Richmond Beach Saltwater Park — Attraction in Shoreline

An impromptu Mothers Day visit quickly escalated into an unforgettable day at this gem of a park. We live in Ballard, so Discovery Park, Golden Gardens and Carkeek are all close by, but on this day we decided to visit a new park and we were rewarded handsomely!

First, to our collective surprise, the park was empty at noon on a Mothers Day Sunday. There were at most 10 vehicles in the multiple pocket parking lots available as you descend from the entrance down into the park.

From the lower parking lot, we walked the short paved path to the pedestrian bridge over the rail line. As luck would have it, two trains converged from opposite directions on the main lines just as we arrived. The rumble and whoosh was almost terrifyingly fun! Our sweet 75lb dog was spooked and our 11yo son delighted when the engineers responded to his plea for honked horns.

We then crossed the bridge down to the rocky beach and surveyed the grounds. There we found restrooms as well as a very nice picnic shelter with a fire pit, and a prominent statue anchoring the main area of the park.

As we took in the sights, I overheard someone on the beach yell "Look, a whale!" Sure enough, after a minute or so, the beautiful beast surfaced as it swam seemingly leisurely from South to North not more than 150 to 200 yards from the shore. We were all shouting and pointing, now excitedly moving up the beach to follow it. First the cartoonish spout of the blow hole, and then what I would estimate as a good 20 feet of back breaking the surface as it rolled back under. The folks I overheard suggested it was a Gray Whale, which seemed plausible to me based on size.

After the euphoria of the whale sighting, we happened across driftwood shelters, lots of very interesting rocks on the beach, wild flowers and returned to center of park via the trails through the scotch broom and lone pine tree.

How can you beat that for a 1 hour, in-city...

Richmond Beach Saltwater Park is a multifaceted gem that caters to a diverse range of visitors, making it a perfect destination for anyone looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The park is thoughtfully designed with multiple levels, each offering its own unique experiences and vistas.At the park's entrance, visitors are greeted by a spacious parking area, ensuring convenience from the moment of arrival. This upper level is more than just a place to leave your car; it provides an exceptional vantage point for admiring the expansive views of the water, setting the tone for the serene experience that awaits.Descending to the mid-level of the park, guests will find well-maintained picnic tables nestled among lush greenery. These are strategically positioned to combine the pleasures of outdoor dining with the breathtaking backdrop of the Puget Sound. Whether you're enjoying a family picnic or a quiet snack in solitude, this area offers a picturesque setting that enhances the experience.Further exploration brings visitors to the beach level, where the true essence of the park comes alive. Here, the vastness of the water unfolds before your eyes, offering an unobstructed view of the Sound's tranquil beauty. The beach is an ideal spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature, whether it's by strolling along the shore, searching for marine life, or simply sitting back to watch the sunset paint the sky.Richmond Beach Saltwater Park is a true haven for nature lovers, offering a blend of recreational activities and peaceful relaxation. With its multiple levels, each providing a unique perspective of the park's stunning natural surroundings, it's a place that truly has something for everyone. Whether you're seeking an adventure, a peaceful retreat, or a memorable outing with loved ones, this park promises an enriching experience that will leave you...

This is one of the only public beaches between Edmonds and Golden Gardens that even lets dogs walk onto the waterfront, so we like to bring our dog here. There's usually parking in the main lot closest to the beach, unless there's a party or something. Once they run out of spots in all lots, we always have to park in the residential area and walk down the hill, which isn't TOO bad. Going uphill on the way back is a little tough when it's super sunny and hot out.

I like that there are 2 bathrooms and 2 water fountains on site, so I can clean my dog a bit before we head home, but I wish there was a better public water source outside to rinse off like some other parks have. If they have one here, I haven't found it yet. The sinks in both women's bathrooms have opposite water pressure - one's too weak, while the other is really strong and splashes water everywhere.

I'm rating this on how dog-friendly it is, so without a dog, to me this beach is pretty boring and not that special. It has a bunch of rocky portions that are annoying to walk on, especially if you go north. There's also a bunch of foxtail plants on the way to the bridge. The good thing for dog owners is that there's always poop bags available right by the beach. Occasionally, I've seen dead animals on the beach like a seal one time. If you're lucky, you can catch kite surfers or something like that. There aren't many picnic tables or good eating areas here like Carkeek, so people mainly come for beach activities. There are plenty of huge logs lying around, so you may be able to sit on those or bring your...