Beaver Lodge Sanctuary — Attraction in Seattle

UPDATE March 2025: The new and much safer dock has been installed thanks to the hard work and collaboration of the Volunteer Coordinators, The City of Seattle, the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the United States Army Corp of Engineers! It is safe to walk out on again (finally) and provides a great place for viewing the wetlands wildlife including the Beavers, many species of birds including the Broadmoor Bald Eagles, many turtles, and other critters that call those wetlands home. It truly is the hidden gem of Madison Park wetlands wildlife. Just remember to pick up your trash, dog poop, and leave the place better than you found it!

I have reviewed the Beaver Lodge Sanctuary more than once. This place is a true gem of the neighborhood and should be protected and used according to the guidelines posted. There is a trail, a dock, two benches, and a small 2 car parking area. This is an easy spot to launch a kayak or two from though I would avoid anymore than a pair of paddle boards or kayaks as the space is not big enough to accommodate that much traffic. Please be respectful of the home owners along the road both by not being absurdly loud and also by cleaning up after yourself and your dogs. Please don't throw trash into the water. There are trash cans that are at top of the trail by the 2 car parking area. Use them. You can only fit about two cars in the parking area. At the very top of the road by where you would turn down towards the parking area, if you stand back by the rocks you can look up and south west and see the very tallest tree which is the home of the resident Bald eagle family nest that is on the Broadmoor golf course on the other side of the fence. The best times to go if you really want to see wildlife are during the twilight hours of evening and early morning. That's when the beavers are most active. That does not mean you won't see one or more at any time of day. You can also see freshwater otters, numerous birds, and other species of animals and plants that make up the wetlands. The city just finished the safety retrofitting of the dock platform so it is now safe to walk on and enjoy. Please share the space with your neighbors. It is there for the enjoyment of all residents and home to many species of plants, trees, and animals both aquatic and not. This place is easily accessible and is generally one of my favorite places in the entire neighborhood to walk to with my dog and get some relaxation while enjoying one of the few well managed urban wetlands in our wonderful city. I hope you, your family, and friends enjoy it and respect it as...

Wonderful peaceful spot in Madison Park. I often put in here on my paddleboard. The water is very calm, so it’s a great place for paddling with younger kids. I often see beavers around sunset. Tons of turtles, heron, and other critters too. One thing to note is that there is very limited parking, but you can just park in the neighborhood and walk down. Also, bring bug spray. The mosquitos can be quite bad in summer, but I’ve found they dissipate once you’re out...

A nice little spot with some restoration done. Its currently the only place to access the wetland edge, where wildlife can be seen.

Unfortunately the worst of our invasive plants (Ivy, Blackberry, Holly) sprawl along the fortified boundary of Broadmoor Prison, spilling over into the wetland. Until this edge receives some unified stewardship, this corner may never...