Honestly, if you ask a local about Matthews Beach Park Seattle WA, they’ll probably mention two things: the Polar Bear Plunge or the fact that it's the biggest freshwater beach in the city. Both are true. But there is a lot more to this 22-acre slice of Lake Washington than just shivering in January or fighting for a patch of sand in July.
Most people treat it as a quick pit stop on the Burke-Gilman Trail. They’re missing out.
The Secret History of the "Clipper Ships"
You see the grassy hills and the quiet water now, but this place used to be loud. Really loud. Back in the 1940s, the area just south of the main beach served as the offices for Pan American World Airways. This wasn't for regular planes, though. We’re talking about the "Clipper Ships"—the world’s first amphibious commercial air transports. They’d roar right off the surface of Lake Washington to head across the ocean.
Before the planes, it was a homestead. John G. Matthews, the park's namesake, settled here in the 1880s. Even deeper back, the Duwamish people had a longhouse at the mouth of Thornton Creek called Tu KHU beed, which translates to "Quieted." It’s a bit ironic considering the roar of the Pan Am engines that would follow decades later.
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The Burke-Gilman Connection
The park is basically the crown jewel of the Burke-Gilman Trail. If you’re biking from the University District or heading down from Kenmore, you’ll hit a bridge at mile 13. Look down, and there it is.
Many cyclists just blow past it. Big mistake.
The trail itself actually follows the old Northern Pacific Railroad tracks, and the shape of the park's cove is a direct result of that old rail line. If you’re planning a long ride, this is the spot to pull over. There are actual restrooms—not just porta-potties—and plenty of water fountains to refill your bottles.
Why the "Beach" Part is Kinda Misleading
If you’re expecting a massive stretch of white sand like you’d find in SoCal, you’re going to be disappointed. The actual sandy part of Matthews Beach Park Seattle WA is a narrow strip. Most people end up claiming a spot on the massive central lawn.
- Swimming: In the summer, there are lifeguards and a diving platform anchored offshore. The water stays shallow for a surprisingly long distance, which is great for kids.
- Water Quality: This is the part people ignore at their own peril. Because Thornton Creek empties here, the water can occasionally have high bacteria levels after a big rain. King County tests it weekly during the summer, so check the "Swim Guide" or the King County website before you jump in.
- The Geese: Look, let’s be real. The Canada geese think they own the place. They’re everywhere, and they leave "gifts" all over the grass. Bring a thick blanket.
The Playground and the "Hidden" South End
They recently redid the playground, and it’s honestly one of the better ones in Northeast Seattle. It’s got that modern, rubberized flooring so your kids don't come home with a shoe full of woodchips.
But if you want to escape the screaming toddlers, head south.
Past the main lawn, the path narrows and enters a rehabilitated wetland area. This is where Thornton Creek hits the lake. It’s way quieter. You’ll see Great Blue Herons, bald eagles, and plenty of ducks that aren't quite as aggressive as the geese up north. It’s the best spot in the park for a "dates-and-coffee" kind of walk.
Logistics: Don't Get Trapped
Parking is a nightmare on sunny Saturdays. The lot at 5100 NE 93rd St is decent-sized, but it fills up by 11:00 AM.
If the lot is full, don't just circle like a vulture. You can sometimes find street parking further up NE 95th St, but the walk back up the hill with a cooler and two kids is... not fun. Honestly, if it's a blue-sky day in July, just take the bus or bike in via the Burke-Gilman.
Quick Stats for Your Trip:
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- Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Cost: Free. No Discovery Pass needed.
- Dog Policy: Leashed dogs are allowed in the park, but keep them off the swimming beach.
- Launch: You can hand-carry kayaks or paddleboards down to the water near the creek mouth.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're planning to head out to Matthews Beach Park Seattle WA this week, here is exactly what you should do:
- Check the Water: Visit the King County "Lake swimming beach bacteria" page. If it rained heavily in the last 24 hours, stay on the grass.
- Pack a Chair: Because of the goose situation mentioned earlier, a folding camp chair is infinitely better than a towel on the ground.
- Bothell or Bust: If you're biking, use the park as your halfway point for a ride to Bothell. Grab a sandwich at the nearby Sand Point Way shops before you hit the trail.
- Winter Prep: If you’re brave enough for the Polar Bear Plunge on New Year's Day, show up early. It’s a zoo, but the energy is unbeatable.