5 Tips for Exploring Seahurst Beach Park

Seahurst Park, also known as Ed Munro Park, is a 178-acre park located in Burien, Washington. It features forests and a beach of around 2,000 feet in length with stunning views over the Puget Sound. It’s a beautiful place to visit at any time of year and you can return time after time to enjoy the changing seasons. Here are five tips to help you to get the most out of this urban oasis.

Opening Hours and Parking

The park is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The lower parking lot is close to the beach and has around 30 parking spots, five of them for handicapped users. The upper lot is much larger, but is a quarter-mile uphill from the beach; if you or anyone with you has mobility issues, you’ll need to arrive early to get in the lower lot as it fills up pretty quickly. Make sure to leave before 9 p.m. as the gates are closed promptly.

The Beach

Most people visit Seahurst Park for the stretch of beach which, typical for the Pacific North West, is mostly gravel and small, rounded stones. Plenty of driftwood gets washed up on the shore, which provides something to sit on as well as treasures for beachcombers. In the summer, the beach is very popular with families and some people even brave the chilly waters of the sound. If you want to enjoy it at quiet times, it’s advisable to arrive early morning or in the evenings when the view of the sunset across the Puget Sound is stunning.

Facilities

Close to the beach are indoor restrooms and a children’s playground. Two pavilions are available to rent for parties, as well as picnic tables and grills. Along the beachfront path, you’ll find plenty of tables and barbecues where you can enjoy a picnic with family or friends. A shop is generally open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Wildlife Spotting

Along the shoreline and in the rock pools, you can see anemones, sea stars, and squirting clams. Seabirds and ducks abound, and, if you’re fortunate, you might spot herons and eagles. The forest features sequoias, western hemlock, and towering maples, along with shrubs and wildflowers and berries when they’re in season. Watch and listen carefully for woodpeckers, owls, raccoons, and more.

Enjoy the Walks

For walkers, the Park has a number of walking or running trails that give you the opportunity to exercise and explore. The 1.8-mile Seahurst Park Loop Trail is rated as easy, although the 351-feet change in elevation might challenge novice hikers. The trail starts at the lower parking lot and initially follows the beach before heading onto forest paths and around a deep ravine. The trail has several offshoots for you to investigate. When it’s wet, some of the muddier paths have wood planks to make the going easier. Dogs are welcome on a leash.

In the park, it’s hard to believe that you are so close to the city as the peace and beauty surround you. Take some time out to enjoy this amazing location.

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