Occidental Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Occidental Park is a public park located in the Pioneer Square neighborhood of Seattle, Washington.


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Summary

It is a popular tourist destination and a favorite spot for locals due to its unique features and attractions. The park is known for its beautiful gardens, unique art installations, historical landmarks, and entertainment offerings. It is a hub of activity throughout the year, with a variety of community events and festivals taking place.

One of the notable attractions of Occidental Park is the Tlingit Totem Pole, a traditional Native American totem pole that was gifted to Seattle by the Tlingit tribe of Alaska. The park also features a stunning stainless-steel sculpture called the Occidental Totem, which was created by artist David Hytone. Visitors can view the many other art installations throughout the park, such as the Waterfall Garden and the Salmon Run Bell Tower.

Occidental Park is a great place to visit year-round, but the best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is warmer and more conducive to outdoor activities. Some of the popular activities include strolling through the gardens, enjoying a picnic, attending a concert or festival, or simply people-watching.

Overall, Occidental Park is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Seattle or looking for a fun spot to spend the day. Its unique blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and modern art installations make it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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