Parks

Matthews Beach Park

Address: 49th Ave NE & NE 93rd St, 98118 (Map It)
Seattle Parks and Recreation Information:
(206) 684-4075 | Contact Us TTY Phone: (206) 233-1509

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) needs to replace or repair the Thorton Creek culvert under NE 93rd St. Thorton Creek passes through this culvert under the only road access to Matthews Beach Park and 51st Ave. NE on its way to the Lake Washington shoreline. Alternative solutions are under study. For additional information please contact:

Jonathan Frodge, SPU Project Manager
700 Fifth Avenue, Suite 4900
PO Box 34018
Seattle WA 98124-4018
(206) 684-8479
Jonathan.frodge@seattle.gov

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Hours | About the Park | History | Directions

PARK FEATURES
Guarded Beach Boat Launch (Hand Carry) Creek Picnic Sites Restrooms Paths View Waterfront Restrooms (ADA Compliant) Play Area (ADA Compliant) Hiking Trails

HOURS

6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

ABOUT THE PARK

Matthews Beach is Seattle’s largest freshwater bathing beach.

Acreage: 22

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HISTORY

The park is named for pioneer John G. Matthews, who had his homestead on the site in the 1880’s. The park is an ideal stopping place for bicyclers on the Burke-Gilman Tail- in fact, the outline of the original cove is suggested by the Burke-Gilman Trail, which was once the tracks of the Northern Pacific Railroad. In the 1940’s, the area south of the main beach was the site of Pan American World Airways’ offices, and the dock for Pan American’s "Clipper Ships"- the world’s first amphibious commercial air transports over the ocean. The City purchased the first ten acres of Matthews Beach in 1951.

(Excerpted from Brandt Morgan’s Enjoying Seattle’s Parks.)

To learn more about Seattle Parks and Recreation, including historic landmarks, military base reuse, and the Sherwood History Files, view our Park History.

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DIRECTIONS

BY BUS

> Plan a trip to Matthews Beach Park

Trip Planner brought to you by King County Metro Transit

BY CAR

Northbound:

Take I-5 North to LAKE CITY WY NE (HWY 522).
Head northeast for 1.6 miles,
turn right on NE 95TH ST for 1.3 miles
Turn right on SAND POINT WY NE for 0.1 miles.
Bear left on NE 93RD ST.

Southbound:

Take I-5 South to Northgate Way.
Turn right on Lake City Way.
Turn Left on NE 95th ,
Turn right on Sand Point Way NE.
Bear left on NE 93rd St.

Parking:

Large paved lot with 2 handicapped spaces.

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VOLUNTEER

In our large parks and recreation system, we could not do what we do without you.
» volunteer in a park!

PROJECTS & PLANNING

Major Maintenance
- Pavement restoration

Parks & Green Spaces Levy
- Play Area Renovation