Lakes in Seattle

The lakes in Seattle are hard to overlook—this is a destination that is known for its water, and no trip would be complete without gazing out at Puget Sound, climbing aboard a ferry, or giving kayaking a try. While the bays are well known to travelers, there are also plenty of lakes that offer both great views and plenty of activities. The most famous—and the largest—is Lake Washington Seattle. This large, freshwater lake is located adjacent to Seattle and stretches for 18 miles in length, separating Seattle from the city of Bellevue and the rest of the East Side. While any trip to Seattle is bound to be full of dining, nightlife, and visits to museums, taking the time to enjoy the great outdoors will complete your trip.

The city is located on the stretch of land between Lake Washington and the Puget Sound. The bright blue waters of this Seattle lake are recognizable in photographs of the skyline. The lakes in Seattle are always bustling with fishing vessels, yachts, kayaks, motorboats, and even seaplanes. During a trip to Seattle, you can participate in any of these activities. From going out on a fishing excursion to renting a kayak, hiring your own yacht or speeding along in a motorboat, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the crystal clear waters of Lake Washington.

Another significant lake is Lake Union Seattle. Located north of downtown and in the center of the city, Lake Union separates Seattle Center and the southern half of the city from the northern neighborhoods including Fremont, Ballard, and the University District. This lake is a popular spot for boaters, kayakers, and rowers. One of the reasons Lake Union is famous is for flanking the neighborhood of Fremont that once made a declaration that the neighborhood was an independent republic of free thinkers. Today, visitors head to this neighborhood for its eclectic bars and sidewalk cafés. If you want to get out on the water during your trip, you will have many opportunities between Lake Union Seattle and Lake Washington.

Beyond these two major bodies of water, there are also other lakes in Seattle. Green Lake is a freshwater lake located in the Greenlake neighborhood. This lake is surrounded by a paved path of almost three miles in length, and many locals and visitors come to Green Lake park for cycling and jogging. The park itself is a beautiful place to spend a few hours outdoors or enjoying a picnic. If you’re interested in getting out on the lake, motorized boats aren’t allowed, but non-motorized vehicles such as canoes and paddleboats are very popular here. That makes this a very family-friendly lake in Seattle, especially as it’s a very short distance from the Woodland Park Zoo.

Spending a day on a boat of Lake Washington Seattle or Lake Union isn’t the only way to enjoy the great outdoors. Discovery Park is the largest park in Seattle, and offers almost a dozen miles of trails through forests and providing excellent views of Puget Sound. Some visitors are fascinated by the history of places like Lake Union Seattle. These bodies of water were actually carved by glaciers. Before heading out on a boat on one of these gorgeous lakes, read up a little on their history to enjoy the ride even more. Seattle is full of surprises, from its beautiful lakes to its quirky shops.