Denny Blaine Park

Denny Blaine Park is a small Lake Washington waterfront park in Seattle, south of Madison Park. Its unofficial clothing-optional beach draws people who swim or sunbathe nude and those who prefer to stay dressed. A terraced grassy area, mature trees and a stone wall give the shoreline a quieter feel than a typical sandy beach. You can wade, swim or picnic here, but there is no lifeguard and facilities are sparse. Parking is limited, so an early or weekday visit can help.

A small beach on Lake Washington

Denny Blaine Park sits at 200 E Lake Washington Boulevard, south of Madison Park. A curved, tree-lined lane leads to this secluded waterfront spot. Large trees shade parts of the park, while a terraced grassy area gives you room to sit above the water without settling directly on sand.

An old stone wall lines the beach. It once marked the lake’s shoreline; water levels fell after construction of the Lake Washington Ship Canal. The wall and the park’s tucked-away setting give this small stretch of waterfront a distinct character.

Clothing optional and swimming

The beach is an unofficial clothing-optional area. People use it both nude and fully clothed, and it is popular with Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community. You can sunbathe on the grass, picnic, read or head into Lake Washington to wade and swim.

There is no lifeguard, so swimming is at your own risk. Facilities are minimal, with a portable toilet and trash cans. Some parts of the shoreline are rocky, so sandals are useful. Parking spaces are limited; an early morning or weekday visit may make it easier to find a space.