Olympic Sculpture Park

Olympic Sculpture Park is at 2901 Western Ave. This 9-acre green space boasts an urban waterfront setting and manages to be delightfully scenic despite the industrial presence of a train track and busy Alaskan Way. From an elevated vantage point, the main Z-shaped path zigzags 2,200 feet down a 40-foot slope to the Elliott Bay waterfront. Meadow and forest grove environments are naturally landscaped with native trees, plants and flowers.

The mostly contemporary works of sculpture are a mix of permanent and on-loan installations and include “Eagle,” a soaring Alexander Calder steel abstract painted a vivid orange. Perhaps the most provocative work is the “Father and Son” fountain. Nude figures of a man and boy reaching out toward each other are alternately revealed and obscured by gushing water, artist Louise Bourgeois' statement on the vulnerability of familial relationships.

The glass-walled PACCAR Pavilion not only provides refuge on a rainy day but has a second-story landing from which to gaze out on the expansive view of the bay and the distant Olympic Mountains.

Paid parking is available beneath the pavilion; enter at Broad St. and Western Ave. Contact Seattle Art Museum (SAM) for a guided tour schedule. Food is available Fri.-Sun. 10-3 from late May through early September.

Pet friendly (call for restrictions/fees.). Time: Allow 1 hour minimum.