Top 20 Lakes around Yarrow Point

The primary body of water accessible from Yarrow Point is Lake Washington, which borders the community on three sides. Key access points and features include Road End Beach and the wetland area of Yarrow Bay. Other popular lakes and lakeside parks in the broader region include Lake Union Park, Seward Park, and Lake Sammamish via the East Lake Sammamish Trail.

Yes, several lakes and parks are great for families. Seward Park on Lake Washington offers a playground and trails. Lake Union Park is also family-friendly with a multi-use path. Meydenbauer Beach Park in Bellevue provides play areas, a beach, and woodland trails. Road End Beach in Yarrow Point itself has a roped-off swim area and a lawn, ideal for families.

You can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. For running, consider routes like the Cross Kirkland Corridor or trails in Bridle Trails State Park. Cycling is popular on the East Lake Sammamish Trail or the extensive Lake Washington Loop. Mountain biking options include trails in Redmond Watershed Preserve. Many parks also offer walking and hiking opportunities. For more details on routes, check out the guides for Running Trails, Road Cycling Routes, and MTB Trails around Yarrow Point.

Many trails and parks around the lakes are dog-friendly, though leash rules usually apply. The East Lake Sammamish Trail is popular with dog walkers. Always check specific park regulations before visiting, especially regarding off-leash areas.

Road End Beach in Yarrow Point offers direct access to Lake Washington with a designated, roped-off swim area and a large dock. For water quality information, you can check the regular E. coli testing results at yarrowpointwa.gov. Matthews Beach Park is Seattle's largest freshwater beach open to the public, and Meydenbauer Beach Park in Bellevue also has a beach area.

Historically, Road End Beach served as a ferry crossing to Seattle, connecting Yarrow Point to the city before bridges were built. Today, it remains a significant community gathering spot and access point to Lake Washington.

Yes, the East Lake Sammamish Trail is paved and nearly flat, making it suitable for wheelchairs. Lake Union Park also features a multi-use path that is wheelchair accessible.

Morningside Park, while not offering direct water access, is a forested hillside leading towards Lake Washington's eastern shoreline. It's a place focused on preserving native flora and controlling invasive plants, offering opportunities to explore trail systems and enjoy nature. More information can be found at yarrowpointwa.gov.

The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but the warmer months from late spring to early autumn are ideal for water activities like swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with beautiful foliage in autumn. Winter can be scenic for walks, though water activities are less common.

Seward Park offers excellent views of Mount Rainier and Lake Washington. Lake Union Park provides scenic views of Lake Union and the Seattle skyline. Many spots along the Lake Washington shoreline, including Road End Beach, offer picturesque lake vistas.

Meydenbauer Beach Park in Bellevue offers kayak rentals. Other rental options may be available at various marinas and parks around Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish, particularly during the warmer seasons.

Yes, Yarrow Bay is a notable wetland area on Lake Washington, located just south of Kirkland. It's part of the larger Lake Washington ecosystem and provides a unique natural habitat to observe.