Top 20 Lakes in King County
Lakes in King County, Washington, offer a diverse array of freshwater bodies and recreational opportunities. The region is characterized by its significant natural lakes, including Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish, and Lake Union, which are integrated into the landscape of major cities and natural areas. These lakes are fed by rivers like the Sammamish and Cedar, contributing to a rich aquatic environment. King County's geography provides both urban waterscapes and more rugged alpine lake settings.
Best lakes in King County
- The…
Last updated: April 26, 2026
Log Boom Park (Tracy Owen Station)
Highlight • Rest Area
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Bitter Lake Reservoir Open Space
Highlight • Rest Area
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Burke-Gilman Trail: Northwest Lake Washington
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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East Lake Sammamish Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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East Lake Sammamish Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Matthews Beach Park
Highlight • Beach
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Seward Park
Highlight • Forest
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Lake Union Park and MOHAI
Highlight • Lake
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t̓ałt̓ałucid Park and Shoreline Habitat
Highlight • Natural
This habitat is …
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Meydenbauer Beach Park
Highlight • Beach
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Tips from the Community
It's interesting name comes from the language of the local people who lived there first. This park helps protect the land where the water meets the shore. This habitat is very important for many animals and plants. Birds come here to find food and rest. Small creatures live in the mud and sand. Even fish use this area when they are young. The plants that grow here help keep the water clean and give shelter to animals.
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The park's name comes from the language of the local people who lived there first. This park helps protect the land where the water meets the shore. This habitat is very important for many animals and plants. 1 Birds come here to find food and rest. Small creatures live in the mud and sand. Even fish use this area when they are young. The plants that grow here help keep the water clean and give shelter to animals.
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Fantastic ride now that the trail is finally complete!
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What a great place to stop and smell the roses - figuratively - in the middle of Seattle! And MOHAI is well worth an afternoon visit.
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Right off the Burke Gilman Trail - a bit of a steep hill to the beach, but worth it. Good swimming beach in the summer.
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It's a fun ride around the park and into Lake Washington. On a clear day, look to the South for views of Mt. Rainier. The trail narrows on the East side - careful for pedestrians wandering zombie-like as they gaze out at the lake. Frequent use of your bicycle bell is highly recommended.
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You have not cycled in Seattle unless you ride the BG trail, period. Do the full thing from Golden Gardens Beach in Ballard all the way to Kenmore and Bothell at the top of the lake. A great day out and good connections to just about anywhere in North Seattle and the East side.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular lakes for recreation in King County?
King County boasts several popular lakes for recreation. Lake Washington is ideal for boating, kayaking, and fishing, with parks like Log Boom Park (Tracy Owen Station) offering shoreline access. Lake Sammamish is known for motorboating and water sports, while Lake Union in Seattle's heart is a vibrant hub for kayaking and paddleboarding, with Lake Union Park providing urban waterscape views.
Are there good hiking and walking trails around the lakes in King County?
Yes, King County offers numerous trails around its lakes. The Burke-Gilman Trail provides a smooth path along the northern lakefront of Lake Washington. The East Lake Sammamish Trail follows the shore of Lake Sammamish, offering scenic views. For a more rugged experience, Snow Lake is a popular alpine lake with many trails. You can find more options in the Easy Hikes in King County guide.
Which lakes are best for family-friendly activities in King County?
Several lakes in King County are great for families. Log Boom Park (Tracy Owen Station) on Lake Washington offers a playground, picnic areas, and shoreline access. Green Lake has a surrounding park with picnic areas, boat rentals, and a paved path for walking and cycling. Lake Sammamish State Park provides two lakefront beaches and hiking trails, perfect for a family day out.
What kind of fishing opportunities do King County lakes offer?
King County lakes provide diverse fishing opportunities. Lake Washington is home to sockeye, coho, and Chinook salmon, as well as rainbow trout and bass. Lake Sammamish is known for largemouth and smallmouth bass. Green Lake is popular for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and yellow perch. For a quieter experience, Steel Lake is known for hefty largemouth bass, and Angle Lake offers rainbow trout, kokanee, and perch.
Are there cycling routes around King County lakes?
Absolutely. The Burke-Gilman Trail is a smooth cycle path along Lake Washington. The East Lake Sammamish Trail is also paved and popular with cyclists. For a unique experience, the I-90 Trail Across Lake Washington offers scenic views. You can explore more options in the Road Cycling Routes in King County guide, which includes several Lake Washington Loop routes.
Which lakes in King County are accessible by public transport or have good parking?
Many urban lakes in King County are quite accessible. Green Lake is located within Seattle and is known for its accessibility and amenities, including parking. Lake Union is right in the heart of Seattle, making it reachable by public transport. Log Boom Park (Tracy Owen Station) on Lake Washington offers parking and connections to the Burke-Gilman Trail. Bitter Lake Reservoir Open Space also provides pleasant views and is generally accessible.
What are some unique natural features or viewpoints around King County lakes?
King County lakes offer diverse natural features and viewpoints. The sheer size of Lake Washington provides expansive water views, especially from floating bridges like the I-90 Trail. Lake Union offers iconic views of the Seattle skyline. Snow Lake provides a rugged alpine setting with stunning mountain scenery. Seward Park, on a peninsula in Lake Washington, offers great views of Mt. Rainier on clear days.
Can I swim in King County lakes, and what are the water temperatures like?
Swimming is popular in many King County lakes, especially during warmer months. Lake Sammamish State Park offers two lakefront beaches for swimming. While specific water temperatures vary by season and lake, the urban lakes like Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish are generally comfortable for swimming in summer. Always check local conditions and advisories before swimming.
Are there less crowded lakes or trails for a quieter experience?
For a quieter experience, consider lakes that are less urban or have less frequented trails. While popular, Snow Lake offers a more rugged, natural experience compared to the urban lakes, requiring a hike to reach. Smaller lakes like Deep Lake or Langlois Lake might also offer a more tranquil setting, though public access can vary.
What kind of water sports can I do on King County lakes?
King County lakes are excellent for various water sports. Lake Washington and Lake Union are popular for kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating. Lake Sammamish is a prime spot for motorboating, water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing. Many lakes also allow fishing from boats or shorelines.
When is the best time to visit King County lakes for outdoor activities?
The best time to visit King County lakes for outdoor activities is generally from late spring through early fall (May to October). During these months, the weather is warmer, making conditions ideal for swimming, boating, hiking, and cycling. Fall also offers beautiful foliage around many of the lakes.
Are there any lakes in King County that are particularly good for wildlife viewing?
While not explicitly highlighted for specific wildlife, many lakes and their surrounding parks offer opportunities for birdwatching and observing local fauna. Lake Sammamish State Park, with its deciduous forest, is popular with birdwatchers. The less developed areas around lakes like Snow Lake or Deep Lake may offer more chances to see wildlife in a natural habitat.
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