Madison Park Paddleboarding: Seattle’s Classic Lake Beach
Address: E Madison St & 43rd Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112
Parking: Small free lot + street parking (challenging)
Water Body: Lake Washington
Skill Level: All levels
Madison Park has been Seattle’s go-to lake beach since the 1800s. This classic Seattle neighborhood beach offers sandy shoreline, a floating swim platform, and that quintessential “Seattle summer day” atmosphere. It’s where generations of Seattle families have learned to swim, paddle, and play on Lake Washington – and the tradition continues!
Why Madison Park is a Seattle Classic
Historic Seattle Beach: Madison Park isn’t just a beach – it’s a Seattle institution with over 150 years of history as the city’s recreational waterfront.
True Sandy Beach: One of the few genuine sandy beaches on Lake Washington. Soft sand, gradual entry, comfortable bare-foot launching.
Perfect Location: Launch and paddle toward Bellevue/Medina to see incredible waterfront estates (tech billionaire row!). Or head north along Seattle’s eastern shore for miles of scenic paddling.
Neighborhood Vibes: The Madison Park neighborhood surrounding the beach is charming – tree-lined streets, local shops, excellent restaurants. Make a full day of it!
Floating Dock Platform: The classic swim platform offshore is a Seattle landmark. Paddle around it (but stay clear of swimmers).
The Launch
The Beach: Madison Park beach is approximately 200 feet of sandy shoreline with gradual slope into Lake Washington. The bottom is mostly sand with some aquatic plants in shallower areas near shore.
Best Launch Area: North end of the beach has more space and fewer swimmers in summer. The central area near the swim platform gets very crowded with families.
Water Entry: Wade out 15-20 feet until you’re in waist-deep water (about 3 feet), then step on your board. Simple and straightforward.
Swim Area: There’s a roped-off swim zone around the floating platform. Stay outside these ropes – it’s both courteous and safer.
Best Times to Paddle
Early Morning (7-10 AM): Nearly private beach, calm water, easy parking, peaceful experience. This is the secret time locals know about!
Weekday Afternoons (1-4 PM): Less crowded than weekends, good weather in summer, still manageable parking.
Evening (After 6 PM): Crowds thin out, water often calm, beautiful evening light, easier parking.
AVOID: Summer Weekend Midday (11 AM – 5 PM): Beach packed with families, swim area crowded, parking nearly impossible, lots of boat traffic on lake.
What You’ll See
Billionaire’s Row: Paddle east toward Bellevue and you’re passing some of the most expensive real estate in America. The waterfront estates in Medina (between Madison Park and Bellevue) include homes worth $20-50+ million. Keep a respectful distance from docks.
Mount Rainier Views: On clear days (roughly 100 per year), Rainier dominates the view to the south – absolutely spectacular from Madison Park’s perspective!
The I-90 Floating Bridge: Seattle’s engineering marvel – the world’s longest floating bridge – is visible to the south. Fascinating to see from water level.
Mercer Island: The large island to the south defines the lake’s geography. You can paddle toward it but it’s 1.5+ miles away – intermediate distance.
Wildlife: Great blue herons, cormorants, various ducks, occasional bald eagles fishing, jumping fish (bass, trout).
Recommended Routes
North Shore Cruise (Intermediate – 4 miles, 60-90 min)
Paddle north along Seattle’s eastern shoreline toward Denny-Blaine Park and beyond. Tree-lined shores, beautiful homes, peaceful paddling. Return when ready.
Medina Mansion Tour (Intermediate – 3 miles, 45-60 min)
Head east across toward Medina to see incredible waterfront estates. Stay 50+ feet from private docks. Make it an out-and-back or arc back to Madison Park.
The Beginner Out-and-Back (Beginner – 1-2 miles, 30-45 min)
Paddle north OR south along shore for 10-15 minutes, then return same route. Build confidence staying close to familiar territory.
Parking Challenge (Be Prepared!)
The Reality: Madison Park has THE most challenging parking of any Seattle SUP spot.
The Small Lot: There’s a tiny parking lot near the beach with maybe 15-20 spaces. It fills by 10 AM on summer weekends, often earlier.
Street Parking: Surrounding neighborhood streets have parking but:
- 2-hour limits in many areas
- Residential permit zones
- Fierce competition from beach-goers
- Can be 0.25-0.5 miles walk to beach
Best Strategies:
- Arrive before 9 AM on weekends
- Paddle early morning or after 6 PM
- Weekdays are MUCH easier
- Bike to the beach (best option!)
- Drop off gear/paddler, then park farther away
- Consider other launch spots if parking is priority
Facilities
Restrooms: Basic public restrooms available (seasonal hours)
Concessions: Small concession stand operates in summer (limited hours)
Swim Platform: The iconic floating dock is a Seattle landmark
Grassy Area: Limited grass adjacent to beach for picnics/relaxing
What’s Missing: No showers, no major facilities, no rentals on-site. This is a neighborhood beach, not a full-service park.
Safety Considerations
Boat Traffic: Lake Washington sees heavy pleasure boat traffic on summer weekends. Stay alert, look behind you, give boats wide berth.
Cross-Lake Caution: Paddling across the lake toward Bellevue is 1.5-2 miles of open water. Only for experienced paddlers in calm conditions.
Cold Water: Even in summer, Lake Washington is 60-65°F. Know how to remount your board if you fall off.
Swim Area: Stay well clear of the roped swim zone and floating platform – swimmers don’t expect paddleboards in their area.
The Madison Park Neighborhood
Post-Paddle Dining:
- Nishino: Upscale Japanese cuisine (splurge-worthy!)
- Cactus Madison Park: Popular Mexican restaurant
- Voilà! Bistrot: French cuisine
- Madison Park Conservatory: Café with garden setting
- Local Coffee Shops: Several within walking distance
The Village: Madison Park’s small commercial district has boutiques, galleries, and shops – perfect for browsing after paddling.
Local Tips
The Scene: Madison Park has an upscale, family-friendly vibe. It’s a see-and-be-seen spot on summer weekends – very social atmosphere.
Lifeguards: Present during summer months (typically late June – early September, afternoon hours)
Photography: Best shots are from offshore looking back at the beach with Seattle’s eastern neighborhoods rising behind, or looking south toward Mount Rainier.
Combine Activities: Paddle in the morning (beat the crowds), then explore Madison Park Village, have lunch, and spend the afternoon shopping or relaxing.
Winter Paddling: With a wetsuit, Madison Park is actually lovely for off-season paddling. The beach is nearly empty, parking is easy, and cold clear days are beautiful.
What Makes Madison Park Special
Madison Park represents old Seattle – a historic beach that’s been beloved for generations. While newer parks have better facilities and easier parking, Madison Park has something they don’t: history, character, and that ineffable “this is the real Seattle” feeling.
The tree-canopied streets leading to the beach, the classic floating platform, the neighborhood cafes and shops – it all creates an experience beyond just paddleboarding. You’re participating in a Seattle tradition that goes back over a century.
Yes, parking is challenging. Yes, it gets crowded. But catch Madison Park on a quiet weekday morning or peaceful evening, and you’ll understand why generations of Seattleites have made this their special place.
Quick Reference: Madison Park SUP
Best For: Classic Seattle experience, mansion viewing, neighborhood atmosphere
Water Conditions: Generally calm mornings, can get choppy with boat traffic
Launch Difficulty: Easy – sandy beach, gentle slope
Parking: VERY challenging – arrive early!
Crowd Factor: HIGH summer weekends, moderate otherwise
Scenic Rating: 8/10 – beautiful but less dramatic than some spots
Beginner Friendly: Yes, but parking stress detracts
Facilities: 4/10 – basic restrooms only
Neighborhood Dining: 10/10 – excellent options nearby
Typical Paddle: 45-90 minutes
Must-See: Paddle toward Medina to see billionaire estates!
Pro Tip: Weekday mornings are a completely different (better!) experience than summer weekend afternoons. Plan accordingly!
