Richmond Beach, Shoreline

Richmond Beach is my favo(u)rite beach in Seattle. I think. I really like Alki and Carkeek, but Richmond has a nice southern stretch where you can get a more isolated patch of sand. And after all these trips to this beach, I finally noticed the swing. Don't come here [just] to swing. But if you find yourself next to the swing, and it is empty, enjoy that view. Oh my.

Location: End of 20th Ave NW (basically 185th & Puget Sound + follow signs)
Number of swings: 1 regular, 1 baby
Ground material: Wood chips
Chain length: Medium


As I said above, not the greatest swing, but a nice seat. A nice view. Perhaps a perfect moment of zen? There's only 1, so be sure not to spend too much time if there are others waiting. Besides, you'd rather be down on that beach anyway.

How to get there: Bus routes 304 and 348 will bring you to the nearest bus stop, 195th & 20th NW. That's kind of a long walk, but that's ok, walking is good for you.

Richmond Beach Community Park, Shoreline

Happy New Year! Richmond Beach Community Park is a nice big grassy field with a nice playground. The playground contains one of Seattle's more unique/special swings.

Location: 2201 NW 197th St., in Shoreline
Number of swings: 2 regular, 2 baby, 1 interesting hand-pump swing
Ground material: Wood chips
Chain length: Medium-short.


The swings are pretty standard. Medium-short chains giving good momentum, and I like the long expanse of grass to view while swinging. But hey, look at that weird swing:


Whoa! Hand pumps? This swing was pretty fun to try out. Some day, after I lose my legs in a tragic accident, I'll remember to return to this park so I can still get my swing on.

How to get there: Bus route #304 stops along NW 196th St.

Kayu Kayu Ac Park, Shoreline/Richmond Beach

Kayu Kayu Ac Park is one of the newest parks in the Seattle area, having been renamed and dedicated in June. I stumbled upon a local blog article on the occasion. This park is amazing, mostly because of it's perfect location next to Puget Sound.

Location: 19911 Richmond Beach Drive NW, in Shoreline.
Number of swings: 2 regular, 2 baby
Ground material: Wood chips
Chain length: Medium.


I really love this park. It's newer, so everything is still mostly unspoiled. The swings aren't the best as far as chain length, but you can look out over the Sound, and that's something I consider a trump card. All that separates this park from the water is the railroad tracks, so some well-timed swinging can be accompanied with locomotion sights and sounds.

How to get there: Bus route #348 stops on somewhat-nearby 24th Ave NW.

Innis Arden Pool/Clubhouse, Shoreline

Are you way up in Shoreline? Go to this playground! The swings are great! I think this is a private club, however, so tread with caution.

Location: 1430 NW 188th St in Shoreline
Number of swings: 2 regular, another set with 1 regular, and 1 baby bucket.
Ground material: Wood chips
Chain length: Medium



I was very impressed with these swings. The park isn't crowded, as it isn't a public park. Perhaps if the clubhouse is reserved by a resident, the playground might get crowded... but enjoy until then! These swings are older, nicely high off the ground, and provide plenty of excitement. Check them out.


How to get there: The nearest buses are the 304 and 348, and they stop at 15th NW and Richmond Beach Rd. You might want to find other transportation.

The Bluff swing is dead.

The rope swing at the bluff in Shoreline has been cut down. I originally wrote about it in this post. My friend was there recently and has informed me that it is now a dead swing. Sad day.

The Bluff, Shoreline

And now for some juicier swing adventures.

The Bluff in Shoreline is a beautiful picnic/view/hike place. There also happens to be a homemade swing in the brush.

Location of trail beginning: The end of 15th Ave NW after it comes off of NW Springdale Pl in Shoreline. (just south of Richmond Beach)

The first trail opens up to the bluff:


Just take the next trail down into the ruffage, it can be found by staying to the left against the hillside; the swing will appear in a green-lit clearing. You can get some good air, but the ever-fraying condition of the rope as it continually rubs against the tree causes some anxiety. Or it gives you a rush. Same feeling, different connotations. Watch out for the inevitable twisting action of the rope. I wonder how much longer that fraying rope will last...


Go a little further down the trail: there is a graveyard of swings past. It reminds me of pirate hangmen. Is this perhaps an ominous message to the swinging community? Meh.


How to get there: You might want to drive or walk in. This area is pretty residential. See above for trailhead location.