Overview
Brackett's Landing North is a small but beloved public beach park situated on the Puget Sound waterfront in Edmonds, Washington, a city of roughly 42,000 people located about 15 miles north of Seattle in Snohomish County. The park sits immediately north of the Washington State Ferries terminal, making it one of the most accessible waterfront parks in the greater Seattle area.
The site is best known in Pacific Northwest dive circles as one of the premier shore-entry scuba diving locations in Washington State. An underwater marine sanctuary lies just offshore, protecting the seafloor habitat and making the area a reliable spot to observe marine life including rockfish, nudibranchs, lingcod, wolf eels, and giant Pacific octopus.
Beyond diving, the park offers a sandy and pebbly beach, a fishing pier, a boat launch nearby, and sweeping views across the Sound toward the Olympic Mountain range on clear days. The site has a relaxed, neighborhood feel — it draws a consistent mix of divers, anglers, kayakers, families, and people who simply come to watch the Washington State Ferries cross to Kingston.
Getting There
By Car
Brackett's Landing North is located at the foot of Main Street in Edmonds, adjacent to the Washington State Ferries terminal. From Seattle, take I-5 north to Exit 177 (Edmonds/Mountlake Terrace), then follow SR-104 west down the hill to the waterfront. The drive from downtown Seattle typically takes 25–45 minutes depending on traffic. Street parking and a pay lot are available near the ferry terminal; availability can be tight on summer weekends.
By Train (Sounder Commuter Rail)
Sound Transit's Sounder North commuter rail line stops at Edmonds Station, which is a short walk from the waterfront and the park. Service runs on weekdays and select Saturdays; verify the current schedule at soundtransit.org before traveling, as Sounder North schedules are subject to change.
By Washington State Ferry
Travelers coming from the Kitsap Peninsula can arrive directly via the Edmonds–Kingston ferry, which docks immediately adjacent to the park. This makes the park a natural first stop for visitors crossing from Kingston.
Getting Around
Edmonds is a compact, walkable downtown. The waterfront, ferry terminal, fishing pier, and Brackett's Landing are all within easy walking distance of one another. Downtown Edmonds — with its restaurants, cafés, and small shops — is roughly a five-to-ten minute walk uphill from the beach.
Community Transit and Sound Transit serve Edmonds with bus routes connecting to broader Snohomish and King County networks. If you plan to explore beyond the immediate waterfront, a car gives the most flexibility. Rideshare services are available in the area.
Things to See & Do
Scuba Diving
Brackett's Landing is arguably the most popular shore-dive site in Washington State. The underwater marine protected area — formally designated as an Underwater Marine Park by Washington State Parks — begins just offshore. Divers enter from the beach and can explore kelp forests, rocky reefs, and artificial reef structures. Visibility varies by season; winter and early spring often bring clearer water. The dive site is suitable for open-water certified divers, though conditions can include currents, so checking tide tables before entry is advisable.
Beach Walking and Wildlife Watching
Even non-divers find the beach rewarding. Harbor seals are regularly spotted in the water near the park, and the ferry traffic gives the shoreline a lively maritime atmosphere. Shorebirds and waterfowl are common, especially during migration seasons in spring and fall.
Fishing Pier
A fishing pier at the adjacent Brackett's Landing South (directly across the ferry holding lanes) is available for public use. Regulations apply — verify current Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife rules before fishing, as rules on species, seasons, and licensing change.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
The calm conditions close to shore make launching a kayak or paddleboard feasible in fair weather, though paddlers should be aware of ferry traffic and exercise appropriate caution. There is no formal rental facility at the park itself; verify locally for any outfitters in Edmonds.
Watching the Washington State Ferries
The Edmonds–Kingston ferry route is one of the busiest in the state system. The park offers a front-row view of departures and arrivals, which many visitors find unexpectedly enjoyable as a leisure activity.
Food & Drink
Downtown Edmonds, a short walk from the waterfront, has a genuine local restaurant and café scene for a city of its size. You will find options ranging from casual waterfront dining to sit-down restaurants serving Pacific Northwest seafood, burgers, pizza, and international cuisine. Several coffee shops reflect the broader Seattle-area coffee culture.
There are no food vendors inside Brackett's Landing park itself. Visitors planning a full day at the beach should bring food and water or plan a walk into town. Verify current business hours locally, as smaller restaurants in Edmonds can have seasonal or variable hours.
Practical Information
Facilities at the Park
Brackett's Landing North has restrooms and an outdoor shower area used primarily by divers for rinsing gear. The shower is cold water only. Picnic facilities are available. Confirm current facility availability with the City of Edmonds Parks Department, as amenities can be closed seasonally or for maintenance.
Diving Preparation
Divers should carry a surface marker buoy (SMB) and be aware that ferry traffic near the terminal means surface swimming must be done with care. Check current tide and current conditions before diving — the NOAA tide tables for the Edmonds area are widely used by local divers.
Dogs
Leash rules apply. Verify current regulations with the City of Edmonds regarding beach access for dogs, as rules can vary by season.
Weather
Puget Sound weather is famously variable. Even in summer, mornings can be cool and overcast before afternoon clearing. Bring layers regardless of the season. Rain gear is advisable from October through April.
Safety
The park and surrounding Edmonds waterfront are generally considered safe for visitors. Standard urban awareness applies — do not leave valuables visible in parked cars.
For water activities, the primary safety considerations are cold water temperature and ferry traffic. Puget Sound water temperatures remain cold year-round (typically in the low-to-mid 50s°F / around 10–13°C even in summer), so hypothermia is a real risk for swimmers and divers who are not properly equipped. Wetsuits or drysuits are standard for divers and paddlers.
In a medical emergency, call 911. Verify the location of the nearest hospital or urgent care facility upon arrival. Fire Station 16 is located in downtown Edmonds; for precise emergency services information, contact the City of Edmonds directly.
