Thomas C. Wales Park
Rate this placeNearby: Bhy Kracke Park Ward Springs Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Thomas C.
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Summary
Wales Park, located in Washington state, is a beautiful and intriguing destination that offers various attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. This summary is based on information from multiple independent sources to ensure accuracy.
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.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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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