Lake Washington: Seattle's Serene Oasis
Discover Seattle's stunning freshwater lake: boating, parks, history, and breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains and Mt. Rainier.
Lake Washington, the second-largest natural lake in Washington, stretches 18 miles from Renton to Kenmore and is approximately 3 miles at its widest point [5]. The lake is a central feature of the Seattle metropolitan area, bordering Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, and Renton [7]. Originally, Lake Washington was about nine feet higher than Lake Union until the opening of the Lake Washington Ship Canal in 1917, which connected it to Puget Sound [5]. This lowered the lake's water level, creating new waterfront property and facilitating industrial development [5, 20]. Today, Lake Washington is a hub for various activities. The lake is surrounded by beautiful homes, vibrant cities, and popular parks [5]. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing, or simply take in the views of Mt. Rainier and the Cascade Mountains [7]. Several islands dot the lake, including Mercer Island, the largest, which features parks and historical homes [7]. Historically, the lake was significant to the Duwamish people and later used for transporting coal and timber to Seattle [7, 20]. Steamboat excursions were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries [5]. Today, the three bridges across the lake connect Seattle to the Eastside cities, making it a vital transportation corridor [5].
Local tips
- Visit in late summer for warm weather perfect for water sports and tranquil mornings on the shore [7].
- Explore the lake's shoreline parks for picnics and strolls with views of Mt. Rainier and the Cascade Mountains [7].
- Take a boat tour to fully experience the lake and its surrounding scenery [7, 18].
A brief summary to Lake Washington
- Washington, US
Getting There
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Public Transport
From downtown Seattle, the best way to reach Lake Washington is via the King County Metro bus system [4, 11, 27]. Several routes connect downtown to various points along the lake. For example, the 70 bus runs from the U District Station to 3rd Ave & Marion St [4]. A one-way fare costs $3 [4]. Check King County Metro's website for the most up-to-date schedules and routes [27].
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Seattle and offer a direct way to reach Lake Washington [6, 12]. A taxi from downtown Seattle to the Bellevue area on the lake's eastern shore typically costs between $30 and $40 and takes approximately 14 minutes [4]. Note that prices may vary depending on traffic and demand [24].
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Driving
If driving from downtown Seattle, take I-90 East to reach the western shores of Lake Washington [4]. Alternatively, you can take WA-520 East to reach the northern parts of the lake. Parking options vary depending on the specific location. Many parks along the lake offer free parking, while others may have metered parking or paid lots [8, 10, 11]. Be aware that parking can be limited during peak seasons and events [8].
