West Montlake Park: Portage Bay Views by the Montlake Cut

Frequently asked questions

West Montlake Park is at 2815 W Park Dr E, Seattle, WA 98112, in the Montlake neighborhood. It sits between the Montlake Cut to the north, Portage Bay to the west and the Seattle Yacht Club marina to the south.

Yes, West Montlake Park has a fishing pier. It also has an observation deck, paths and benches.

The Montlake Cut Waterside Trail connects the two parks. The trail runs along the cut and passes under the Montlake Bridge.

The City of Seattle acquired the land in 1909, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built the park in 1971.

Boats move between Portage Bay and the Montlake Cut just beyond the benches here, with the Seattle Yacht Club marina right next door. West Montlake Park is a small waterfront park at 2815 W Park Dr E in Seattle's Montlake neighborhood, set where the bay meets the cut. Settle onto the observation deck, cast from the fishing pier, or follow the trail along the cut and under the Montlake Bridge.

Where Portage Bay Meets the Montlake Cut

Water frames this park on nearly every side. The Montlake Cut runs along its northern edge, Portage Bay opens to the west, and the Seattle Yacht Club marina borders it to the south. West Park Drive E runs along the eastern side, which is where most visitors arrive.

That setting puts you at a busy point on the water, so find a spot to watch boats travel between the bay and the cut while the yacht club marina sits just next door.

Read the full guide

What to Enjoy in the Park

West Montlake Park keeps things simple, and its amenities suit an unhurried stop by the water:

Observation deck: take in the view of the bay and the cut.
Fishing pier: cast a line from the shore.
Paths: wander the walkways through the park.
Benches: sit back and rest with a view of the water.

Walk the Montlake Cut Waterside Trail

Stroll the Montlake Cut Waterside Trail to reach East Montlake Park on the other side of the bridge. The trail, which opened in 1971, follows the edge of the cut and passes beneath the Montlake Bridge, so you can walk between the two parks while staying close to the water the whole way.

A Little Park History

The story of this shoreline spot begins in 1909, when the City of Seattle acquired the land. Decades later, in 1971, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built the park, the same year the waterside trail along the cut was completed.

Nearby in Montlake

Linger in the neighborhood a little longer, since several Montlake landmarks and green spaces sit within a short walk:

Montlake Bridge and Montlake Cut: less than 0.1 mile away, right at the park's edge.
Seattle Yacht Club: under 0.1 mile, bordering the park to the south.
Montlake Boulevard: a park about 0.2 mile away.
Montlake Playfield: about 0.3 mile away.

Find more places to eat, walk and explore nearby in our guide to the Montlake neighborhood, and browse our full list of Seattle parks to discover other green spaces around the city.

Before You Go

Seattle Parks and Recreation manages West Montlake Park. Check the official Seattle Parks and Recreation website for current hours, rules and any updates before you head out.