Sound View Park

Sound View Park is a little-known local secret offering some of the region's best panoramic views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and passing ferries. Situated high above the Des Moines waterfront, it's an idyllic place to rest, relax, and soak up a quintessential Northwest sight. In addition, the park offers a meaningful connection to the region's Indigenous heritage through artwork created by artists from local Tribes, interpretive Story Stones, and thoughtfully restored native landscaping.

Highlights

A Spectacular Vantage Point: The park's elevated vantage point provides panoramic views. Visitors frequently praise it as one of Des Moines' best places to watch the sun dip behind the Olympics, painting the sky in vibrant Pacific Northwest colors.

Peaceful Neighborhood Atmosphere: Unlike larger regional parks, Sound View Park offers a quieter setting where visitors can enjoy nature without the crowds, making it ideal for a calm escape or picnic.

Indigenous Art & Storytelling: The sculptures and Story Stones share traditional stories, including the legend of Lizard Woman, as translated by Muckleshoot Elder Yikut, and The Lady of Glistening White, which are tied to nearby shoreline landmarks and reflect the area's history Since Time Immemorial.

A Celebration of Native Plants: Local Tribes were consulted when planning the landscape, with plants that include salal, snowberry, red flowering currant, wild onion, wild ginger, black gooseberry, and wild strawberry, which honor the cultural and ecological significance of this special place.

Community Events: Groups such as Waterland Yoga often host classes at this site in the summer. Check Explore Seattle Southside's Event Calendar and Waterland Yoga's social media pages for updates.

Great for Wildlife Watching: There's lots of marine wildlife nearby! Keep an eye out for seabirds, hawks, and the occasional seal or whale.

The Vibe
Sound View Park feels like a hidden waterfront retreat where the pace naturally slows down. Gentle breezes, expansive water views, and colorful sunsets create an atmosphere that's both calming and inspiring.