Matthews Beach Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Matthews Beach Park is a popular destination located in the state of Washington.


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Summary

It is situated on the shores of Lake Washington and offers many fun activities for visitors. One of the main reasons to visit Matthews Beach Park is to enjoy the beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere. The park features a long stretch of sandy beach, which is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.

There are several points of interest to see in Matthews Beach Park. One of the most popular attractions is the large play area, which is designed for children of all ages. The park also has several picnic shelters, a volleyball court, and a boat launch. Visitors can rent paddle boards and kayaks to explore the lake. Additionally, there is a walking trail that circles the park, providing scenic views of the lake and surrounding area.

Interesting facts about Matthews Beach Park include its history as a popular destination for swimming and picnicking since the early 1900s. The park was initially part of a private resort owned by the Matthews family. In 1943, the City of Seattle purchased the land and turned it into a public park.

The best time of year to visit Matthews Beach Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. However, visitors can enjoy the park year-round, as it is open from dawn to dusk every day. There are no admission fees, and parking is available on-site.

In conclusion, Matthews Beach Park is a beautiful and fun destination in the state of Washington. Visitors can enjoy swimming, picnicking, paddle boarding, kayaking, and exploring the walking trail. The park has a rich history and is open year-round, making it a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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