A short walk to visit Bruce Lee’s grave from Shafer Baillie Mansion

Are you looking for an interesting, beautiful, and COVID-safe Seattle experience? I’d like to suggest a delightful one-mile walk from the Shafer Baillie Mansion through Volunteer Park to the Lake View Cemetery.

First of all, the views from there are fabulous. You can see the Cascades, as well as the Olympic Mountains, Lake Washington, and the University of Washington from the upper central area of the cemetery. The trees and shrubs have been very well maintained.

Captain Louise Germain DeForest (1838–1870), a Civil War soldier, was the first person to be buried at Lake View Cemetery. At only 31 years of age, Captain DeForest preceded 895 Civil War soldiers who would eventually be buried at Lake View.

Famous Seattleites are interred at Lake View Cemetery, such as Princess Angeline, daughter of the city's namesake, Chief Stealth. Also buried at Lake View are martial arts film star Bruce Lee and his son, Brandon Lee. Recent improvements to the path to the Lee’s grave site include a newly placed stone bench and wall, as well as a paved ramp with rail to assist access. People visit daily and many bring flowers, stones, and candles to the site. It is maintained by a friendly elderly man that was a friend to Bruce Lee. He continues to collect the money and tidy the site daily.

Walking through the gentle winding street through the cemetery can be such a meditative experience. It is quiet and beautiful, though located in the middle of a bustling city.