Green Lake Park

Today, Green Lake is 323.70 acres of water and green space in the middle of a dense urban neighborhood. The park is a natural preserve for hundreds of species of trees and plants, as well as numerous birds and waterfowl.

The 2.8-mile path around the lake provides a recreational spot for runners, bikers, skaters and walkers and an adjacent 3.2 mile trail is available for joggers. Greenlake also has picnic areas athletic fields, boating, and swimming.

SWIMMERS BEWARE: Occassionally, Green Lake suffers from algae blooms, milfoil and / or swimmers itch (caused by parasites from waterfowl). Warning signs may be posted on bad days.

Green Lake Park
7201 East Green Lake Dr N
Information: 206-684-4075

24 Hrs a day

According to geologists, the Vashon Glacial Ice Sheet, which also formed the Puget Sound, formed Green Lake approximately 50,000 years ago. Dredgings of the lake have produced volcanic ash from an eruption of Glacier Peak that occurred about 6,700 years ago.

From the Olmsted Brothers’ comprehensive parks plan, Green Lake Park was given to the City by the State of Washington in 1905. After a series of changes, it has shrunk by nearly 100 acres since then.