Parks and Facilities

ABOUT THE PARK

Park at the top of the park and stroll through the park's corridor on a 1.25-mile nature trail down to the beach. Experience the sounds of the adjacent tumbling stream as it weaves its way through the giant trees of the old forest. The stream, which is home to various aquatic life, including freshwater fish and migrating salmon, forms a small marine estuary as it empties into Puget Sound. View various bird species in their natural habitat on a hike through the forest. Or comb the beaches and enjoy the breathtaking views of the distant Olympic Mountains. Meadowdale Beach Park is a beautiful 108-acre park and was designated a "hike-in" only park by the public when it was built (there is a lower ADA parking lot with code access).

PARK HISTORY

The gulch area passed through several owners before it became a park. John Lund first homesteaded the site in 1878. The site was eventually acquired by the Meadowdale Country Club. The well-tended private park featured a clubhouse, manicured lawns, an Olympic-size swimming pool with bath houses, and a fish hatchery. The club closed in the late 1960s, partially due to access road failure. Snohomish County Parks acquired the land in 1968 to develop a public park with beach access. A fire destroyed the already vandalized clubhouse in 1970. The county filled in the swimming pool because of the safety hazard. In 1979, the park was closed for public access and use until a safe public and emergency vehicle access road was built. The park was reopened in 1988. The park was closed again in 1996 due to excessive storm damage and re-opened the following year after repairs were finished. The Meadowdale Beach Park and Estuary Restoration Project (completed in 2023) restored a historic (pre-railroad) 1.3-acre estuary that provides essential rearing habitat for ESA-listed Chinook (threatened), Chum, and Coho salmon as well as Cutthroat trout; and restored nearshore processes key to Puget Sound recovery.

PARK AMENITIES

• Picnic shelter: At the end of your hike, relax in the park's rustic picnic shelter, which is available for free on a first-come, first-served basis. There are multiple picnic tables throughout the park.
• Water trail camping: Camping on the beach may be permitted for campers entering and exiting the park under wind or human-powered watercraft. Click here for details and restrictions.
• Beach access mat: There is a beach access mat installed seasonally from May 1 to September 30. Beach access mats are made of a synthetic mesh that provides a firmer surface for those who need it to cross the sand, such as people who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids. It is approximately 50’ long x 5’ wide.
• Foot wash station: There is a foot wash station near the beach.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Take the 164th Street SW exit off of I-5. Follow 164th Street SW west to 164th SW. Turn right to cross Highway 99. Turn right onto 52nd Avenue W. Turn left onto 160th Street. Turn right onto 56th Ave W. Turn left onto 156th Avenue W. The park entrance is at the end of the road.

ADA ACCESS ROAD (code required)

A gated access road and parking is available for people that possess an ADA parking placard or plates. To apply for the access code, please complete the online application or fill out and mail in the application form.  Codes will not be issued without a completed form.  Forms are processed M-F during business hours.  

NOTE:  If gate does not open upon entering code, please allow 90 seconds before making a second attempt.  

OTHER PARK INFORMATION

BNSF RAILROAD

Do not cross the railroad tracks. Railroad tracks are private property and it is illegal and considered trespassing and carries fines levied by BNSF police. For more information on pedestrian safety around railroad tracks, click here.

CHECK OUT THE PARK VIRTUALLY

• Meadowdale County Park and Beach Video
• 360 degree (interactive) photo from trail

SALTWATER BEACH PARKS

Saltwater beach access is available at Picnic Point County Park (just 8 minutes north of Meadowdale) and Kayak Point Regional County Park.