Richmond Beach Saltwater Park: Photos, Tips, and More!
Last Updated on April 10, 2024 by Kelly
Richmond Beach Saltwater Park has over 1,300 feet of shoreline and over 40 acres of land. The park has picnic shelters, a playground, and lots of parking. We recently visited Richmond Beach Saltwater Park, and we think it’s one of the best beaches near Seattle. In this post we’re sharing a full review and lots of photos of Richmond Beach Saltwater Park.
Important Information
Address: 2021 NW 190th St, Shoreline, WA 98177
Richmond Beach Saltwater Park is located in the city of Shoreline, which is directly north of Seattle. We’ve found that Richmond Beach Saltwater Park tends to be less crowded than some of the other Seattle beach parks. It’s a little more secluded, and it takes just a tiny bit more effort to reach the beach. If you don’t mind those things, you’re likely to find a quiet place to explore the beach!
The beach is roughly in the shape of an L. Across the water, you’ll have views of the Olympic Mountains. If you’re able to stay for sunset, the sun setting behind the mountains can be quite dramatic.
When you first reach the park, there is a walking path that starts near the gate entrance. The path will take you all the way down the hill and to the beach. If you want a workout, the way back up is quite the climb! If you prefer to drive, like we did, the road will take you to an upper parking lot (with great views of the Puget Sound) and a lower parking lot (which is the closest you can park to reach the beach). We opted to park in the lower lot.
The lower parking lot has restrooms, a pirate ship-themed playground with a swing set, and a beautiful picnic area. The picnic area has multiple tables and a pergola.
At the south end of the lower parking lot is a trail that will take you to the beach. The walk to the beach is about 5 minutes from the parking lot. You’ll have to cross a pedestrian footbridge that provides access over the railroad tracks. After a quick descent, you’ll be at the beach front.
At the beach, there’s also another set of restrooms and another picnic area. There’s a fire ring there, but note that beach fires aren’t allowed at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. You’ll also notice a statue here inspired by the Coast Salish peoples. There’s plenty of driftwood to sit down and admire the views.
At the beach front there is an off-leash dog park section that’s open seasonally, November 1st through March 15th. The dog park isn’t fenced off.
We recommend visiting Richmond Beach Saltwater Park during low tide. You’ll be able to see all sorts of sea creatures, such as sea cucumbers and brittle stars. Just be sure to check the tide schedule in advance so that you can time your visit correctly.
Richmond Beach Saltwater Park is also on the Whale Trail. If you visit during the winter months, you just might see Orca Whales!
Our Review of Richmond Beach Saltwater Park
We really enjoyed our visit to Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. We’ve been to lots of the beaches in Seattle and Edmonds, and we liked that Richmond Beach Saltwater Park was a bit more quiet and secluded.
The path from the parking lot to the beach takes about 5 minutes. If you’re lugging a lot of things to the beach, it might take a bit of effort. (If you’re like us, and you’re bringing a cooler, chairs, beach blanket, sand toys, and more, it can be a bit cumbersome to get it all there!) But if you’re traveling light and just want to explore the beach and take in the views, it’s a really great spot.
We thought that the city did an excellent job of maintaining the park. Many of the benches, picnic areas, and pergolas seemed new and in great condition.
We definitely recommend adding Richmond Beach Saltwater Park to your list of beaches to check out near Seattle!
Summary
Richmond Beach Saltwater Park is tucked away just north of Seattle. The park features several terraces that provide varying views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. It’s a bit of a walk from the parking lot to the beach, but you’ll be rewarded with a secluded beach with excellent views. We hope this post helps you plan your own trip to Richmond Beach Saltwater Park!
Disclaimer: We always strive for content accuracy. Since the time of publishing, travel-related information regarding pricing, schedules, and hours may have changed. Please look up such information directly from each vendor or institution for the most current information.
