Children crying because it’s too hot outside? Dad wants to take the motorcycle for a spin? Mom just wants to read her book in the shade? Then grab your arm floaties and your fishing rod, and head down to Browns Point Lighthouse Park just southwest of Federal Way.
Pictures can give you an idea of what it’s like, but you really have to see this park for yourself. Come on out this summer and check out the lovely little gem just south of Federal Way!
This awesome park sits right on a natural point (hence the name) overlooking the Puget sound with Tacoma, Ruston Way and Vashon Island for a background.
Browns Point Activities
As you can see from the pictures, the park is on a sloping hill. There is some flat ground where people play Frisbee or toss a football around, but if you’re looking to get a massive game of soccer going, a more horizontal plane might be worth checking out.
But horseshoes… now you’re talking! BYOH (Bring Your Own Horseshoes), but the pit is already there waiting for you by the Browns Point Improvement Club.
Swimming
You’ll want to plan according to the weather. If it’s blazing hot you’ll definitely want to take a dip in the water. But if it’s just 70 degrees outside, be warned that the chilly water takes about 2.36 seconds to cool you off.
The southwest beach drops off pretty gradually, which makes it a great area for kids to romp around without worrying about getting in over their head too fast.
Note: Sandals or water shoes are recommended. This is the Pacific Northwest folks, and sandy beaches are for wimps! (OK, not really. We love sandy beaches too, but this is not a silky smooth beach of white sand.)
Fishing
What if it’s raining? Well, the fishing can be quite good… every other year. Yep, you read that right. Every other year the pink salmon come migrating through and the beach turns into a veritable war zone of pink-lure-slinging fishermen. Combat fishing at its finest. Good luck with parking.
Salmon Bake
Speaking of fishing at Browns Point, everyone should try to make it to the annual Browns Point Salmon Bake. This is a super fun event and the Browns Point Improvement Club works really hard to make sure it’s a fantastic turnout every year.
Boat Launch
There is a paved road that winds down a hill to a boat launch area. There is room to turn around at the bottom, but be advised that it is gravel, and traction can be an issue at times. It can also get a bit crowded, so “pack your patience” as they say.
Video by John Feher. Used with permission.
Browns Point Improvement Club
What is this improvement club of which I speak? There is a clubhouse that sits on the south end of the park that is available for birthday parties, weddings, etc.
It’s not uncommon to see wedding photos being taken on the beach and this clubhouse is a great destination for small to mid-size social events. Find out more info here.
Browns Point Lighthouse
Even when it’s raining or just a little chilly, checking out the lighthouse itself is always advised. I think the coolest part is actually the keeper’s cottage just up the hill. Always decked out with beautiful flowers, you can actually rent it out and stay a few nights. Yes, yes, and yes.
Browns Point Diner
Just up the road about a mile, can’t miss it on your right as you roll past the little strip mall heading down to the beach. Excellent food, super friendly service and some awesome B&W photos of the area on the walls. You can also grab a pint from The Sand Bar next door. If it’s nice, we highly recommend sitting outside and enjoying the great view overlooking the water. Menu is here.
Parking
One tricky thing about this park is the parking. The parking inside the gate is for Browns Point Improvement Club members only. There are about six parking spaces on the outside of the fence, or you can go around to a gravel parking lot on the East side of the park (at the top of the hill).
The physical address for Browns Point Lighthouse Beach is 204 Ton A Wan Da Ave NE, Tacoma, WA 98422.
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