Howell Park

Hidden Lakeside Spot

Positioned in Seattle's Madrona neighborhood, Howell Park is a bit of a secret spot along the western shore of Lake Washington. With its small beachfront and lake access, it's the kind of place you might walk right past if you don't know what you're looking for. There's a lovely planted trail that leads down to the beach, starting between two private driveways. Just remember you're passing through a residential area, so keeping the noise down is appreciated by the neighbors.

Natural Beauty

As you make your way down the trail, you'll wander through wooded areas before the path opens up to a beach lawn. The large trees scattered throughout provide welcome shade, but the afternoon tends to bring more shadows across the park. What makes Howell Park special is its quiet, secluded vibe - partly because parking is limited and partly because it's not exactly advertising its presence to the world. If you're looking to relax, you can find benches (including some rustic log ones) and a stone wall near the water where you can sit and take in the Lake Washington views.

Beach Details

The shoreline features a grassy area with a gentle slope toward the water. Fair warning: the first few feet at the water's edge are quite rocky, so you might want to bring water shoes or flip-flops if you're planning to swim. Unlike the chilly waters of Puget Sound, Lake Washington tends to be much warmer, making this a surprisingly pleasant swimming spot during hot summer days. When the sun is out, you'll come across people spread across the grass soaking up the rays.

Good to Know

Howell Park has established itself as a clothing-optional beach and is particularly popular within the LGBTQ+ community, but everyone is welcome here. It's just something to be aware of before you visit.

There are no restrooms or trash cans in the park, so plan your visit accordingly and remember to take whatever you bring with you. There aren't any picnic tables either, but you'll see plenty of people relaxing on blankets spread across the grass.

Finding Your Way

Getting here can be a bit tricky. Parking is extremely limited, so you'll likely need to park on nearby neighborhood streets. The entrance itself is easy to miss - it's nestled between residential properties, and the winding path down to the beach isn't exactly obvious. Despite what some online sources might say, the gravel trails aren't wheelchair accessible. Also note that dogs aren't officially allowed in the park according to posted signs, however enforcement seems pretty relaxed.