Best lakes around Woodinville are situated in a region known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities in Washington. The area features several freshwater lakes, including Cottage Lake, Paradise Lake, and Lost Lake, which offer diverse outdoor activities. These lakes provide settings for water sports, fishing, and access to surrounding parklands and trails. The landscape combines tranquil waters with accessible park amenities and extensive trail networks.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
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Fantastic ride now that the trail is finally complete!
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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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Enjoy the straight trail - part of a former city street. Just look out for pedestrians a-wandering all over the place. Beautiful spot for a sunset.
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This park was remodeled in 2022 and is by far the best place to stop for a lunch break along the Burke Gilman Trail. Nice job, Kenmore City Council! Summertime kayak rentals and concession stand.
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This is a lovely place to take a break and enjoy the incredible views across Juanita Bay. The shore here is tranquil and good for birding, a truly peaceful place away from the city.
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Matthews Beach Park is Seattle's largest freshwater beach that is open to the public. The park is named for John G. Matthews, a settler in the area in the 1880s.
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For diverse water sports and recreation, Cottage Lake is an excellent choice. It's 63 acres and about 25 feet deep, making it warm and inviting for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Cottage Lake Park offers lake access, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool with a water slide, and amenities like picnic areas. You can find more details about the park at King County Parks.
Yes, Lost Lake is ideal for peaceful, non-motorized boating activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. It features a public boat ramp, parking, and restrooms, providing calm, sheltered waters perfect for a quiet day away from heavy boat traffic.
Both Cottage Lake and Paradise Lake are popular for fishing. Cottage Lake is stocked with rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and spiny rays. Paradise Lake offers a variety of species including rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, sockeye salmon, and bass.
The Burke-Gilman Trail: Northwest Lake Washington offers a smooth cycle path along the northern lakefront of Lake Washington, providing nice water views. Another great option is the East Lake Sammamish Trail, a nearly flat, paved path popular for cycling, running, and hiking along Lake Sammamish. For more cycling routes, explore the Cycling around Woodinville guide.
Cottage Lake Park is very family-friendly, offering a playground, picnic tables, barbecues, and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool. Log Boom Park (Tracy Owen Station) on Lake Washington also provides a playground, picnic areas, and restrooms, along with access to the Burke-Gilman Trail. Matthews Beach Park is another family-friendly option with Seattle's largest freshwater beach open to the public.
Adjacent to Paradise Lake, the Paradise Valley Conservation Area offers 663 acres with well-marked trails for hiking and biking. Additionally, the Juanita Bay Waterfront Trail provides a lovely place for a walk with incredible views. You can find more options in the Easy hikes around Woodinville guide.
The best time to visit lakes like Lost Lake for outdoor activities is generally from March through November, when the weather is milder and more conducive to water sports and trail use. Summer months are particularly popular for swimming and park activities at places like Cottage Lake.
Yes, Cottage Lake Park is wheelchair-friendly, offering accessible facilities for all visitors. The East Lake Sammamish Trail is also noted as wheelchair accessible, providing a nearly flat, paved path along the lake shore.
Yes, there are mountain biking opportunities in the vicinity. For example, you can find trails near Paradise Lake, such as the 'Mountainbike loop from Paradise Lake Trailhead Parking'. For a comprehensive list of routes, refer to the MTB Trails around Woodinville guide.
The lakes and surrounding conservation areas, such as the Paradise Valley Conservation Area near Paradise Lake, offer opportunities for wildlife viewing. The tranquil shores of places like the Juanita Bay Waterfront Trail are also good for birding, providing a peaceful natural setting.
Yes, Cottage Lake Park provides lake access and parking. Lost Lake features a public boat ramp and parking. For Lake Washington, Log Boom Park (Tracy Owen Station) and Matthews Beach Park both offer public access and parking facilities.


Still not found your perfect lake around Woodinville? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.