Seola Park

Hidden within West Seattle, Seola Park whispers a tale of deceptive maps and hidden beauty. Seola Park initially appears as a sprawling waterfront haven on a map. However, public access to the Puget Sound shoreline is restricted, a fact that might disappoint those expecting a beachside stroll. Seola Park is actually nestled atop a hill, a small, flat expanse adorned with towering trees, guarding a secret ravine. At the bottom of Seola Beach Drive, a sign stands sentinel, declaring the beach private property. While the waterfront remains elusive, the upper reaches of Seola Park offer glimpses of the Sound. These peek-a-boo views, framed by the trees, create an intimate setting. The park is ideal for a shaded picnic, a refuge from the city’s hustle. The story of Seola Park’s name adds another layer of intrigue. Originally known as Kakeldy Beach, after the first family who settled there in 1893, the name became a source of mockery for local schoolchildren. They dubbed the beach residents the “Cackilty Chickens”. In 1910, a renaming contest was held. Mel Miller, inspired by the school’s Spanish teacher, Agnes Quigley, submitted the winning entry: “Seola,” meaning “to know the wave.” This name, with its poetic evocation of the nearby water, has replaced the earlier, less flattering moniker. Seola Park, while lacking direct beach access, remains a peaceful urban retreat. The park’s madrona trees stand as silent witnesses to the changing tides of time. They twist and turn towards the sunlight, their wind-swept forms echoing the resilience of nature.