Thomas C. Wales Park park
Thomas C. Wales Park
Reasons to Visit:
1. Natural Beauty: Thomas C. Wales Park is nestled in the scenic Pacific Northwest, offering stunning views of lush greenery, trees, and the nearby waters. It provides a serene and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility.
2. Outdoor Recreation: The park boasts numerous recreational opportunities. Visitors can indulge in activities like hiking, biking, picnicking, and birdwatching, making it an ideal destination for outdoor adventurers.
3. Historic Significance: The park is named after Thomas C. Wales, a federal prosecutor and prominent advocate for gun control who tragically lost his life in 2001. The park serves as a tribute to his legacy and commitment to public service.
Points of Interest:
1. Trails: The park features well-maintained trails, allowing visitors to explore its natural surroundings. The trails wind through the park, providing access to scenic viewpoints and offering a chance to observe local flora and fauna.
2. Picnic Areas: There are designated picnic spots within the park, allowing visitors to enjoy a leisurely meal amidst the beautiful surroundings. These areas often provide picnic tables and benches for convenience and comfort.
3. Wildlife Spotting: Thomas C. Wales Park is known for its diverse wildlife. Birdwatchers can spot various species of birds, while lucky visitors might catch a glimpse of deer, squirrels, or other small mammals that call the park home.
Interesting Facts:
1. The park covers approximately 18 acres and is located in Seattle's Laurelhurst neighborhood.
2. Thomas C. Wales was a well-respected attorney and an advocate for gun control. His unsolved murder remains a case of national interest.
3. The park is managed by Seattle Parks and Recreation and is maintained to preserve its natural beauty and historical significance.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Thomas C. Wales Park is during the spring and summer months, from May to September. This period offers pleasant weather, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the outdoor activities and explore the park's trails and picnic areas comfortably.
Please note that the accuracy of specific details, such as available amenities or recent developments, may vary. It is advisable to refer to up-to-date official sources or contact the park authorities for the most accurate and current information.
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- 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 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.
- 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.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area campgrounds
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of Thomas C. Wales Park, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fay Bainbridge State Park | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Fay Bainbridge State Park Campsite | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Cascadia Marine Trail | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Manchester State Park | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Manchester State Park Campground | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Illahee State Park | ✗ | ✗ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Thomas C. Wales Park as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Thomas C. Wales Park
What can I do at Thomas C. Wales Park?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to Thomas C. Wales Park?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other parks near here
Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of Thomas C. Wales Park.