One of the best parts about living in Washington is knowing that, even if you live in one of its biggest cities, you’re never far from lush, green, beautiful nature. Kenmore is only about a 30-minute drive from Seattle, but it happens to be harboring one of King County’s best kept secrets: Saint Edward State Park.

Here, you’ll be able to hike through the trees, swim in Lake Washington, have a picnic, or go boating… and that’s before you’ve even set food in the Lodge.

Saint Edward State Park is a 326-acre park that sits on the eastern shores of Lake Washington in the small city of Kenmore.

Rhea Dondriano / Google On any given day, you’ll spot children at the playground, families making use of the large picnic tables, and the occasional outdoor wedding in the Grotto.

The state park, which requires a Discover Pass to enjoy, has half a dozen beautiful hiking trails…

KAWIKA&KILIKINA Travels / TripAdvisor

… and some of them take you straight to the lake.

Janpen / Google The park is perfect for visiting year-round, but it really comes alive in the summertime when the boaters and swimmers enjoy the lakeside location.

Visiting the park to enjoy nature is great… but booking a stay at The Lodge At Saint Edward State Park is even better.

The Lodge at St. Edward State Park / Facebook In 2021, after a five-year renovation, the Lodge opened to the public. This building was once the Saint Edward Seminary, an institution for developing Catholic priests. It operated for almost 50 years, until 1976.

Here, you can sit on the patio of the Vita Nova Spa, listening to the sounds of nature before enjoying a soothing treatment.

Vita Nova Spa / Google Afterward, take a small rest in the Meditation Room before venturing out to enjoy the long hallway full of local art that leads to the lobby.

Treat yourself to a cocktail or mocktail at Father Mulligan’s Heritage Bar, then feast on a meal at Cedar + Elm.

The Lodge at St. Edward State Park / Facebook Upstairs, you’ll find a peaceful library. Downstairs, the seminary’s barbershop has been converted into the Tonsorium Bar.

And of course, you’ll be able to rest your head on luxury linens and enjoy the most relaxing slumber of your life.

The Lodge at St. Edward State Park / Facebook Some state parks allow camping, but we think this is a better deal.

This entire property is breathtaking, and we’re lucky to have it right here in Washington.

The Lodge at St. Edward State Park / Facebook It isn’t every day you can reconnect with nature while being pampered at the same time.

What’s your favorite state park in Washington? We’re also big fans of this one.

Rhea Dondriano / Google

On any given day, you’ll spot children at the playground, families making use of the large picnic tables, and the occasional outdoor wedding in the Grotto.

KAWIKA&KILIKINA Travels / TripAdvisor

Janpen / Google

The park is perfect for visiting year-round, but it really comes alive in the summertime when the boaters and swimmers enjoy the lakeside location.

The Lodge at St. Edward State Park / Facebook

In 2021, after a five-year renovation, the Lodge opened to the public. This building was once the Saint Edward Seminary, an institution for developing Catholic priests. It operated for almost 50 years, until 1976.

Vita Nova Spa / Google

Afterward, take a small rest in the Meditation Room before venturing out to enjoy the long hallway full of local art that leads to the lobby.

Upstairs, you’ll find a peaceful library. Downstairs, the seminary’s barbershop has been converted into the Tonsorium Bar.

Some state parks allow camping, but we think this is a better deal.

It isn’t every day you can reconnect with nature while being pampered at the same time.

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Address: Saint Edward State Park, 14445 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore, WA 98028, USA