Sunset Hill, Seattle

From the Chittenden Locks to the sands of Golden Gardens, this place is a true oasis! Nestled in the middle lies a most coveted plot of land deemed Sunset Hill Park. Given as a gift over 100 years ago, this park continues to be unwrapped and enjoyed, especially with a sunset. Almost unimaginable views of the Cascade Mountains are captured here. Our family instantly fell in love with the spot and had a family portrait taken here a few days later. Sailboats, inboards and outboards can be seen navigating Shilshole Bay.

After absorbing the panorama, head south to the "Locks", enjoying the quiet suburban-like streets along the way. If you visit during the late Summer months, brace for more people trying to jockey for parking. We like to park along the residential streets just north of the Locks because the main lot is metered.

Entering the Chittenden facility brings you first to the botanical gardens. If you plan ahead, pack a picnic to enjoy after enjoying the rest of the landmark. Most dart down the path to behold the rising and falling of water that gives passage to many vessels each year. If you are fortunate, you can converse with yacht owners, freight workers, sea captains and the like. It takes several minutes for the process to transpire, then boats are on their way. In the meantime, you can scoot over to the dam and experience the power of equalizing water levels. Late Winter and Spring provide the most volumes passing through this barrier, however the Summer supply is not too shabby either.

After the ships depart, go back across the dam and descend on the Salmon ladder. As you walk the descending path, peer over the railing to see the ladder below you. At the bottom is an area with large windows to view the running Salmon. Charts are provided to identify species and explain when fish are likely to be pass through.

Now you are ready for that picnic in the gardens, reminiscing of the last hour with fish and boats. After sitting for a while, you long for not only luscious grass, but sand. Quickly stowing your things, you head to the car and make your way on Seaview Avenue. You pass Ray's Boathouse Seafood Restaurant and Anthony's, getting to see the masts of Shilshole once again. A few more blocks to the north lands you in Golden Gardens Park, complete with beaches.

Sunset Hill is a location to be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. No matter what your mood upon arrival, you are sure to leave with a more serene view of life.

Sunset Hill is part of Seattle's Ballard neighborhood. It is on the the furthest West tip of Ballard and stretches from Golden Gardens Park in the North all the way down to Salmon Bay and then 10 to 15 blocks to the East of the Puget Sound.

Sunset Hill is perched over the Puget Sound and offers nice sea breezes and expansive views. The streets are quiet and home owners take pride in their yards and home maintenance. Kids walk the streets and play in the various parks in the area. Sunset Hill offers great access to many area amenities including Golden Gardens Park, The Ballard Locks, Shilshole Marina, and more. The Burke Gilman Trail also begins in Ballard with great access to other trails as well.

It seems like even if it is not sunny anywhere else in Seattle, it might still be sunny here! Don't miss Sunset Hill if you are in town - it is tucked away and easy to miss, but you won't want to.