The seminary building was constructed using locally sourced Tenino sandstone.
The property served as a Catholic seminary for the Archdiocese of Seattle from 1931 until 1976.
The park contains a 12-acre section of rare, undisturbed wetland habitat.
The grounds include a historic grotto built by the seminarians in the 1930s.
The state park was officially established in 1977 after the seminary closed.
The lodge conversion was completed in 2021, preserving much of the original interior millwork.
Saint Edward State Park encompasses 326 acres of forest, wetlands, and 3,000 feet of freshwater shoreline on the northern tip of Lake Washington. The site is anchored by the historic Saint Edward Seminary building, a 1931 Romanesque-style structure designed by architect John Graham Sr. The park features over seven miles of hiking and mountain biking trails that traverse second-growth forest and ravines. Visitors can access a designated swimming area and a shoreline trail that provides direct views of the lake. The grounds include a large masonry-focused playground and multiple open lawn areas suitable for picnicking. The seminary building itself has been adaptively reused as a boutique hotel and spa, The Lodge at St. Edward, which operates within the park boundaries. The park is managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and is recognized for its unique blend of architecture and natural conservation.
The lakeside trail at sunset looking back toward the silhouette of the seminary building.
Bring sturdy footwear if planning to hike the ravine trails, as they can be steep and muddy after rainfall.
Check the Washington State Parks website for Discover Pass requirements before arriving.
Visit the grotto area for a quieter, secluded experience away from the main playground.
Attempting to swim outside of the designated buoyed areas, as shoreline currents can be unpredictable.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive forest ecosystems and keep pets leashed at all times.
