Sunset Hill Park: Ballard Viewpoint Over Shilshole Bay

Frequently asked questions

Sunset Hill Park is at 7531 34th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98117. It sits in the Sunset Hill area at the northwest corner of Ballard.

The park overlooks Shilshole Bay and Elliott Bay. It is a popular spot for photographing the Olympic Mountains.

Yes. Golden Gardens Park is about 0.2 miles away in a straight line, and the Eddie Vine Boat Ramp is a similar distance.

Yes, the park at 7531 34th Ave NW is also called Sunset Hill Viewpoint Park.

Across the open water of Shilshole and Elliott bays, the Olympic Mountains fill the far horizon from a hilltop at the northwest corner of Ballard. That hilltop is Sunset Hill Park, a viewpoint park at 7531 34th Ave NW in the Sunset Hill area, and it ranks as a favorite spot for photographing the mountains. Golden Gardens Park and the Eddie Vine Boat Ramp are both a short walk away.

Take in the view

You may also see this spot called Sunset Hill Viewpoint Park, and the overlook is the reason to come. Step up to the hilltop and let Shilshole Bay and Elliott Bay spread out below you, with the Olympic Mountains shaping the skyline on the far side.

Photographers head here for that mountain view in particular, so bring a camera or your phone. Linger a while and take in the bays before you move on to the rest of your day.

Read the full guide

Meet the neighborhood

The park belongs to Ballard's Sunset Hill area, a neighborhood with a long civic streak and its own community association. Founded in 1922, the Sunset Hill Community Association was one of the first neighborhood associations in Seattle. To get to know the streets around the park, browse our Sunset Hill neighborhood guide.

Head down to the shoreline

Make Sunset Hill Park your first or last stop on a day along the north Ballard waterfront. Several places sit within about half a mile, measured in a straight line:

Eddie Vine Boat Ramp, 0.2 mi
Golden Gardens Park, 0.2 mi
Norvell House, a local landmark, 0.3 mi
Webster Park, 0.5 mi
Golden Gardens dog park, 0.5 mi
Golden Gardens Bath House, 0.6 mi

Keep in mind that straight-line distances can run shorter than the actual walk, especially on a hillside, so leave a little extra time between stops. When you are ready for more green space, explore our list of parks across Seattle.

Plan your visit

Seattle Parks and Recreation manages Sunset Hill Park. Before you set out, check the Seattle Parks and Recreation website for current hours, rules and any closures.