a clear day, and take in the view of Mt. Rainier, Poverty Bay, spruce trees, and fluffy clouds (when available).

Pike Place Market's Hidden Alcove

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You were lying to your friends from L.A. when you said you'd been to this spot. It's okay. You can go next time. At 1st and Pike, walk through the Main Arcade, under the clock, and around the fish throwers. Pull up a stool in front of the Olympic Mountains and Elliott Bay.

Ella Bailey Park

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There is a playground, lots of kids with lazy adults, a skatedot (a piece of integrated skateable terrain) and a view of downtown Seattle beside Mt Rainier. Bring a special, mind-altering picnic, let your mind be altered by the view and take it easy on a sunny afternoon.

Terminal 18 Park

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Views of the West Seattle Bridge and Duwamish River welcome you into an industrial landscape. Watch the port action go by while you relax amongst shipyards and terminals.

Myrtle Edwards Park

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Jog or walk along a waterfront path while the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains unroll before you. Someday you will climb to the peak of Mount Deception, and wave back at the people standing where you are now.

Green Stairs in Carl English Botanical Gardens

Wander around the Dawn Redwoods--trees dinosaurs once stood beside--and you'll eventually find the green stairs. Appreciate the view of Salmon Bay, and the Hiram M Chittenden Locks among 570 species, and 1500 varieties of plants from around the world.

The Bench in alley behind Flying Apron Bakery

Who put this bench here? Who cares? Take a quiet moment to yourself, watch Fremont pass you by and keep an eye on the sliver of alley directly across for a glimpse to 35th Street.

Top of Volunteer Park Water Tower

If you don't mind climbing about 100 steps, your efforts will be rewarded with a 360-degree view of the city through caged windows. If it starts raining, stay awhile and read about the history of the park

Ward St. Hill at 5th Ave North

You don't need a permit or money to park up here and own the view of downtown and infinity.

Benches across from Parsons Gardens

After your tryst with your paramour in Parsons Gardens, rest across the street, and let the view of Puget Sound help you forget your sins.

Howell Park

Between Madrona and Madison Parks, a hidden shore conceals nude sunbathers and Peeping Toms. Everyone knows you're not just here for the view of Lake Washington.

The End of SW Brace Point Drive

Go to the very end of what looks like a private drive, and arrive at a small stretch of public beach. Remember you're sandwiched between private beaches, so don't let your excitement of watching ferries pass by get you arrested.

Hitt's Hill Park

Named after the man who loved watching things explode, and founded one of the largest fireworks companies on the West Coast, this hilltop park boasts views of Lake Washington, downtown, and Rainier Valley.

NW 60th St. Viewpoint

Watch the boats that you can't afford rush past on their way to Puget Sound. Remember to wave or flash!

Fremont Peak Park

Follow the twisty silver ribbon on the ground to a panoramic view of Fremont and Lake Washington Ship Canal. Take pictures with the mysterious cement balls.

Wandering Rocks at Olympic Sculpture Park

Sneak between the trees and find the black rocks aliens left behind millions of years ago. Stroll through Olympic Sculpture Park, and take in the view of Puget Sound.

Cormorant Cove

Picnic with the Cormorants, and study the thoughtfully landscaped beach foliage. Launch your kayak or canoe into Puget Sound, and never return.

Northlake Park

The sign says there's a park here, but it's hard to figure out where to go. Once you find it, it's totally okay to stand and stare at the boats in Lake Union under the I-5 overpass for a few hours.

Mt Baker Ridge Viewpoint

Views of downtown, Beacon Hill, Elliott Bay, and the Olympic Mountains will make you forget you're on a suspended metal platform far above the treetops. Say a Druidic chant as you watch the sun go down through a sunset stone.

Aurora Avenue Pedestrian Overpass

Just off the Fremont side, you'll find a sweet spot that gives you an equal view of Queen Anne Hill, Lake Union, the Seattle Skyline and the very top of the Space Needle. It's a little bit of everything in one shot.

View From The Seattle Great Wheel

If you haven't sampled some edibles and ridden the Great Wheel because you think it's too touristy, you have no sense of adventure. No other wheel on the West coast will give you an orgasmic view of Seattle 175 feet above Elliott Bay.

Sunset Hill Park

It's a very small park, but, the value is right there in the name. You'll forget that as you admire the sailboats float by in the Shishole and Elliott Bays in front of the Olympic Mountains. Do not spill your $8 coffee on your $400 distressed jeans cause you're in awe.

Magnolia Bridge

Don't mind the shake as you admire the view of downtown Seattle on this crumbling bridge many are afraid to cross. Don't forget to smile and wave at the terrified people driving by. This could be the last time you see each other.

Beacon Hill Viewpoint

The Port of Seattle, Elliot Bay, and the south side of downtown greet you as you meander around this humble patch of grass. Stop staring down people walking by though because now you're acting creepy.

Hamilton Viewpoint Park

If you're patient enough to wait until the sun goes down, you'll be rewarded with a shimmering Seattle Skyline. Now you can pretend you're in that movie where people can't sleep because they're in love or something.

Marine View Park

Visit this somewhat secret, uncrowded beach on a clear day, and take in the view of Mt. Rainier, Poverty Bay, spruce trees, and fluffy clouds (when available).

Pike Place Market's Hidden Alcove

You were lying to your friends from L.A. when you said you'd been to this spot. It's okay. You can go next time. At 1st and Pike, walk through the Main Arcade, under the clock, and around the fish throwers. Pull up a stool in front of the Olympic Mountains and Elliott Bay.

Ella Bailey Park

There is a playground, lots of kids with lazy adults, a skatedot (a piece of integrated skateable terrain) and a view of downtown Seattle beside Mt Rainier. Bring a special, mind-altering picnic, let your mind be altered by the view and take it easy on a sunny afternoon.

Terminal 18 Park

Views of the West Seattle Bridge and Duwamish River welcome you into an industrial landscape. Watch the port action go by while you relax amongst shipyards and terminals.

Myrtle Edwards Park

Jog or walk along a waterfront path while the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains unroll before you. Someday you will climb to the peak of Mount Deception, and wave back at the people standing where you are now.