Meadowdale Beach Park
A serene forest hike to a beautiful Puget Sound beach, featuring a unique train bridge and estuary restoration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Meadowdale Beach Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene forest hike to a beautiful Puget Sound beach, featuring a unique train bridge and estuary restoration.
"A lovely walk down to the beach and a small workout going back uphill."
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
The trail has elevation changes; good footwear is essential for the hike.
💧 Bring water & snacks
Stay hydrated and fueled, especially for the uphill return. Water fountains available.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Forest Trail to the Sound
Trailhead to Beach
Wander through a dreamy forest with mossy trees and streams before reaching the bay.
Puget Sound Beach Access
Beachfront
Enjoy the expansive beach on the Puget Sound with stunning views of the Olympic Mountains.
Under the Train Tracks
Beach Access
Experience the unique thrill of walking under a train bridge to access the beach.
Estuary Restoration Area
Near Beach
Explore the revitalized estuary, now ideal for salmon and other freshwater fish.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail to Beach: A Workout with a Reward
Parking and Access Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
The trail has elevation changes; good footwear is essential for the hike.
💧 Bring water & snacks
Stay hydrated and fueled, especially for the uphill return. Water fountains available.
🚗 Arrive early for parking
Parking lot is small; aim for early morning or weekdays to secure a spot.
🐶 Dog-friendly trail
Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail and at the beach.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
The trail has elevation changes; good footwear is essential for the hike.
💧 Bring water & snacks
Stay hydrated and fueled, especially for the uphill return. Water fountains available.
🚗 Arrive early for parking
Parking lot is small; aim for early morning or weekdays to secure a spot.
🐶 Dog-friendly trail
Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail and at the beach.
📸 Capture the views
Don't forget your camera for forest scenes and Puget Sound vistas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Meadowdale Beach Park for its beautiful forest trails leading to a scenic Puget Sound beach, offering a rewarding hike and peaceful atmosphere. The park is appreciated for its natural beauty, unique features like the train bridge, and recent accessibility improvements. Some find the parking limited and the uphill return hike challenging.
"A lovely 2 km (4km total to get back) walk down to the beach and a small workout, going back uphill to the parking area. Many old Growth Trees to admire and a wide expanse of beach on Puget Sound. A very peaceful soul-feeding nature walk and great for couples and families too. It was nice to find a water fountain at the bottom near the beach!"
Coach Karena
"Came here for a hike and had a wonderful time. The path was well maintained and there were bathrooms at the bottom and top of the trail. The downside is that the parking lot is quite small so you either end up waiting for a spot to open up or you park on the streets up the hill (watch out for signs saying no parking though). The beach at the bottom is lovely to sit and enjoy."
Chris Carson
"I've been going here all my life, it's a good hike for taking little ones, but there's quite a lot of elevation gain in some parts. It's only about a mile long trail to the beach. There are areas for filling up water bottles and washing off sand once you get off the beach. There are no longer bathrooms with running water (instead two porta-pottys).
Recently there have been restoration efforts to create an estuary ideal for migrating salmon and other freshwater fish. It has made the park more beautiful and enjoyable than ever. I would highly recommend!
The park has also gotten more wheelchair accessible, with a spacious disabled parking lot right next to the beach (it is disabled parking only). There are also wheelchair accessible bathrooms and special ramps for getting on and off the beach."
Kayli Short
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Meadowdale Beach Park is located at 6026 156th Street SW, Lynnwood, WA. It's accessible by car, with a parking lot available.
Yes, there is a parking lot, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Consider arriving early or exploring street parking options nearby, being mindful of signage.
While specific routes can change, it's advisable to check with local public transit authorities for the most up-to-date information on bus routes serving the Lynnwood area near the park.
Yes, recent restoration efforts have significantly improved accessibility. There's a spacious disabled parking lot, ADA-compliant paths, and wheelchair-accessible restrooms.
From Seattle, take I-5 North to Exit 183 for 164th Street SW. Turn left onto 164th Street SW, then right onto 52nd Avenue W, and finally left onto 156th Street SW, which leads to the park entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Meadowdale Beach Park is a public park and typically does not require an entrance fee for general access.
The park is generally open from early morning until dusk. It's always a good idea to check the official Snohomish County Parks website for any seasonal or temporary closures.
No, tickets are not required for Meadowdale Beach Park as it is a public park. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis for parking.
Standard park rules apply, including leash laws for dogs and regulations regarding fires or amplified music. Check the park's official guidelines for specific details.
The most reliable way to check for alerts or closures is to visit the official Snohomish County Parks website or their social media channels.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main trail is about 1.25 miles down to the beach, featuring a forest setting with streams. The return trip involves an uphill climb, making it a moderate workout.
The hike down to the beach typically takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on your pace. The return hike uphill can take a bit longer.
Yes, there are restrooms available at both the top near the parking lot and at the bottom near the beach. Note that some reviews mention porta-potties at the bottom.
Absolutely! The park offers picnic tables and shelters, making it a great spot for a family picnic.
You might spot various birds, and the restored estuary is designed to support salmon and other fish. Keep an eye out for forest creatures as well.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the lush forest trails, the expansive Puget Sound views, the unique train bridge, and the restored estuary. The Olympic Mountains provide a stunning backdrop.
Yes, the west-facing beach offers beautiful sunset views over the Puget Sound. Consider bringing a flashlight for the hike back if you stay late.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons provide golden hour light for stunning shots.
The beach itself offers panoramic views. The area under the train bridge and the overlook points along the trail also provide great photographic moments.
Drone usage is typically regulated in public parks. It's best to check with Snohomish County Parks for their specific drone policy before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The beach provides ample space for play, sandcastle building, and exploring tide pools (at low tide). Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, and be prepared for the uphill hike back, which can be a good way to tire out energetic youngsters. 🐶 Dog Owners
+1 The forest trail offers a pleasant walk, and the beach provides space for your dog to explore and play. Ensure your dog is comfortable with the uphill return hike. Always clean up after your pet to keep the park beautiful for everyone. 🚶♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Meadowdale Beach Park Trail Experience
The path is generally well-maintained, though it can be muddy after rain. As you descend, you'll encounter features like climbable tree stumps and bars, adding an element of fun, especially for younger visitors.
The sound of the forest envelops you, creating a serene atmosphere. +1Be prepared for the return trip, which involves a significant uphill climb. This section offers a good workout and is often referred to as a 'small workout' by visitors.
Beach Access and Estuary Restoration
Significant restoration efforts have been undertaken to create a thriving estuary at the park.
This project has enhanced the habitat for migrating salmon and other freshwater fish, making the area more ecologically vibrant. The restoration has also improved beach access, with wider openings and ADA-compliant paths, ensuring more people can enjoy this natural resource. At the bottom of the trail, you'll find amenities like water fountains and restrooms (though some reviews note porta-potties), making it a comfortable spot for a longer visit or a picnic.
Photography Opportunities
The beach itself provides a stunning canvas, especially during golden hour. The expansive Puget Sound, the majestic Olympic Mountains in the distance, and the dramatic skies at sunset offer breathtaking backdrops.
+1 Don't miss the opportunity to photograph the train bridge from below, adding a unique industrial element to your nature shots. For those interested in conservation and nature, the restored estuary offers a chance to capture the revitalized ecosystem.
Whether you're using a smartphone or a professional camera, Meadowdale Beach Park provides ample opportunities to create stunning visual stories. 
Social
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