Viewpoint · Volunteer Park Museums, Seattle

Volunteer Park Water Tower

Volunteer Park Water Tower
Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives from Seattle, WA, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Volunteer Park Water Tower was completed in 1907 and rises 75 feet. A spiral staircase of 106 steps leads to the open-air deck. From the top visitors see downtown Seattle, Lake Union and the surrounding hills.

Updated September 27, 2026On day 4 of Seattle & the Sound

Visiting Volunteer Park Water Tower: what to know

Tickets
Free entry. No advance booking required.
Time needed
20 to 30 minutes.
Best time
Clear mornings or afternoons.
Getting there
Bus 10 from downtown Seattle or a short walk inside the park.

Seattle itineraries with Volunteer Park Water Tower

Day 4 of Seattle & the Sound

Volunteer Park Museums

How Volunteer Park Water Tower fits into a day.
  1. 9:00Volunteer Park ConservatoryVolunteer Park Conservatory
  2. 10:15Volunteer Park Water TowerVolunteer Park Water Tower
  3. 13:00Seattle Asian Art MuseumSeattle Asian Art Museum
See all 4 days
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Volunteer Park Water Tower FAQs

Is the Volunteer Park Water Tower open to visitors?

Yes. The tower is open daily during daylight hours.

How many steps lead to the top of the Volunteer Park Water Tower?

There are 106 steps to the observation deck.

What views are available from the Volunteer Park Water Tower?

The deck gives 360-degree views of Seattle, Lake Union and distant mountains on clear days.

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