Highlight • Beach
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Matthews Beach Park is a beloved 22-acre public park nestled on the western shore of Lake Washington in Seattle, Washington. Renowned as the city's largest freshwater bathing beach, this expansive green space offers a refreshing escape within the vibrant Pacific Northwest. It is strategically located in the Matthews Beach neighborhood, bordered by the popular Burke-Gilman Trail and featuring the mouth of Thornton Creek at its southern end, making it a significant natural and recreational landmark.
Visitors consistently praise Matthews Beach…
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July 2, 2021
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November 16, 2023
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January 24, 2024
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4.9
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397
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76.1km
04:20
230m
230m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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(20)
324
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58.1km
03:34
500m
500m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(21)
283
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33.2km
01:57
160m
160m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation -10 m
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Matthews Beach Park features its own internal walking paths and is directly bordered on its west side by the Burke-Gilman Trail. This multi-use trail offers extensive opportunities for walking, running, and cycling, connecting the park to a wider network of routes across Seattle. While the park itself doesn't have a specific named 'loop trail', visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along the shoreline and through the park's open fields, or access the longer Burke-Gilman Trail for more extended adventures.
Yes, Matthews Beach Park is open year-round from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., making it suitable for winter visits. While swimming is primarily a summer activity, the cooler months are perfect for leisurely strolls, bird-watching, and enjoying the tranquil lakeside atmosphere. A unique annual event is the Polar Bear Plunge on New Year's Day, where brave participants take a dip in the chilly waters.
The park offers parking facilities for visitors. While the intro mentions 'ample parking', it's always wise to consider that popular spots, especially on sunny days or during peak summer hours, can fill up quickly. No specific parking permits are mentioned as required for general park access, but it's advisable to check the official Seattle Parks and Recreation website for any updated regulations or event-specific parking information.
While dogs are generally welcome in Seattle parks on leash, specific regulations may apply to beach areas, especially during swimming season. It's best to check the official Seattle Parks and Recreation website for the most current dog policy at Matthews Beach Park to ensure compliance and a pleasant visit for everyone.
Matthews Beach Park is accessible via public transport. King County Metro bus routes serve the area, with stops conveniently located near the park entrance on NE 93rd St and Sand Point Way NE. Planning your trip using the King County Metro trip planner or a similar app is recommended for the most up-to-date route and schedule information.
Generally, no permits are required for casual park use like walking, picnicking, or swimming. However, if you plan to host a large gathering, reserve a picnic site with grills, or organize a special event, you may need to obtain a permit from Seattle Parks and Recreation. It's always best to consult the official Seattle Parks and Recreation website for specific permit requirements related to group activities or facility reservations.
Beyond its popular swimming beach, Matthews Beach Park offers a variety of family-friendly amenities. These include a dedicated playground for children, picnic sites with grills perfect for family meals, basketball courts, and tennis courts. The open fields provide space for games, and the walking paths are suitable for strollers, making it an ideal destination for families with children of all ages.
Matthews Beach Park strives to be accessible. The park features paved pathways and generally flat terrain, particularly along the main recreational areas and access points to the Burke-Gilman Trail. While specific details on beach access for wheelchairs may vary, the park's facilities and main paths are designed to accommodate visitors with mobility needs. For detailed accessibility information, it's recommended to contact Seattle Parks and Recreation directly.
Matthews Beach Park is a great spot for nature enthusiasts and bird-watchers. The park includes a partially rehabilitated wetland at the mouth of Thornton Creek, which provides vital habitats. Visitors can often spot various bird species, and historically, the creek supported Pacific salmon and trout. The wooded areas and natural features offer opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.
Matthews Beach Park is situated in a residential neighborhood, but there are various cafes, restaurants, and pubs within a short driving distance in surrounding Seattle neighborhoods like Wedgwood, Lake City, and Ravenna. For accommodation, visitors will find a range of hotels and lodging options throughout Seattle, with several choices available within a 10-15 minute drive of the park.
As Seattle's largest freshwater beach on Lake Washington, the water temperature at Matthews Beach Park is generally warmest during the summer months, typically from late June through August. This is when lifeguards are on duty and a diving platform is anchored offshore, making it the best time for swimming and water activities. Outside of summer, the water can be quite cool, though some brave individuals participate in the annual Polar Bear Plunge on New Year's Day.