Lake Washington Beach

Saint Edward State Park has about 3,000 feet of shoreline on Lake Washington, the largest stretch of the lake still left undeveloped. The beach is rocky and you can only reach it on foot, by trails that drop through the forest from the seminary lawns. Washington State Parks lists swimming and paddleboarding here, but no lifeguards, so you swim at your own risk.

How to Get to the Beach

There is no road or parking lot at the water. You park by the seminary building and walk down. The agency map shows several trails reaching the shore:

• Seminary Trail (trail 4): follows an old logging road from the seminary to the lake. Rated "more difficult" on the map.
• Beach Trail (trail 1): runs along the shoreline itself and is rated "easiest."
• Grotto and South Canyon trails (5 and 6): steeper routes from the Grotto area toward the lake, both rated "most difficult."

Every route is downhill on the way in and uphill on the way out. Allow extra time for the climb back, especially with kids or beach gear, and leave before dusk, when the park closes. See hiking for the full trail list.

What the Beach Is Like

This is a natural lakeshore, not a groomed swim beach. The agency describes it as a rocky beach on freshwater, with forest of Douglas fir, western hemlock, red alder, bigleaf maple, western red cedar and Pacific madrone running down to the water. The map shows a restroom near the shore.

In 1916 Lake Washington was lowered by nearly nine feet when the ship canal opened, and wetlands along the old shoreline dried up. See history.

Swimming and Paddling

• Swimming: listed as an activity at the park. No lifeguards are listed, so watch children closely.
• Paddleboarding and boating: listed by the agency. With no road to the water, any board or kayak has to be carried down a forest trail.
• Fishing: listed by the agency. Check the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife rules for Lake Washington before you cast.

Beach Rules

• Dogs: welcome on a leash of 8 feet or less, but not on designated swim beaches. Clean up after them.
• Glass and cans: the park brochure says bottles and cans aren't allowed on its beaches or trails.
• Alcohol: the brochure says alcohol must stay at the picnic site.
• Fires: only in designated areas, which the beach is not.

See rules and regulations for the full list.