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Overview
Meadowdale Beach Park is a Snohomish County park located in unincorporated Edmonds, Washington, situated along the eastern shore of Puget Sound roughly between the cities of Edmonds and Mukilteo. It is one of the few stretches of relatively undeveloped shoreline remaining in the greater Seattle metro area, making it a valued destination for hikers, beachcombers, and wildlife observers.
The park is characterized by a forested ravine trail that descends approximately 1.5 miles from the upper parking area to a gravel and cobble beach at sea level. Lunds Gulch Creek winds through the ravine and empties onto the beach, creating a small estuary environment that attracts shorebirds and the occasional great blue heron. The elevation change of roughly 300 feet gives the hike a genuine sense of arrival when the tree canopy opens onto Puget Sound.
Because there are no concessions, playgrounds, or developed amenities at the beach itself, Meadowdale attracts visitors who appreciate a quieter, more natural experience. The park is managed by Snohomish County Parks and is open to the public, though visitors should verify current hours, fee status, and any permit requirements on the Snohomish County Parks website before visiting, as policies can change.
Before You Go
Permits and Fees
Snohomish County Parks has periodically introduced or adjusted parking fees at Meadowdale Beach Park. Check the official Snohomish County Parks website or call the parks department to confirm current parking fees and whether a Discover Pass or county day-use permit is required before you go.
What to Bring
- Water and snacks: There are no food or drink vendors on site.
- Sturdy footwear: The trail is rooted and can be muddy or slippery, especially in wet seasons. Trail shoes or waterproof hiking boots are recommended.
- Layers: Puget Sound weather can shift quickly; even sunny mornings can turn cool and breezy at the beach.
- Sun protection: The beach itself offers little shade.
- Waste bags if bringing a dog: Dogs are allowed on leash; pack out all waste.
Seasonal Considerations
Winter and early spring trails can be very muddy. Pacific storms occasionally cause trail closures or downed trees; check county park alerts before visiting during the wet season (October–April). Summer weekends are the busiest period and parking can fill early in the morning.
Getting There
Meadowdale Beach Park is located near the intersection of 76th Avenue W and 156th Street SW in unincorporated Edmonds (mailing address sometimes listed under Lynnwood or Edmonds depending on the mapping service). A parking lot is available near the upper trailhead.
By car: From Interstate 5, take the 164th Street SW exit and head west, then navigate via local roads toward 75th Place W and the park entrance. GPS navigation to "Meadowdale Beach Park, Edmonds, WA" is generally reliable but verify the specific address on the county parks website to avoid confusion with nearby residential streets.
By transit: Community Transit serves the broader Edmonds/Lynnwood area. However, the park's upper trailhead is not directly served by a bus stop, and the walk from the nearest transit corridor is significant. Verify current route options with Community Transit (communitytransit.org) before planning a transit-only trip.
Cycling: The area has limited dedicated cycling infrastructure on the approach roads. Experienced cyclists do ride to the trailhead, but expect sharing narrow residential streets with vehicle traffic.
Getting Around
Once inside the park, travel is entirely on foot. The main trail descends approximately 1.5 miles from the upper parking lot to the beach, passing through second-growth forest and along Lunds Gulch Creek. The return trip is uphill and takes longer than the descent; most visitors allow 45–60 minutes each way at a moderate pace.
The beach itself stretches north and south along Puget Sound, and at low tide there is more exposed gravel and cobble to explore. Be aware of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railway tracks that run parallel to the shoreline — they are active and must be crossed carefully to reach the water's edge. Always look and listen in both directions before crossing.
Things to See & Do
Hiking
The ravine trail is the park's centerpiece. It is a moderate out-and-back hike suitable for adults and older children with some trail experience. The descent through dense alder and maple forest, with creek crossings on wooden footbridges, is scenic in all seasons. Fall foliage and spring wildflowers are particular highlights.
Beachcombing and Wildlife Watching
The gravel beach and creek estuary draw shorebirds, bald eagles, and occasional harbor seals resting offshore. Low-tide exploration reveals small invertebrates in the rocky substrate. Bring binoculars if wildlife watching is a priority.
Photography
Puget Sound views, the forested ravine, the creek mouth, and the dramatic backdrop of the Olympic Mountains on clear days make this a rewarding location for landscape and nature photography.
Picnicking
There are limited picnic facilities near the beach. Bring a blanket or lightweight chairs and expect to share the space on busy summer days.
Fishing
Some visitors fish from the beach; check current Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations for species, seasons, and licensing requirements before fishing.
Food & Drink
There are no food or beverage vendors inside Meadowdale Beach Park. Visitors should arrive self-sufficient with water and any food they plan to consume.
The nearest dining options are in the city of Edmonds (approximately 5–10 minutes by car to the south) and in Lynnwood (to the east). Edmonds' downtown waterfront area in particular has a range of cafes, casual restaurants, and bakeries. Mukilteo, a few minutes to the north, also has dining options near the ferry terminal. Verify hours and current business status locally, as restaurant availability changes.
Practical Information
Restrooms
Portable or pit toilet facilities are typically available at the upper parking area. There are no restroom facilities at the beach itself. Confirm current facility status with Snohomish County Parks before visiting.
Cell Service
Cell coverage is generally available at the trailhead and in the upper section of the trail but can be inconsistent in the ravine. Do not rely on real-time navigation or emergency calls from inside the ravine without testing your carrier's coverage.
Leave No Trace
The park has no trash cans at the beach. Pack out all garbage, food waste, and dog waste. Open fires are not permitted.
Accessibility
The main trail involves significant elevation change, uneven roots, and unpaved surfaces. It is not suitable for standard wheelchairs or strollers. Contact Snohomish County Parks to ask about any accessible trail segments or alternatives.
Emergency Contact
In an emergency, call 911. Snohomish County Sheriff handles emergency response in unincorporated areas of the county. Non-emergency park-related questions can be directed to Snohomish County Parks; verify the current contact number on the official county website.
Safety
Railroad tracks: Active BNSF freight trains travel along the tracks at the base of the beach. Trains move faster than they appear and can be quiet until very close. Cross only at designated points, look in both directions, and keep children and dogs close.
Tides and surf: Puget Sound tides change conditions on the beach significantly. While the sound does not produce ocean-scale surf, incoming tides can move quickly along low-lying sections of beach. Check tide tables before visiting if you plan extended beach exploration.
Trail conditions: Root-covered, muddy, or slippery surfaces after rain create fall hazards. Use trekking poles if you are unsteady on uneven terrain.
Wildlife: Coyotes are present in the area. Keep dogs on leash and do not leave food unattended. Encounters with aggressive wildlife should be reported to Snohomish County Animal Control.
