Recommendations for Seattle and the PNW!
Dining, music, etc...
Although a very different kind of dance club, Seattleites who like to move their bodies (especially when it comes to two-steppin') flock to this happening Green Lake venue that's known for its live country music scene. Seattle's not just about grunge anymore, and Little Red Hen is a perfect example of why. Here, you can dance, you can sing, and you can listen to live tunes every day of the week. There are free line and country dance lessons, and for nights when a band isn't booked, you can always show off your chops by stepping on stage for karaoke (every Wednesday evening).
36 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Little Red Hen
7115 Woodlawn Ave NEAlthough a very different kind of dance club, Seattleites who like to move their bodies (especially when it comes to two-steppin') flock to this happening Green Lake venue that's known for its live country music scene. Seattle's not just about grunge anymore, and Little Red Hen is a perfect example of why. Here, you can dance, you can sing, and you can listen to live tunes every day of the week. There are free line and country dance lessons, and for nights when a band isn't booked, you can always show off your chops by stepping on stage for karaoke (every Wednesday evening).
One of the best happy hours in town for food and drink. Hip downtown joint.
43 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Barolo Ristorante
1940 Westlake AveOne of the best happy hours in town for food and drink. Hip downtown joint.
Henry Art Gallery presents contemporary art exhibitions by a multi-national roster of emerging and mid-career artists. Known for taking risks and for allowing space for uncertain outcome, the museum anticipates the conversations and opinions that will be important and relevant in the field, and brings together the artists, creatives, and thinkers who are at the forefront of contemporary culture. The museum organizes and hosts nationally acclaimed exhibitions such as MUSE: Mickalene Thomas Photographs and tête-à-tête, Martha Friedman: Castoffs, and Doris Totten Chase: Changing Forms. Other recent exhibitions include commissions by regional, national, and international artists including Pae White, Kraft Duntz featuring Dawn Cerny, and Demian DinéYazhi´.
Opened in 1927, the Henry is Washington’s first art museum. The original building was designed by Seattle architect Carl F. Gould, who was also the founder and director of the University’s School of Architecture. Seventy years later, in 1997, the museum hired Gwathmey Siegel & Associates to undertake a major expansion to quadruple the size of the museum to better present and preserve its collections and to increase access to our exhibitions and public programs. Light Reign, a site-specific immersive sculpture by artist James Turrell, was installed in 2003. The Skyspace has become a destination for students, residents, and visitors to Seattle.
72 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Henry Art Gallery
Northeast 41st StreetHenry Art Gallery presents contemporary art exhibitions by a multi-national roster of emerging and mid-career artists. Known for taking risks and for allowing space for uncertain outcome, the museum anticipates the conversations and opinions that will be important and relevant in the field, and brings together the artists, creatives, and thinkers who are at the forefront of contemporary culture. The museum organizes and hosts nationally acclaimed exhibitions such as MUSE: Mickalene Thomas Photographs and tête-à-tête, Martha Friedman: Castoffs, and Doris Totten Chase: Changing Forms. Other recent exhibitions include commissions by regional, national, and international artists including Pae White, Kraft Duntz featuring Dawn Cerny, and Demian DinéYazhi´.
Opened in 1927, the Henry is Washington’s first art museum. The original building was designed by Seattle architect Carl F. Gould, who was also the founder and director of the University’s School of Architecture. Seventy years later, in 1997, the museum hired Gwathmey Siegel & Associates to undertake a major expansion to quadruple the size of the museum to better present and preserve its collections and to increase access to our exhibitions and public programs. Light Reign, a site-specific immersive sculpture by artist James Turrell, was installed in 2003. The Skyspace has become a destination for students, residents, and visitors to Seattle.
The Arboretum is a welcome oasis on the shores of Lake Washington. Jointly managed by the University of Washington Botanic Gardens and the City of Seattle, its 230 acres contain a dynamic assortment of plants, some found nowhere else in the Northwest. Take a walk through the Arboretum and discover this beautiful living collection. The Graham Visitors Center contains an information desk, and a gift shop managed by the Arboretum Foundation.
The Japanese Garden, located at the south end of the Arboretum has an entrance fee and is managed by the City of Seattle. Open to the public since June 1960, Seattle Japanese Garden is one of the most highly regarded Japanese-style gardens in North America.
Tucked within a vast arboretum in a fast-growing city, the garden attracts over 100,000 visitors annually and is beloved both locally and by garden-lovers from over 30 countries around the world.
Gardens in Japan have long been regarded as an important art form that’s essential to life. This 3.5-acre garden features a style developed in the late-16th to early-17th centuries known as stroll gardens. Following a winding path around a central pond, stroll gardens invite visitors to journey through the varied landscapes of Japan – mountains, forests, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, islands and the sea. Along the journey, varied landscapes are hidden and then revealed.
Renowned landscape designer Juki Iida planned the Seattle Japanese Garden faithful to the principle of shizensa, the essence of nature. He used both traditional Japanese plant materials and Pacific Northwest natives that have spread gracefully over time. Iida also famously travelled to the Cascades to scout for and select a large number of granite rocks to install near the waterfall. With each passing season, the elements he specified long ago combine to reveal new colors, shapes and fragrances.
The winding path and benches invite us to view the garden slowly and mindfully, in all of its detail – stones, water, lanterns, bridges, buildings, plants and animals. Change is often subtle, yet constant, and every visit refreshingly unique.
313 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Washington Park Arboretum UW Botanic Gardens
2300 Arboretum Dr EThe Arboretum is a welcome oasis on the shores of Lake Washington. Jointly managed by the University of Washington Botanic Gardens and the City of Seattle, its 230 acres contain a dynamic assortment of plants, some found nowhere else in the Northwest. Take a walk through the Arboretum and discover this beautiful living collection. The Graham Visitors Center contains an information desk, and a gift shop managed by the Arboretum Foundation.
The Japanese Garden, located at the south end of the Arboretum has an entrance fee and is managed by the City of Seattle. Open to the public since June 1960, Seattle Japanese Garden is one of the most highly regarded Japanese-style gardens in North America.
Tucked within a vast arboretum in a fast-growing city, the garden attracts over 100,000 visitors annually and is beloved both locally and by garden-lovers from over 30 countries around the world.
Gardens in Japan have long been regarded as an important art form that’s essential to life. This 3.5-acre garden features a style developed in the late-16th to early-17th centuries known as stroll gardens. Following a winding path around a central pond, stroll gardens invite visitors to journey through the varied landscapes of Japan – mountains, forests, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, islands and the sea. Along the journey, varied landscapes are hidden and then revealed.
Renowned landscape designer Juki Iida planned the Seattle Japanese Garden faithful to the principle of shizensa, the essence of nature. He used both traditional Japanese plant materials and Pacific Northwest natives that have spread gracefully over time. Iida also famously travelled to the Cascades to scout for and select a large number of granite rocks to install near the waterfall. With each passing season, the elements he specified long ago combine to reveal new colors, shapes and fragrances.
The winding path and benches invite us to view the garden slowly and mindfully, in all of its detail – stones, water, lanterns, bridges, buildings, plants and animals. Change is often subtle, yet constant, and every visit refreshingly unique.
Our favorite local swimming area with incredible views of Mt Rainier.
477 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Seward Park
5900 Lake Washington Blvd SOur favorite local swimming area with incredible views of Mt Rainier.
A great day trip for anyone visiting Seattle - take a ferry to Bainbridge island or Bremerton and soak in the views.
157 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Seattle Ferry Terminal
Seattle Ferry TerminalA great day trip for anyone visiting Seattle - take a ferry to Bainbridge island or Bremerton and soak in the views.
The quintessential Seattle icon. Worth a ride to the top for the views alone.
1748 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Aguja Espacial
400 Broad StThe quintessential Seattle icon. Worth a ride to the top for the views alone.
Magical glass Garden by our very own Seattle master glassblower.
723 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Jardín y vidrio de Chihuly
305 Harrison StMagical glass Garden by our very own Seattle master glassblower.
Not to be missed...especially fun for music, architecture and art fans.
674 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo de la Cultura Pop
325 5th Ave NNot to be missed...especially fun for music, architecture and art fans.
Vashon Island
The Vashon Island ferry is 5 minutes from our doorstep. Wonderful day trip.
Arts & Culture
Some of the best touring bands in the country play this live music venue.
168 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Neumos
925 E Pike StSome of the best touring bands in the country play this live music venue.
The Frye hosts some of the most cutting edge exhibitions in town, Seattle institution.
229 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo de Arte Frye
704 Terry AveThe Frye hosts some of the most cutting edge exhibitions in town, Seattle institution.
The Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) is a history museum located in the South Lake Union neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. MOHAI is the largest private heritage organization in the State.
357 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo de Historia e Industria (MOHAI)
860 Terry Ave NThe Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) is a history museum located in the South Lake Union neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. MOHAI is the largest private heritage organization in the State.
The Croc is a fixture of Seattle's music scene.
108 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Crocodile
2505 1st AveThe Croc is a fixture of Seattle's music scene.
Drinks & Nightlife
One of the best live music venues in Seattle, not to be missed.
165 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tractor Tavern
5213 Ballard Ave NWOne of the best live music venues in Seattle, not to be missed.
Outside!
Not to be missed gorgeous beachfront park with views of the Olympics, as well as, hiking through massive evergreen trees. 5 min drive from our doorstep.
Lincoln Park
8011 Fauntleroy Way SouthwestNot to be missed gorgeous beachfront park with views of the Olympics, as well as, hiking through massive evergreen trees. 5 min drive from our doorstep.
Giant trees, ferns and adventure in the middle of West Seattle. 5 minute drive from our home.
64 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Schmitz Park
5551 SW Admiral WayGiant trees, ferns and adventure in the middle of West Seattle. 5 minute drive from our home.
Mount Rainier National Park
2 hour drive - worth every minute.
The Hoh Rain Forest is one of the largest temperate rain forests in the United States. As the wettest destination in the Lower 48, the Hoh Rain Forest receives an average of 12-14 feet of rainfall each year, with the majority of it falling October through April. With this generous supply of precipitation, combined with its mild temperate climate influenced by the Pacific Ocean, the Hoh Rain Forest has the perfect set of variables to create a thriving temperate rain forest ecosystem with an abundance of mossy green flora and fauna. The most awe-striking features include 300 foot tall old-growth Sitka Spruce trees, moss-draped Big Leaf maple trees, endless sword fern along the forest floor, and if you’re lucky, you may even encounter the Roosevelt Elk herd. One of the quietest places on the planet. Not to be missed.
29 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hoh Rainforest Olympic Nat’l Park
5629-4911 Upper Hoh RdThe Hoh Rain Forest is one of the largest temperate rain forests in the United States. As the wettest destination in the Lower 48, the Hoh Rain Forest receives an average of 12-14 feet of rainfall each year, with the majority of it falling October through April. With this generous supply of precipitation, combined with its mild temperate climate influenced by the Pacific Ocean, the Hoh Rain Forest has the perfect set of variables to create a thriving temperate rain forest ecosystem with an abundance of mossy green flora and fauna. The most awe-striking features include 300 foot tall old-growth Sitka Spruce trees, moss-draped Big Leaf maple trees, endless sword fern along the forest floor, and if you’re lucky, you may even encounter the Roosevelt Elk herd. One of the quietest places on the planet. Not to be missed.
Say farewell to worry and stress and say hello to the mellow islands vibe, a temperate year-round climate, and long, lazy hours of doing just what you want. Count on temperatures around 70° in the summer and 40° in the winter. A happy confluence of weather systems also accounts for the high level of air quality you’ll appreciate across the San Juans. So relax—you’re on “island time” now!
San Juan Islands
Say farewell to worry and stress and say hello to the mellow islands vibe, a temperate year-round climate, and long, lazy hours of doing just what you want. Count on temperatures around 70° in the summer and 40° in the winter. A happy confluence of weather systems also accounts for the high level of air quality you’ll appreciate across the San Juans. So relax—you’re on “island time” now!
A premier byway sometimes referred to as Washington’s Big Sur (perhaps Little Sur would be more fitting), the 24-mile curvy route hugs the sheer sandstone cliffs of the Chuckanut Mountains. The only place where the Cascade Mountains meet the sea, Chuckanut Drive overlooks Samish Bay and offers gorgeous views of the San Juan Islands and Chuckanut Bay.
Stroll through tulip fields in spring or find a cozy restaurant and feast on fresh shellfish. Search for treasures in shops or for beach glass along the water. Take a hike up past the tree line, or down along a white-sand beach. Chuckanut Drive is one of those byways that will leave you wanting to linger just a little longer.
Chuckanut Dr, Bellingham, WA, EE. UU.
A premier byway sometimes referred to as Washington’s Big Sur (perhaps Little Sur would be more fitting), the 24-mile curvy route hugs the sheer sandstone cliffs of the Chuckanut Mountains. The only place where the Cascade Mountains meet the sea, Chuckanut Drive overlooks Samish Bay and offers gorgeous views of the San Juan Islands and Chuckanut Bay.
Stroll through tulip fields in spring or find a cozy restaurant and feast on fresh shellfish. Search for treasures in shops or for beach glass along the water. Take a hike up past the tree line, or down along a white-sand beach. Chuckanut Drive is one of those byways that will leave you wanting to linger just a little longer.
5 minute drive from our home. Breathtaking!
Picture a perfect summer day, and chances are your thoughts will take you to Alki Beach Park, a long beach strip that runs roughly from 64th Place SW to Duwamish Head on Elliott Bay. It's a great spot for a long walk any time of year, and in the summer draws joggers, rollerbladers, volleyball players, sunbathers, bicyclists and strollers out to enjoy the sun. The water temperature ranges from 46 to 56 degrees Fahrenheit depending on season.
The widened path accommodates a lot of folks, and there's plenty of parking along Alki Ave. SW. There are picnic tables, a bathhouse housing an art studio, and a restroom at the south (Alki Point) end of the beach, where you'll find the monument to the arrival of the first white settlers on November 13, 1851.
The north end of the beach is protected by a bulkhead and flanked by cottages. The whole beach offers spectacular views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and the flotilla of ferries, sailboats, steamships and other craft that ply Puget Sound waters.
At a small seawall-surrounded square that used to be the site of Luna Park, an amusement park, be sure to stop and see the old 2.5-ton anchor dredged up by the Nor'West Divers Club and secured at the site.
Hand-carry boat access is on the east beach shoreline between 53rd Ave. SW and 55th Ave. SW, and on the west beach shoreline at the western property line and extending northwest for 200'.
865 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Alki Beach
5 minute drive from our home. Breathtaking!
Picture a perfect summer day, and chances are your thoughts will take you to Alki Beach Park, a long beach strip that runs roughly from 64th Place SW to Duwamish Head on Elliott Bay. It's a great spot for a long walk any time of year, and in the summer draws joggers, rollerbladers, volleyball players, sunbathers, bicyclists and strollers out to enjoy the sun. The water temperature ranges from 46 to 56 degrees Fahrenheit depending on season.
The widened path accommodates a lot of folks, and there's plenty of parking along Alki Ave. SW. There are picnic tables, a bathhouse housing an art studio, and a restroom at the south (Alki Point) end of the beach, where you'll find the monument to the arrival of the first white settlers on November 13, 1851.
The north end of the beach is protected by a bulkhead and flanked by cottages. The whole beach offers spectacular views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and the flotilla of ferries, sailboats, steamships and other craft that ply Puget Sound waters.
At a small seawall-surrounded square that used to be the site of Luna Park, an amusement park, be sure to stop and see the old 2.5-ton anchor dredged up by the Nor'West Divers Club and secured at the site.
Hand-carry boat access is on the east beach shoreline between 53rd Ave. SW and 55th Ave. SW, and on the west beach shoreline at the western property line and extending northwest for 200'.
Snoqualmie Falls is one of Washington state’s most popular scenic attractions. More than 1.5 million visitors come to the Falls every year. At the falls, you will find a two-acre park, gift shop, observation deck, the Salish Lodge and the famous 270 foot waterfall. The upper observation and lower observation decks are open every day of the year!
The free parking and free viewing area are open from dawn until dusk. Leashed pets are allowed. Lights illuminate the falls in the evening. The distance between the free parking lot and the viewing platform is approximately 200 feet and is wheelchair accessible. Directions
Snoqualmie Summit, Snoqualmie Pass, WA 98068, EE. UU.
Snoqualmie Falls is one of Washington state’s most popular scenic attractions. More than 1.5 million visitors come to the Falls every year. At the falls, you will find a two-acre park, gift shop, observation deck, the Salish Lodge and the famous 270 foot waterfall. The upper observation and lower observation decks are open every day of the year!
The free parking and free viewing area are open from dawn until dusk. Leashed pets are allowed. Lights illuminate the falls in the evening. The distance between the free parking lot and the viewing platform is approximately 200 feet and is wheelchair accessible. Directions
Hiking Schmitz Preserve Park
It's astonishing to find, in the middle of West Seattle, as many old growth trees as you might see in a whole season of hiking at Tiger Mountain. But Schmitz Preserve Park offers exactly that! The 53.1 acre park was formed from land donated to the city between 1908 and 1912, before the area had been completely logged. The largest parcel was donated by German immigrants Ferdinand and Emma Schmitz, after whom the park is named.
There is no entry fee, and official park hours are daily, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The park offers 1.7 miles of hiking trails. Since there are no trail signs in the park you may want to print a trail map in advance. Go to seattle gov parks website, enter "Schmitz Preserve" in the search window and, when you get to the park page, click on "Hiking Trails."
As you walk the trails be alert for a few exceptionally large conifers, and reflect that trees like these once were common throughout the Puget Sound area. Early in the season you will see the yellow hoods of skunk cabbage, along with blooms of Indian plum, salmon berry, Oregon grape, bleeding heart and trillium. You may hear the loud calls of pileated woodpeckers and flickers, and are likely to see a number of frisky squirrels. Raccoons also are present, but are mostly nocturnal. This is just a hint of the diversity of plants and animals you might see in the park. For more complete lists, check the Ecology page at the website of the Friends of Schmitz Preserve.
64 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Schmitz Park
5551 SW Admiral WayHiking Schmitz Preserve Park
It's astonishing to find, in the middle of West Seattle, as many old growth trees as you might see in a whole season of hiking at Tiger Mountain. But Schmitz Preserve Park offers exactly that! The 53.1 acre park was formed from land donated to the city between 1908 and 1912, before the area had been completely logged. The largest parcel was donated by German immigrants Ferdinand and Emma Schmitz, after whom the park is named.
There is no entry fee, and official park hours are daily, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The park offers 1.7 miles of hiking trails. Since there are no trail signs in the park you may want to print a trail map in advance. Go to seattle gov parks website, enter "Schmitz Preserve" in the search window and, when you get to the park page, click on "Hiking Trails."
As you walk the trails be alert for a few exceptionally large conifers, and reflect that trees like these once were common throughout the Puget Sound area. Early in the season you will see the yellow hoods of skunk cabbage, along with blooms of Indian plum, salmon berry, Oregon grape, bleeding heart and trillium. You may hear the loud calls of pileated woodpeckers and flickers, and are likely to see a number of frisky squirrels. Raccoons also are present, but are mostly nocturnal. This is just a hint of the diversity of plants and animals you might see in the park. For more complete lists, check the Ecology page at the website of the Friends of Schmitz Preserve.
Me-Kwa-Mooks Park is a 20.2-acre public park located in the West Seattle neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, USA. Me-Kwa-Mooks is an Anglicized version of the Lushootseed word for Alki Point, sbaqʷabqs (pronounced SBAH-kwahb-ks), meaning "prairie point."
Me-Kwa-Mooks Park is across the street from the Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook and immediately south of Me-Kwa-Mooks Natural Area. Picnic tables are set up on the lawn at the park entry (on Beach Dr. SW between SW Genesee and SW Oregon St.). Most of the park stretches up the hillside and extends north and farther south on land that is largely undeveloped. The dense trees provide habitat for many birds, including screech owls.
Immediately across the street, below Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook, is a rocky beach that is accessible during low tide. The tidepools here are rich in limpets, lumpsuckers, blennies, chitons, nudibranches, sea stars, sea slugs, sea cucumbers, hermit crabs and an array of other tidepool dwellers.
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Me-Kwa-Mooks Park
4430 Beach Dr SW Me-Kwa-Mooks Park is a 20.2-acre public park located in the West Seattle neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, USA. Me-Kwa-Mooks is an Anglicized version of the Lushootseed word for Alki Point, sbaqʷabqs (pronounced SBAH-kwahb-ks), meaning "prairie point."
Me-Kwa-Mooks Park is across the street from the Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook and immediately south of Me-Kwa-Mooks Natural Area. Picnic tables are set up on the lawn at the park entry (on Beach Dr. SW between SW Genesee and SW Oregon St.). Most of the park stretches up the hillside and extends north and farther south on land that is largely undeveloped. The dense trees provide habitat for many birds, including screech owls.
Immediately across the street, below Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook, is a rocky beach that is accessible during low tide. The tidepools here are rich in limpets, lumpsuckers, blennies, chitons, nudibranches, sea stars, sea slugs, sea cucumbers, hermit crabs and an array of other tidepool dwellers.
A strikingly unique place to splash around, the huge, heated pool contains 450,000 gallons of saltwater pulled straight from Puget Sound and maintained at a comfortable 82 degrees F.
Whether you’re 7 or 77, this 50-meter mecca for water sports is the perfect place to work out or play all summer long. Colman offers pool parties, recreational public swims, fun family swims, invigorating lap swims (with fast, medium, and easy lane options), coached masters workouts, kickboards, water noodles, high and low dives, and a wild ride on the corkscrew slide.
Because Colman Pool is located on the “point” at Lincoln Park, getting there is half the fun. If you live close, try biking. Or bring your trail shoes and walk through the park, picnicking along the way. If it’s your first time, make a day of it.
“Colman is one of Seattle’s best kept secrets,” says second-generation pool operator Mark Sears. “Every day I hear people say ‘this is great and I didn’t even know it was here.’ But it’s been here for quite some time.”
The pool is also soaked in history. Just step inside and you’ll notice the historical “Youth and Freedom” mural depicting the Colman legacy. The piece was painted by renowned muralist Ernest Norling (who also did an oil painting selected to hang in the White House).
“Every image in the mural has something to do with the Colman family and this community,” says Sears. The Colmans were paramount in starting the Fauntleroy Church and YMCA. “And these were during the times when you had to take a boat to get to West Seattle,” he adds.
Ken Colman built the pool and donated it to the city as a memorial to his father Laurence. “I knew Ken Colman and his intention was to create an active outlet for youth,” explains Sears. “He saw what he could do with this place – he designed, engineered, and built it, then handed it to the city as a gift. It’s our responsibility to continue his vision.”
Striving to do just that, Sears is only the second operator in the pool’s history. The first operator was his dad Norman, who was hired by Ken Colman in 1941. Before starting at Colman Pool, Norman Sears ran Alki’s bathing suit rentals and steam laundry services. He held the coveted steam engineer’s license that was necessary to run the boilers for the new heated pool.
A historic landmark. An amazing exercise venue. And the scenery? Second to none. Locals say the only problem with Colman is that summer’s too short. But West Seattleites will have to take that one up with Mother Nature.
34 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Colman Pool
8603 Fauntleroy Way SWA strikingly unique place to splash around, the huge, heated pool contains 450,000 gallons of saltwater pulled straight from Puget Sound and maintained at a comfortable 82 degrees F.
Whether you’re 7 or 77, this 50-meter mecca for water sports is the perfect place to work out or play all summer long. Colman offers pool parties, recreational public swims, fun family swims, invigorating lap swims (with fast, medium, and easy lane options), coached masters workouts, kickboards, water noodles, high and low dives, and a wild ride on the corkscrew slide.
Because Colman Pool is located on the “point” at Lincoln Park, getting there is half the fun. If you live close, try biking. Or bring your trail shoes and walk through the park, picnicking along the way. If it’s your first time, make a day of it.
“Colman is one of Seattle’s best kept secrets,” says second-generation pool operator Mark Sears. “Every day I hear people say ‘this is great and I didn’t even know it was here.’ But it’s been here for quite some time.”
The pool is also soaked in history. Just step inside and you’ll notice the historical “Youth and Freedom” mural depicting the Colman legacy. The piece was painted by renowned muralist Ernest Norling (who also did an oil painting selected to hang in the White House).
“Every image in the mural has something to do with the Colman family and this community,” says Sears. The Colmans were paramount in starting the Fauntleroy Church and YMCA. “And these were during the times when you had to take a boat to get to West Seattle,” he adds.
Ken Colman built the pool and donated it to the city as a memorial to his father Laurence. “I knew Ken Colman and his intention was to create an active outlet for youth,” explains Sears. “He saw what he could do with this place – he designed, engineered, and built it, then handed it to the city as a gift. It’s our responsibility to continue his vision.”
Striving to do just that, Sears is only the second operator in the pool’s history. The first operator was his dad Norman, who was hired by Ken Colman in 1941. Before starting at Colman Pool, Norman Sears ran Alki’s bathing suit rentals and steam laundry services. He held the coveted steam engineer’s license that was necessary to run the boilers for the new heated pool.
A historic landmark. An amazing exercise venue. And the scenery? Second to none. Locals say the only problem with Colman is that summer’s too short. But West Seattleites will have to take that one up with Mother Nature.