Volunteer Park

There’s an interesting exhibit in the water tower in Volunteer Park about the work of the Olmsted brothers, designers of Seattle’s more elegant parks. The formal gardens of the 43-acre Volunteer Park (E. Prospect Street between 11th and 15th Avenues East) are representative of the work of the Olmsteds, but a truer example of their inspired philosophy (preserving views of the magnificent surroundings whenever possible) is best seen from East Garfield Street. Exit Volunteer Park on its eastern side and make your way north to East Garfield. From here, you will happen upon one of the most picturesque views of Lake Washington, the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge and the Cascade Mountains, from a unique roost designed by the brothers.