City Hikes: Meadowdale Beach Park

If you're looking to avoid a long drive to the mountains this is a great hike to stay in the city and still enjoy nature and be rewarded with great views at the end! 

Lush, quiet forest surrounds you on your hike.

Meadowdale Beach Park is located in Lynnwood, so head north from Seattle and weave through some neighborhoods once you get off I-5 to make your way to the small parking area to start. Head over to the trailhead to begin the 2.5 mile roundtrip hike. It won't take you too long, but we would budget in time to enjoy yourself once you make it to the beach. It isn't too strenuous, so packing a small picnic in a backpack and a blanket to relax is a great idea. There is a small open park at the end of the hike with some picnic tables and also ample room on the beach further down the trail. Once you finish the trail you head through a tunnel that runs under a railroad and out onto the beach. The tunnel definitely adds a little fun to the end of the hike. 

Walk through a low tunnel to get to the final reward - Puget Sound and all the beauty that comes with it!

The hike itself is really enjoyable, the trail is well maintained and, although close to the city, feels very removed from civilization. It's downhill going to the beach and there are benches to stop and rest along the way, a creek to explore off the trail, and depending on the time of year, berries to pick and eat. It's good for kids and people looking for something pretty easy or hikers who want a quick jaunt in comparison to something that eats up an entire morning/day. The hike back up might leave you a little sweaty, but overall it's fairly moderate. 

Enjoying the sounds of the ocean and taking in the views of the Olympic Mountains from the beach at the end of the hike.

People enjoying the beach on a warm afternoon in Seattle summertime.

Check it out and let us know what you think! 

Little Si

Little Si is the smaller companion of the much more challenging and ominous Mount Si. Little Si is more our style - takes about 3-4 hours, a solid 4.7 miles, and doesn't require you to pack a meal to keep from turning into a monster halfway through. It's also relatively close to Seattle, so you don't spend too much time in the car getting there. 

Little Si is great year round - it is fairly protected from the elements so when we did it in January we stayed pretty dry even though it was raining most of the hike. The trail is well kept and offers great checkpoints along the way to keep you entertained, including rock climbers doing some scary climbs on the cliffs or pretty creeks running through the trail. 

The hike is rated moderate on WTA.org, but we think it is fine for beginners. There are a few switchbacks, but those are few and far between on this hike, with the majority of the trail being moderate inclines that will keep your blood flowing, but you won't be keeling over from exertion. The very end is tiring, but the reward of the views at the top will keep you going! 

Once you get to the top there are two viewpoints, one to the left of the trail right as you come out and then another a bit farther up that allows you to see a more 360 view of the area. Check out both, but the first viewpoint is the truly stunning one, with Mount Si looming above you. 

Check out the trip reports before you go at WTA. 

Happy Hiking!