Bring on the Beach! Best Beaches for Families Around Puget Sound
Photo:
Carkeek Park. Credit: Nancy Chaney
Carkeek Park, Seattle
Find it: 950 N.W. Carkeek Park Rd., Seattle
Venture down the curving, tree-canopied Carkeek Park Rd. in Northwest Seattle and you’ll end up at one of the most magnificent beaches — and parks — in the city, with its 220 acres of nature trails, wetlands, beach and panoramic views. There’s a salmon-themed playground, Piper’s Orchard (with fruit and nut trees) and Piper’s Creek, an urban stream where you can still see salmon fighting their way home in the fall.
To get to the beach from the park area, you’ll have to cross an overpass above the railroad tracks; terrific for photos, though it may induce vertigo. The beach is wide and sandy at parts, and when the tide goes out, the beach-combing is excellent.
Good to know: There are different parking lots, but only one lot is directly across from the beach, and it can fill up quickly. Continue to the lower meadow for additional parking. And don't miss the salmon slide!
