Shoreline Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views

Running the length of Seahurst Park along the waters of the Puget Sound, the Shoreline Trail is where most visitors spend their time. The entirety of the trail is a wide gravel path, interrupted only by a footbridge and paved segment near the lower parking area, which is also the primary access point. Note that the trail extends both north and south from the parking area, and its recommended that visitors explore both trail segments. While the path itself is uninspired by ordinary trail standards, the stellar views of the Puget Sound, free from residential or commercial development, elevate this to a true gem within the dense suburban landscape between Seattle and Tacoma. Ferries shuttling between Fauntleroy, Vashon, and Southworth can be seen throughout the day to the northwest.

The northern portion of the trail follows the shoreline, about thirty feet from the waters edge. Driftwood and grassy areas separate the trail from the actual shore, and short staircases are placed strategically along the trail to provide access to the beach. Benches and picnic areas are found along the way. Two access points to the Seahurst Park unpaved trail system disappear into the woods to the east; the dirt singletrack is easy to miss, so use the Hiking Project mobile app or GPS track here for help. Near the end, Shoreline passes the Environmental Science Center, which offers free courses on area ecology and history. The northern terminus coincides with the beginning of Seahurst Park Service Road.

The southern portion crosses a small creek and, after passing a covered picnic area, enters a more wooded area. While still near the shoreline, it feels much more secluded along this segment. A few connectors to South Seahurst Park head up into the trees to the east. After about two tenths of a mile, the trail makes a short U turn, descending to the water's edge and ending.

Seahurst plant life is typical of the wetlands and forests found along the Puget Sound. Grasses and ferns lie low along the trails, and watch for lilies, huckleberries, salal, snowberries, elderberries. Stinging nettles are an uncommon but present hazard. Tree varieties are dominated by evergreens, with several maples making appearances as well. English Ivy, English Holly, and blackberry bushes are problematic invasive species; feel free to pull out any you encounter along the way to help (though watch for blackberry thorns).

Both large and small birds are present in great numbers around Seahurst. Seagulls, eagles, woodpeckers, herons, and owls can be found here. Landborne animals are less frequently sighted, confined mostly to suburban woodland creatures like raccoons and mice. The creeks in Seahurst were once return routes for spawning salmon, and a hatchery near the Science Center researches their movements.