Frink Park
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Frink Park is an urban oasis that remarkably makes visitors feel 'out in the middle of nowhere' with trails that are 'never busy'. It stands out for its unique 'hidden trails not listen on the maps' that lead to 'cool clearings, old bridges, and huge trees to climb'. The park offers 'tons of elevation gain for a small city park' and a stunning autumn experience, with a bonus for locals who have even skied there during heavy snow.
Key Highlights
- ✓Trails that are never busy, even on weekends.
- ✓Features hidden trails (not on maps) leading to cool clearings, old bridges, and huge trees to climb.
- ✓Opportunities for skiing in the park during heavy snow (e.g., snow day in 2019).
- ✓Multiple entry points to the trails.
- ✓Incorporates wooden and concrete steps and bridges throughout its paths.
- ✓An ornate bridge crosses the creek running through the park.
- ✓Boasts great urban vegetation.
- ✓Offers significant elevation gain for its size, making for a good workout.
- ✓Provides a strong sense of being 'out in the middle of nowhere' despite its urban location.
- ✓Especially beautiful during Autumn with dazzling leaves, singing birds, and refreshing air.
Standout Features
- ⭐The network of unmapped hidden trails for adventurous exploration.
- ⭐Large, climbable trees that provide natural play opportunities.
- ⭐The ornate bridge over the creek, serving as a scenic landmark.
- ⭐Significant elevation changes, offering a good physical challenge.
- ⭐Its peaceful and uncrowded atmosphere, even on a Sunday.
- ⭐The natural beauty of its urban vegetation and autumn colors.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Be prepared to sweat due to the 'tons of elevation gain'.
- →Actively look for and explore hidden trails not listed on maps to discover unique spots.
- →Consider visiting during Autumn for the most vibrant scenery, including dazzling leaves and a refreshing atmosphere.
- →If there's significant snow, locals recommend bringing skis for a unique park experience.
- →Since there are no restroom facilities, plan accordingly for your visit and children's needs.
- →Parking can be difficult ('not much in the way of parking'), so consider walking or biking if local, or plan to arrive early.
Things to Consider
- ⚠No restroom facilities available.
- ⚠Not much in the way of parking, which can make finding a spot difficult.
Price & Value
No pricing information is mentioned in the reviews, indicating it is likely a free public park.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accessibility accommodations are mentioned.
- •The presence of 'wooden and concrete steps and bridges' and 'tons of elevation gain' suggests it is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
🚗Parking Info
- •Street parking only, with reviews indicating 'Not much in the way of parking', which suggests difficulty in finding spots.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Consistently described as 'never busy' or having 'trails that are never busy', even on a Sunday jog, making it ideal for those seeking solitude.
🛡️Safety Features
- •No specific safety features are mentioned in the reviews.
⏰When to Avoid
- • If you require easy access to restroom facilities, as none are available.
- • If you have very young children who need frequent breaks or diaper changes, due to lack of facilities.
- • If you require wheelchair or stroller accessibility, as the trails feature steps and significant elevation changes.
Pricing/Package/Events
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
Seattle Mentors Empowerment Exchange
8-week cohort during Fall 2025 (October–December), with potential to extend into Winter and Spring 2026. Application review starts September 8, 2025 (rolling basis). Final application due date is September 22, 2025 by 4 pm.
Not specified for participants (mentors are sought).
A mentorship initiative by Seattle Parks and Recreation to foster growth and development for youth. Focuses on post-secondary preparation, career coaching, industry exposure, and skill building through hands-on learning. Small group mentorship (4-6 participants per group). Sessions take place at approved Teen Life Centers, SPR Community Centers, or Seattle Public Schools (SPS) locations.
🛡️Safety Policy
- • For emergencies or illegal activity, call 911.
- • Report illegal camping: (206) 684-2489.
- • Report discarded needles: (206) 684-7587.
- • Report graffiti: Use the Find It, Fix It mobile app, online report form, or call the Graffiti Report Line at (206) 684-7587. If graffiti vandalism is in progress, call 911.
- • Hate graffiti receives high priority; goal is to respond to such graffiti on public property as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours.
- • Reported graffiti is expected to be removed: within 10 business days for public property, and within 45 to 60 days for private property.
- • Property with graffiti not removed in a reasonable amount of time may be subject to fines under the Graffiti Nuisance Ordinance.
- • Seattle Parks & Recreation does not have a Lost & Found service for items left in parks. Recovered items are held at the local Maintenance Crew headquarters. For items lost near a facility (Community Center, Pool, Small Craft Center), contact that facility.
- • To file a police report for graffiti, call (206) 625-5011.
- • Field Lighting - After-hours shutoff: 1 (855) 330-8400.
- • Ballfield Rainout Hotline: (206) 233-0055.
- • Wading Pool Hotline: (206) 684-7796.
📅Booking Policy
- • Picnic Site Reservations: (206) 684-4080, x 2 or email sprevents@seattle.gov.
- • Special Amenity Site Reservations: (206) 684-4080, Option #1 or email SPRevents@seattle.gov.
- • Event Scheduling Office: (206) 684-4080, x 2 or email SPRevents@seattle.gov.
- • Field Scheduling: (206) 684-4077 or email athleticfieldscheduling@seattle.gov.
- • Park Use Permits: (206) 684-4080, x3 or email parkusepermits@seattle.gov.
🚗Parking Information
- • South Frink Place winds through the park, suggesting drive-through access. No specific parking facilities or detailed policies are provided.
Photos
What People Say
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 6 reviews)
Recent Reviews
AR
9 months agoSuch a wonderful local park with trails that are never busy and lots of hidden spots to hammock or just relax. There are hidden trails not listen on the maps that lead to cool clearings, old bridges, and huge trees to climb. The winter photos are from that insane snow day in 2019– many locals including us got to ski in the park!!!
Zach Szablewski
3 years agoThis is an excellent neighborhood park with great trails with multiple entry points. There are wooden and concrete steps and bridges. No restroom facilities. There is an ornate bridge over the creek that runs through the middle of the park. Great urban vegetation. Tons of elevation gain for a small city park. Not much in the way of parking.
Kimberly Pham
4 years agoLove Frink Park. This place not only make you feel like you're out in the middle of nowhere. It is indeed a good trail for running or strolling along. I love being on this trail during Autumn. You can hear and see the birds are singing, the leaves are dazzling, the trees are swerving, the coziness of autumn colors, the sunlight sunshining thru each leaves and the refreshing air breezing thru your face. Ahhhh Nature! Lol
Yizu Lulu Yeh
7 years agoI passed by this park on my Sunday jog. Looks like a nice urban oasis.
Sarah
a year agoLovely park. Be prepared to sweat!