Lake Washington
Washington State is full of the lakes and rivers but there is no more prominent feature on the Westside of the Cascades than Lake Washington. Being Washington’s second largest lake, Lake Washington provides the surrounding King County residents with enjoyment all year long.
During the summer months, Washington’s boating community comes alive to enjoy the pristine waters, sensational views of Mt. Rainer and host of water activities. Covering 300,000 acres, Lake Washington is a massive lake with plenty of room for water craft of all sizes. From yachts to micro-sailboats, Lake Washington provides recreation for all types of boaters and it peaks every year with Seattle’s Sea Fair celebration.
Every year hundreds of thousands of people turn out to watch the variety of hydroplane classes race and to watch the annual air show. The air show usually steals the show because the Blue Angels arrive and put on a high speed aerial display that is awe inspiring to watch.
The boating culture has derived from the many cities that border Lake Washington: Kirkland, Bellevue, Kenmore and Renton just to name a few. In Kirkland, the Argosy Cruise takes people on day trips in style and comfort.
On the Westside, and on the shoreline of Lake Washington, University of Washington can be seen. On game day, many fans arrive by boat to watch their favorite team play.
But Lake Washington was not always like it is today. In 1916 the Lake Washington Ship Canal was constructed, making it easy to transport goods, and for lake goers, to get to and from Elliot Bay. Due to the canal, a primary Lake Washington feature was for ever changed. The Black River used to serve as one of Lake Washington’s main outlets but the canal caused a 9 foot decrease in water levels that caused the Black River to dry up and disappear.
The remaining creeks and rivers are Ravenna Creek, Thornton Creek, Kelsey Creek, Juanita Creek and Coal Creek.
Lake Washington’s Parks & Boat Luanches
– Magnuson Park
– Kirkland Marina Park
– Day Street Park
– Stan Sayres Park
– South Ferdinand Street Park
– Mercer Island Launch
– SE 40th Street Ramp
– Gene Coulon Park