Fifty-one and seven-tenths acres of green. That’s Interlaken Park. Nestled between Capitol Hill and Montlake this Seattle gem is more than just a park. It’s a living testament to Seattle’s history.
Interlaken Park wasn’t always a park. Long ago a network of bicycle trails crisscrossed this land. Seattle’s Assistant Engineer George Cotterill a man who later became mayor designed these early paths. They were crucial for the city’s future street planning. The invention of pneumatic tires transformed the bicycle from a dangerous contraption into a popular mode of transport. This spurred a bicycle craze in the late 1800s. Cotterill’s trails became the backbone of Interlaken Park.
The Olmsted Brothers a renowned landscape architecture firm then took over. They envisioned Interlaken Park as a vital link in Seattle’s “emerald necklace” a system of interconnected parks. Their 1903 plan connected Washington Park (Arboretum) to Volunteer Park via Interlaken Park. They recommended immediate acquisition of the land. This was to prevent haphazard development that could have scarred the natural beauty of the ravines and ridges. The name “Interlaken” likely came from the picturesque Swiss resort between Lakes Thun and Brienz. It perfectly captured the area’s charm.
Interlaken Boulevard a shady three-mile stretch was partly built along these old bicycle trails. It meanders through a residential area to the west across Capitol Hill’s wooded slopes. The Olmsteds envisioned rustic bridges spanning steep ravines. They also included pedestrian paths to explore the steeper terrain. Later a section of the park was set aside to honor Louisa Boren Denny a Seattle pioneer.
Today Interlaken Park is a haven for walkers and bikers. You can explore its wooded trails and enjoy the quiet beauty. The park remains a vital connector. It links neighborhoods and offers a glimpse into Seattle’s rich past. Its paths whisper stories of bicycles and parkways. They also echo the vision of those who transformed a network of trails into a treasured green space. This is Interlaken Park a place where history and nature intertwine. A perfect spot to pause and reflect on Seattle’s journey.