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Seattle, Washington / Parks and outdoors

Ravenna Park

A lush, 49.9-acre urban oasis featuring a dramatic 115-foot deep ravine and the flowing Ravenna Creek, blending history and nature in the heart of Seattle.

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Ravenna Park
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What is Ravenna Park known for?

Ravenna Park is known as a forest-filled, wooded ravine featuring a stream called Ravenna Creek and slopes that reach a maximum depth of 115 feet.

What activities can I do there?

Visitors use the park for hiking, jogging, biking, and picnicking. The park also offers trails, tennis courts, a ballfield, and a wading pool.

Is it good for kids?

Yes, the park features a children's play area and a wading pool.

Where is it located?

The park is located at 5520 Ravenna Ave NE, 98105, in Seattle's Ravenna neighborhood, just north of the University District.

Can I host an event there?

Yes, the park has reservable picnic areas for events.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Ravenna Park is a sprawling 49.9-acre urban sanctuary located in the Ravenna neighborhood at 5520 Ravenna Ave NE. The park's most striking feature is a half-mile wooded ravine, which reaches a maximum depth of 115 feet, through which the Ravenna Creek flows. This dramatic landscape was described by John Charles Olmsted in 1903 as a beautiful ravine with fine wooded slopes that offered high scenic and recreational value. The park's history is rooted in its origins as a privately owned streetcar destination park by 1903. The city of Seattle acquired the land through condemnation proceedings that began in 1909, and it is now operated by Seattle Parks and Recreation. Together with Cowen Park, it forms a contiguous green space that bridges the Ravenna and University District neighborhoods. Visitors today enjoy a wide array of amenities. The park provides trails for hiking, jogging, and biking, and includes a children's play area, a wading pool, a ballfield, and tennis courts. For those seeking a quiet retreat, there are reservable picnic areas for events, allowing visitors to experience the forest-filled ravine as a green retreat for city dwellers.

Visitor tips

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes for the trails in the ravine, as they may be uneven uneven
  • Check the Seattle Parks and Recreation website for picnic area reservations if you plan to have a event
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through the contiguous Cowen Park for a longer nature walk

Nearby context

Ravenna Park is situated just north of the University District, serving as a contiguous green space when paired with Cowen Park, linking the Ravenna neighborhood with the University District.

Sources

Evidence and links