The park was named after Seattle City Council member Myrtle Edwards, a prominent advocate for public park development in the mid-20th century.
The park's northern section connects to Centennial Park, creating a continuous 2.25-mile greenway along the water.
The landscape design specifically avoids large forest canopy patches to preserve iconic views of the Olympic Mountains across the bay.
The site includes several art installations and commemorative plaques detailing the transformation of the waterfront from industrial rail yards to public space.
The multi-use trail within the park is part of the larger regional trail network that eventually connects toward Discovery Park.
Myrtle Edwards Park is a 1.25-mile-long public waterfront park located along the Elliott Bay shoreline in Seattle. It features a dedicated multi-use trail separated for pedestrians and cyclists, connecting to the Olympic Sculpture Park at its southern end. The park serves as a primary segment of the Elliott Bay Trail system, running from downtown toward the grain terminals in the north. Vegetation consists primarily of native grasses, shrubs, and trees, prioritizing unobstructed views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The park is built on reclaimed land that was historically used for industrial shipping and rail activity. It provides direct access to small rocky beaches and shoreline tide pools during low tide. The park is managed by Seattle Parks and Recreation and is fully open to the public without gates or restricted access points.
The western-facing shoreline trail at sunset with the Olympic Mountains in the background.
Visit during low tide to explore the small rocky beaches and shoreline habitat.
Stick to the marked path segments; the paved trail is strictly divided between foot traffic and cyclists to ensure safety.
Check the wind forecast, as the exposed waterfront location can be significantly colder and windier than downtown Seattle.
Do not attempt to swim in Elliott Bay; the water is cold, prone to strong currents, and often contains industrial debris.
Leash laws apply to all dogs; cyclists must yield to pedestrians on shared pathways.
