Constellation Park: Seattle’s Best Spot for Landscape Photography
In the right conditions, there is nothing like an evening spent along the shores of West Seattle. While the main strip of Alki Beach gets all the attention, my favorite spot is just around the corner at Constellation Park Marine Reserve. This quiet spot—known for its tidal pools and views—offers a unique, reflective perspective on the Puget Sound.
Rarely do those ideal conditions appear in the dead of winter. We often see days of gray drizzle, biting winds, and a horizon completely obscured by cloud cover. But on this particular day, we were lucky. The skies were perfectly clear, the temperatures were surprisingly mild, and the winds were light-ish—just enough of a breeze to keep the water moving but not enough to chill you to the bone.
The beauty of this rocky beach lies in its direct, unobstructed view to the west. As the sun dips toward the horizon, it doesn't just disappear; it bathes the entire scene in a spectacular wash of golden light. Against the backdrop of the setting sun, the Olympic Mountains across the water turn into sharp, blueish purple silhouettes, providing a dramatic, layered backdrop for the setting sun.
Beyond the incredible sunset, the mild winter evening offered a peaceful experience you won't find on the busy Alki strip. There were only a few other bundled-up visitors enjoying the peaceful end of the day. This quiet allowed us to truly soak in the atmosphere—the gentle sound of the waves, the crisp air, and the feeling of having this perfect Seattle moment almost entirely to ourselves.
