Magnuson Park Paddling – 3 Routes From the Same Launch Point

Magnuson Park has the only paved boat ramp on the north Lake Washington west shore — a meaningful advantage when you have a heavy board, a cart that sinks in sand, or just want to launch without carrying across 50 yards of beach. The ramp is the base for all three of the main routes radiating from this section of the lake: north toward Matthews Beach and Kenmore, south toward Madison Park and Seward Park, and east across the open lake toward Kirkland.

The Launch

The boat ramp is in the south section of the park, off Sand Point Way NE. Board carts work well here — roll directly to the water’s edge on the paved ramp surface. The adjacent beach area provides carry-in access if you prefer sand over ramp.

Address: 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115

📍 Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking: Multiple lots. The south lot by the ramp fills first on summer weekends. The central park lots are a longer carry but almost always available. Weekday mornings: park wherever, the lots are empty.

Route 1 — North to Matthews Beach (2 miles)

The northwest shore run: paddle north past the sand point itself, along the NOAA campus shoreline, and continue 2 miles to Matthews Beach Park. The shoreline alternates between natural beach sections and residential docks. Relatively protected from southerly wind. On clear days, Cascade views open up as you move north. Good for an out-and-back with a known landmark destination.

Route 2 — South Toward Seward Park (5+ miles)

The longer south route: paddle south from the ramp, past the sand point, and follow the west shore south. Madison Park Beach is about 3 miles; Madrona Beach about 4 miles; Seward Park about 5 miles. This is a significant paddle requiring either a shuttle or a committed out-and-back. The west shore gets more boat traffic than the north route — morning timing matters more here.

Route 3 — East Crossing to Kirkland (2 miles across open lake)

The most exposed option: a direct crossing east across open Lake Washington to the Kirkland waterfront. Two miles of open water means boat traffic from all directions and whatever wind is running. Plan this crossing for calm morning conditions — check the forecast, watch the surface before you commit, and have a plan if the crossing gets rougher than expected. The Kirkland downtown waterfront (Marina Park) is the logical destination on the east side.

Practical Notes

• Ramp hours: Open from 6 AM — the earliest official access on the north lake west shore
• Dogs: Allowed on leash; off-leash area in the south park near the old Magnuson sports fields
• Restrooms: Multiple locations throughout the park
• Bay just north of the ramp: The small bay protected by the sand point is the calmest water at Magnuson — good for warmup laps or beginner paddling without the full lake exposure