Discover Newcastle
7 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Newcastle Highlands Forest Park
Evergreen forest trails and ridge viewpoints framed by Douglas-fir and alder; shoot intimate woodland details, mossy textures, and sweeping vistas of Puget Sound, Seattle skyline and distant Cascades on clear days. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm side-light on the ridge; weekdays and mornings are quieter. Easy access from SE 92nd St with small parking areas at trailheads, no fee. Trails can be muddy in winter—waterproof boots recommended. Park is local recreational land with casual foot-
Little Rhody Park
Small neighborhood park with mixed wetlands, open meadow and tree-lined trails offering intimate landscape and birding shots. No entry fee and roadside parking; paths are mostly flat and stroller-accessible. Visit at golden hour for warm light and calm water reflections; spring and fall bring migratory birds and color. Weekday mornings are quiet; light rain can add mood and saturated colors.
China Creek Park
China Creek Park is a small neighborhood greenspace with creek-side trails, a boardwalk, wetlands and pockets of forest — good for intimate landscape shots, reflections, seasonal wildflowers and local waterfowl. Best at golden hour or soft overcast light for even tones; spring and fall offer flowers and color. Easily accessible with street parking, no entry fee, and short, flat walks suitable for carrying gear. Weekday mornings are quiet for bird activity and long exposures on the creek.
Madison Lane Park
Small neighborhood park with a pond, marshy boardwalk, mature trees and walking paths — good for intimate nature, reflections and birdlife photography. Visit at golden hour for warm side-light and colorful skies; spring and fall bring migratory birds and richer tones. Easily accessible with a small on-site parking area and street parking; paved paths make it wheelchair- and stroller-friendly. No entry fee; mostly used by locals so respect quiet, leash rules and private homes nearby.
Windtree Park
Small neighborhood park with a pond, wetland edges and wooded walking paths—good for intimate nature scenes, reflections, seasonal colors and local birds. No entry fee; street parking along 121st Ave SE and paved paths make gear transport easy. Best light is golden hour and early morning for water reflections and active birds; weekdays have fewer dog-walkers. Accessible year-round; spring and fall offer the richest foliage and migrating songbirds.
Lake Boren Park
Small suburban lake with a boardwalk, wetlands and mature trees—great for mirror reflections, waterfowl, and intimate landscape frames. No entry fee; small parking lot off SE 84th Way. Best at sunrise and golden hour for soft light and mist; late fall and spring offer color and migrating birds. Weekday mornings are quieter. Trails and low boardwalks provide many vantage points; pack weatherproof shoes in wet seasons.
May Creek Park
Small neighborhood park centered on a tree-lined creek and wetlands—great for intimate landscape and waterscape shots: mossy banks, reflections, seasonal foliage and simple trail compositions. Easily accessible from SE 93rd St with a small parking area; no entry fee. Best at golden hour or after rain for rich colors and reflective water; weekday mornings reduce dog-walker traffic. Trails are mostly flat but can be muddy—bring waterproof shoes.