Lowman Beach Park

A Glimpse into the Past

What we now know as Lowman Beach Park started its journey as Lincoln Beach Park back in December 1909. The name changed in April 1925 to avoid mix-ups with nearby Lincoln Park (which, let's be honest, would have been confusing for everyone).

The park honors James D. Lowman, a Seattle business bigwig who served as park commissioner from 1896 to 1898. Interestingly, local Indigenous peoples called this area "gwalali" in Lushootseed, meaning "Capsize-Place" - essentially a gentle warning that your canoe might flip over in these waters. Talk about practical naming!

What You'll Find There

Spanning a modest 1.5 acres, this cozy spot offers about 300 feet of rocky shoreline along Puget Sound, with beautiful views of the Olympic Mountains, Alki Point, and Williams Point creating a stunning backdrop.

There's a spacious lawn well-suited for spreading out a blanket, tossing a frisbee, or just lounging around under the shade of several large trees. Don't expect fine white sand here - the shoreline is delightfully natural with rocks and driftwood creating that authentic Pacific Northwest beach vibe.

For the little ones, there's a modest swing set with two swings (one baby-sized, one regular). We've noticed kids often get creative here, building driftwood forts along the beach - sometimes these impromptu structures are more entertaining than manufactured playground equipment!

Fresh Updates

In 2022, the park got a significant makeover when crews removed an old 1950s seawall and a tennis court that had seen better days. This wasn't just about aesthetics - the renovation focused on enhancing the natural elements of the park and improving its ecological health.

One of the coolest changes was daylighting a section of Pelly Creek, which now flows naturally through the park before meeting Puget Sound. The renovation has transformed the shoreline into something more natural and accessible.

Things to Do

This neighborhood favorite draws locals for picnicking, sunbathing, and simply soaking in those waterfront views. If you're a sunset chaser, you're in luck - the park is known for spectacular sunsets that paint the sky over the Olympics and Sound.

Water enthusiasts often launch their paddle boards and kayaks from the shoreline, making the most of the Sound access. Keep your eyes peeled while you're here - you might spot seals bobbing in the water, various seabirds, or if you're really fortunate, whales passing by in the distance.

Visiting during low tide opens up a whole new world of exploration, with marine creatures making appearances among the rocks. Some folks enjoy beachcombing here too, hunting for sea glass, interesting rocks, and other natural treasures that wash up along the shore.

Good to Know

The park welcomes visitors daily from 4AM to 11:30PM. One thing to note: there aren't any restrooms here, so plan accordingly (the nearest facilities are at Lincoln Park).

For seating, you'll find a few benches scattered around, plus plenty of driftwood logs along the beach that serve as nature's benches. A word about parking - it's quite limited along the narrow one-lane road and fills up fast on nice days.

Many regulars either walk over from Lincoln Park via the shoreline trail or bike to avoid the parking headache. And while your four-legged friends are welcome in the park area (on leash, of course), technically they shouldn't be on the beach itself for environmental reasons - though you might notice this rule isn't always strictly followed.