Meadowdale County Park

While the kids were at school I went on the Meadowdale Beach hike in Lynnwood.  This is a staple for my family.  We have done this hike 15-20 times starting from before I had kids.  I even did it while pregnant. 

This is a relatively easy hike of 2 1/2 miles.  However, since the 1 1/4 miles to the beach is downhill, you have to hike back up and it is pretty steep.  Your heart will definitely be beating when you get to the top.

All ages will be able to complete this hike.  The hike back to your car is steep but there are benches along the way for little ones to take a break.  It takes about 45-60 minutes to complete this hike not including the time you will want to stay at the beach.

Beware, this is a very popular place and as I have continued to do this hike throughout the years, it seems more and more people have discovered it.  The parking lot holds maybe 30 cars and it was completely full.  I had to park along the road and walk about 1/4 mile to the trailhead.

Popular for kids, dogs, and adults, this hike has something for everyone.  As you enter the forest, you will be welcomed by grand Douglas Firs and Western Red Cedars among others.  The trail is nice and wide with lots of room to spread out.  Trail conditions were great today, although I have often run into mud in the past.  It all depends on when you decide to go. 

You begin your descent and follow the gurgling stream towards the beach.

You will pass several nurse trees along the way.  The stump of an ancient tree supporting young growth.  My boys often enjoy climbing to the top of the stumps.

At about a half mile you will reach the chin-up bars.  Not that I can do a chin-up, but the kids like to jump up and hang from them.

Along the way you will see a few signs identifying the different types of trees that grow along the way.

At a mile in you will reach the ranger's home and picnic area.  You can choose to go right through the forest or left towards the cement path.  I chose to go left across the bridge.

Follow the path and you will pass the bathrooms and continue under the pedestrian tunnel.  The tunnel goes under the train track and over the waterway that leads the salmon to the ocean.  There isn't much headroom especially if you are tall.

You have arrived at the beach. Enjoy the views of the mountains and the islands.  It was a bit hazy today, but the views were still beautiful.

Whenever my boys and I do this hike, one of our favorite things to do is search for crabs under the rocks.  Well, I couldn't leave without finding a crab so here you go.

I sat for a while gazing out across the Puget Sound enjoying the sun and the sound of the rippling waves.

To get here take the 164th Street SW exit off I-5; follow 164th St SW west to 164th SW; turn right to cross Hwy 99; turn right onto 52nd Ave W; turn left onto 160th St; turn right onto 56th Ave W; turn left onto 156th Ave W. Park entrance is at the end of the road.  There are brown county signs pointing you in the right direction.

You do not need a forest pass and there are outhouses in the parking lot and at the end of the trail before you reach the beach.

As an added note, there is a handicapped access road for those who are unable to do the hike but would like to enjoy the beach.  Click here for more info on this hike and for trail conditions.

I hope you enjoy this hike as much as we do.  Happy hiking!