My secret autumn in Seattle, wanting to swap it for the autumn colors in your photo album

After three years of scouting, I finally found the best lazy-friendly spot for leaf peeping around Seattle — Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park! It fulfills all fantasies: close distance, dense red leaves, 100% photo-worthy, truly achieving the "go whenever you want to enjoy autumn freedom"～

🍁 Why choose here?

✅ Super convenient distance

Only 30 minutes from downtown, no need to climb mountains like going to Naches Peak Loop or Mt. Baker
Sleeping in on weekends and then heading out is totally doable

✅ Amazing density of red leaves

Maples, oaks, and ginkgo trees form a golden corridor, every shot is rich in autumn colors
Tree canopies weave into natural arches, fallen leaves cover the paths like golden carpets

✅ Perfect facilities

Multiple free parking lots, no more worrying about parking fees
Children’s playground + lakeside floating bridge, great for both kids and elders
Benches everywhere, sit down and daydream whenever tired

📸 Photo tips

▪ Shooting route: shoot from south to north, from west to east, capture the translucency of red leaves with front light
▪ Golden time: sunny days at 10 AM or 3 PM, soft light and saturated colors
▪ Must-have gear: telephoto lens (great for avoiding crowds on weekends) + polarizing filter (eliminates glare)
▪ Avoid mistakes: backlighting makes photos too dark, the back of red leaves looks pale, remember to find angles where sunlight penetrates

🚗 Transportation guide

Location: Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park (Renton area)
Parking: East side parking lot has the most spaces, west side near the floating bridge offers better views
Alternative: if crowded on weekends, park at North Landing Park and walk 5 minutes

💡 Tested tips

1⃣ Crowds surge after 10 AM on weekends, better to go early or on weekday afternoons
2⃣ Watch out for pedestrians when shooting; some visitors caused traffic jams by taking photos in the middle of the path
3⃣ Picnics allowed but no open flames; you can bring hot drinks and rest on benches
4⃣ The floating bridge is windy, bring a jacket; the lake reflections are best when there’s no wind

“No need to chase faraway places
The fairy tale of autumn is hidden just half an hour away by car
When sunlight filters through maple leaves and sprinkles dappled golden coins
You understand the city’s gentlest gift”

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