Lake Youngs Trail

The full loop around Lake Youngs is approximately 9.2 to 9.9 miles long. While the komoot tour suggests a duration of around 5 hours and 45 minutes for hiking, many users complete it in 3-4 hours for walking or jogging, depending on their pace.

The trail is generally rated as easy to moderate, making it accessible for varying skill levels. It features gradual elevation changes and a mostly soft surface. While there's one short, steep section, it's manageable. However, it's not ideal for strollers due to some uneven terrain and gravel sections.

You'll find a primarily soft-surface path, mostly gravel with some sections of dirt or rock-packed singletrack. The route has rolling hills that distribute the elevation gain, and its width varies from a single-lane gravel road to a narrower footpath.

The Lake Youngs Trail can be accessed from multiple points around the loop. Popular parking areas are typically found near the intersections with other regional trails or at designated access points along the perimeter. Specific trailhead parking details are usually available on King County Parks websites or local trail guides.

The trail winds through a lush forest of mixed coniferous and deciduous trees, providing ample shade. While the Lake Youngs Reservoir is mostly fenced off, you can catch occasional glimpses of the lake, especially about halfway through. You might also pass by fields, sometimes with horses, and in June, foxglove flowers bloom. Common wildlife sightings include deer, squirrels, and various bird species.

The trail is enjoyable year-round, but spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage. June is particularly nice for seeing foxglove flowers along the path. The tree canopy provides good shade during warmer summer months.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access or use the Lake Youngs Trail. It is part of King County's regional trail network and is freely accessible to the public.

Yes, the trail is dog-friendly! Dogs are welcome, but please ensure they are kept on a leash and that you clean up after them to help maintain the trail's cleanliness and preserve the natural environment.

Yes, the Lake Youngs Trail is an integral part of King County's regional trail network. It offers connections to other popular trails in the area, such as the Spring Lake/Lake Desire network and the Soos Creek Trail. You'll find sections of the Soos Creek To Lake Youngs Trail intersecting with this route.

A notable feature is that the trail forms a loop around the Lake Youngs Reservoir, a vital part of Seattle's water supply. While the reservoir is fenced off, the trail allows you to circumnavigate this significant infrastructure. You'll also find blue stakes marking every half-mile, which are helpful for tracking your progress.

To make the most of your experience, consider starting your hike early in the morning, especially on weekends. This helps you avoid peak crowds and secure parking more easily. Also, keep an eye out for the occasional glimpses of Lake Youngs through the trees, particularly about halfway through the loop, as the reservoir is mostly obscured by foliage.