Northacres Park is a Seattle city park with forested trails, picnic areas and facilities for play and sports. It sits between N 130th Street and the freeway, and you can reach it from I-5 using the park’s northbound or southbound directions.
- Location: 12718 1st Avenue NE, Seattle.
- From Arlington: The park is about 32.8 miles from a two-star Arlington motor inn.
- Hours: 6 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Facilities: Trails, picnic areas, restrooms, ballfields, a play area and a dog off-leash area.
Where Northacres Park is
Northacres Park is in north Seattle at 12718 1st Avenue NE, between N 130th Street and the freeway. Seattle Parks describes the grounds as surrounded by fir forest, with a small forest behind the picnic area.
The address appears with two different ZIP codes in Seattle Parks materials, so use the street address when checking directions. The park’s setting combines wooded paths with open areas for recreation.
How do you drive to Northacres Park from I-5?
From I-5, use a different exit depending on whether you are driving northbound or southbound.
Driving northbound on I-5
Take the 130th Street exit and continue to the light. Turn left onto N 130th Street, then left at the first light onto 1st Avenue NE. The parking lot is ahead on the left.
Driving southbound on I-5
Take the 145th Street exit and turn right onto 145th Street. At the first light, turn left onto 1st Avenue NE and continue across 130th Street; the parking lot is on the left.
These are the approach directions Seattle Parks provides. For the wider Arlington portion of your trip, how to get around Arlington, WA can help you plan local transportation.
What can you do at Northacres Park?
Northacres Park has trails, picnic facilities, ballfields, a play area, a spray park and a dog off-leash area. You can combine a walk through the wooded area with time at the open lawns or picnic spaces.
The off-leash area covers 1.6 acres in the park’s northeast corner. It includes open spaces, trails, shade, trees, benches and chairs. Parking is available on the west side along 1st NE and on the south side along N 125th; check Seattle Parks for current access details.
Picnic areas can be reserved, including West Meadow tables numbered 1–4. If you are organizing a day around Arlington as well, how to plan a one-day visit around Arlington offers a way to shape the rest of your schedule.
What are the park hours and access details?
Northacres Park’s hours are 6 a.m.–10 p.m. Its amenities include restrooms, drinking fountains, grills, picnic sites, trails, soccer fields, baseball and softball fields, a children’s play area, a spray park and dog off-leash areas.
Hours and access details can change, so check the official site before you go. Seattle Parks is the source for current park information.
Planning the return drive
Allow time to leave the park and rejoin I-5 using the same nearby street network. The park’s directions identify the 130th Street and 145th Street exits for northbound and southbound approaches, respectively; confirm your route for the return leg before setting off.
For a day trip, decide how long to spend at the park before you leave Arlington, especially if your plans include a picnic reservation or time at the trails and play areas.
FAQs
Is Northacres Park in Seattle?
Yes. The park is in Seattle, on 1st Avenue NE between N 130th Street and the freeway.
Can you reserve a picnic area at Northacres Park?
Yes. Seattle Parks offers reservable picnic areas, including West Meadow tables numbered 1–4.
Does Northacres Park have a dog off-leash area?
Yes. The park has a designated off-leash area in its northeast corner.