Did you know the United Parcel Service (UPS) was founded in Seattle’s Pioneer Square in 1907 by two teenagers? That it was known as the American Messenger Co. until 1919 when its headquarters relocated to California?
Me either! Not until my mom stumbled upon an ‘only in your state’ article that featured a few historical gems about UPS, including a hidden waterfall garden park in downtown Seattle.
The UPS Waterfall Garden Park was established in 1977 by the foundation of one of the UPS founders. It features a shady pagoda filled with trees, ferns, flowers and a 22-foot waterfall amid granite boulders. There are tables and chairs on both levels of the park where you can rest and enjoy nature, forgetting you’re in the heart of downtown Seattle.
It’s an oasis smack in the middle of the urban jungle.
If you park across the street from Smith Tower, it’s an easy three-minute walk to the garden on Second Street. I would never have guessed it was there. Even knowing it was there, I probably would have missed it if we hadn’t caught the sound of the falls. The entry is a small doorway, marked by a simple plaque.
If you find yourself in Pioneer Square and in need of a break from the people, traffic, and noise, duck into the UPS Waterfall Garden Park for a few moments. You’ll be surprised, but you won’t be disappointed.
Heather's Compass 
This is one of my favorite spots in Seattle. I stumbled over it by accident one day many years ago. I’ve been wanting to revisit, but I think it’s only open during work hours primarily, and I haven’t wanted to fight daytime downtown traffic.
Nice photos!
Thanks! We went on the weekend to avoid work-week schedules and traffic– loved it, but agree I would not want to fight traffic, etc. to get to it!