Attractions and Places To See around Cottage Lake - Top 20

The area is rich in natural beauty, centered around Cottage Lake itself, which is ideal for swimming, fishing, and boating. You can also visit Cottage Lake Park, offering lake access, walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground. The park features wetlands with a boardwalk trail and is home to various wildlife. For botanical enthusiasts, Cottage Lake Gardens, a private 3-acre botanical garden, is known for its extensive Trillium collection.

Yes, several multi-use trails are available. The Burke-Gilman Trail: Northwest Lake Washington offers a smooth path along the northern Lake Washington waterfront, popular for cycling and scenic views. The Tolt Pipeline Trail is a gravel path favored by equestrians, dog walkers, mountain bikers, joggers, and hikers, featuring varied terrain and wildflowers. Additionally, the East Lake Sammamish Trail is a paved route connecting Redmond and Issaquah, popular with cyclists, runners, and dog walkers.

You can explore The Lodge at Saint Edward State Park, a beautifully restored former seminary that now functions as a full-service lodge with a spa and restaurant. Its location within the state park offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. Nearby, Log Boom Park (Tracy Owen Station) includes the Kenmore History Path, providing insights into the local heritage.

Absolutely. Cottage Lake Park is a great family destination with a playground, picnic areas, and an outdoor swimming pool. Log Boom Park (Tracy Owen Station) also features a playground and beach access, perfect for families. The multi-use trails like the Burke-Gilman Trail and East Lake Sammamish Trail are suitable for family bike rides or walks.

Cottage Lake itself offers picturesque views, especially around Cottage Lake Park. Log Boom Park (Tracy Owen Station) on Lake Washington's waterfront provides excellent opportunities for watching seaplanes, enjoying sunsets, and capturing scenic lake views. The Burke-Gilman Trail also offers pretty views of Lake Washington along its northern lakefront sections.

Beyond exploring the attractions, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. The area is excellent for cycling, with numerous routes available. You can find detailed cycling routes around Cottage Lake, including options for road cycling and gravel biking. These routes often incorporate scenic trails like the Sammamish River Trail and the Burke-Gilman Trail.

The Cottage Lake area is enjoyable year-round, but the warmer months, particularly spring and summer, are ideal for outdoor activities like swimming, boating, and enjoying the parks and trails. The annual "Music in the Park" concert series at Cottage Lake Park takes place during the summer. Spring also brings wildflowers to trails like the Tolt Pipeline Trail.

Yes, for dining and accommodation, The Lodge at Saint Edward State Park offers a full-service lodge with a spa, bars, and a restaurant. For more casual options, the Casetta Lago shopping center, just minutes from Cottage Lake, provides retail, a grocery store, a coffee shop, and a sandwich shop, serving as a convenient local amenity.

Visitors frequently praise the beautiful views and well-maintained facilities. For instance, Log Boom Park (Tracy Owen Station) is appreciated for its clean bathrooms, stunning views, and as a great spot for a picnic or to start a bike ride. The Burke-Gilman Trail is loved for its perfectly smooth surface and scenic water views.

Yes, the East Lake Sammamish Trail is a notable option. This paved trail follows the shore of Lake Sammamish and is nearly flat, making it suitable for wheelchairs, as well as cyclists, runners, and hikers.

The natural areas around Cottage Lake are home to diverse wildlife. Around Cottage Lake itself, you might spot eagles, various waterfowl, otters, beavers, and deer. On trails like the Tolt Pipeline Trail, occasional sightings include deer, rabbits, and even bobcats.