Green Lake Park
A beloved urban oasis in Seattle, perfect for walks, recreation, and enjoying scenic lake views year-round.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Green Lake Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved urban oasis in Seattle, perfect for walks, recreation, and enjoying scenic lake views year-round.
"Green Lake is one of my favorite spots in Seattle. The view of the lake is beautiful, specially in a sunny day."
🎯 Beat the Parking Rush
Arrive early or be patient; parking is challenging on busy days . Consider street parking if needed.
👟 Perfect for a 3-Mile Walk
The paved loop is ideal for a refreshing walk, run, or bike ride .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Loop Trail
Around Green Lake
A 2.8-mile paved path perfect for walking, running, or biking with scenic lake views.
Green Lake State Park's Meromictic Lakes
Fayetteville, NY
Witness the rare phenomenon of Green Lake and Round Lake, with distinct, unmixed water layers.
Seattle's Community Hub
Green Lake Park, Seattle
Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with playgrounds, a wading pool, and various sports facilities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Green Lake Park
Navigating Green Lake Park
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Beat the Parking Rush
Arrive early or be patient; parking is challenging on busy days. Consider street parking if needed.
👟 Perfect for a 3-Mile Walk
The paved loop is ideal for a refreshing walk, run, or bike ride.
☀️ Summer Fun: Wading Pool
Kids love the wading pool in summer! Check community center hours.
🦆 Watch for Geese
Enjoy the wildlife, but be mindful of goose droppings on the trail.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Beat the Parking Rush
Arrive early or be patient; parking is challenging on busy days. Consider street parking if needed.
👟 Perfect for a 3-Mile Walk
The paved loop is ideal for a refreshing walk, run, or bike ride.
☀️ Summer Fun: Wading Pool
Kids love the wading pool in summer! Check community center hours.
🦆 Watch for Geese
Enjoy the wildlife, but be mindful of goose droppings on the trail.
🛶 Kayak or Paddleboard
Rentals are available for a fun day on the water.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Green Lake Park is a highly-rated Seattle gem, praised for its beautiful lake views, versatile recreational activities, and family-friendly amenities. Visitors appreciate the scenic loop for walking and running, though parking can be a significant challenge. Some mention goose droppings along the trail as a minor drawback.
"Green Lake is one of my favorite spots in Seattle. The view of the lake is beautiful, specially in a sunny day, but it has its own unique beauty in every season of the year. There is a playground, community center with a play room, a wading pool (in summer) for kids. There is a ton of activities you can do: walking, running, biking, kayaking, playing pickle ball, fishing… even just sitting and enjoying the view, seeing the geese and ducks. It’s so relaxing! Only think would make it better is having a bigger parking lot, but there are plenty streets where you can find a spot to park your car."
Magaly H
"Great park for a 3-mile walk.
Parking can be a challenge—every time I’ve visited, I’ve had to wait at least 10 minutes to find a spot. Also, there’s a lot of goose droppings along the trail. On the bright side, there are at least four restrooms conveniently located throughout the park."
Kelly Lee
"Nice park with a long loop around green lake. So many beautiful trees to stop and see, lots of activity happening on a beautiful sunny Seattle afternoon. Parking can be tricky but it’s doable with patience. A good place to go for a walk or run."
Bernard Jeremy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Green Lake Park is accessible via public transport, including the new Link Light Rail station at Roosevelt. Driving is also an option, but parking can be difficult, especially on weekends.
Yes, Green Lakes State Park is located just 10 miles east of Syracuse, NY, making it a convenient day trip or weekend getaway.
The park is best explored on foot via its 2.8-mile loop trail, perfect for walking, running, or biking.
Yes, there are several restrooms conveniently located throughout Green Lake Park in Seattle.
Green Lake Park is generally dog-friendly, but always check local regulations and keep your pet on a leash.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Green Lake Park in Seattle is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. Enjoy the amenities and trails for free.
Green Lakes State Park is typically open daily from dawn to dusk. It's best to check the official New York State Parks website for the most current hours, especially for specific facilities like the pool or boathouse.
No, Green Lake Park in Seattle is a free public park. No tickets are required to enter or enjoy the grounds.
While park entry is free, some activities like boat rentals or community center programs may have associated fees. Check with the park or relevant facility for details.
Yes, Green Lakes State Park offers camping options, including tent sites, RV sites with electricity, and rustic cabins, with prices starting around $15 per night for tent camping.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can walk, run, bike, kayak, play pickleball, or simply relax and enjoy the views. There are also playgrounds and a wading pool for kids in the summer.
The park is famous for its two meromictic lakes, Green Lake and Round Lake, which are rare because their water layers do not mix.
Absolutely! It features playgrounds, a wading pool, and plenty of open space for kids to play.
Yes, swimming is permitted in Green Lake during designated seasons. There's also a wading pool for younger children.
You'll often see geese and ducks on the lake and surrounding areas. Keep an eye out for other local bird species as well.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several coffee shops and eateries near Green Lake Park, including Revolutions Coffee which is right on the lake.
Certainly! Green Lake Park has numerous picnic tables available for visitors to enjoy their meals outdoors.
While specific dining options within Green Lakes State Park can vary, there are often concessions or picnic areas available. It's advisable to bring your own food or check for nearby restaurants in Fayetteville.
Green Lake Park in Seattle is primarily a recreational area, so there aren't typically full-service restaurants within the park itself. However, cafes and eateries are located nearby.
The area around Green Lake Park offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes and coffee shops to diverse restaurants catering to different tastes.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire loop offers beautiful lake views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The park's natural beauty and recreational activities provide endless photo opportunities.
Yes, Green Lake Park is beautiful year-round. Sunny days offer vibrant colors, while fall brings stunning foliage.
The striking emerald green color of the meromictic lakes makes for incredibly unique and captivating photographs.
Drone usage is typically restricted in city parks like Green Lake Park in Seattle to ensure safety and enjoyment for all visitors. Always check park regulations before flying a drone.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and beautiful golden hour hues.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For Green Lakes State Park in NY, families can enjoy the hiking trails and the unique visual spectacle of the meromictic lakes. Camping is also an option, offering a more immersive nature experience with sites starting at $15.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Walkers
For those seeking a more natural hiking experience, Green Lakes State Park in NY offers beautiful trails around its unique lakes. It's a great destination for a peaceful solo hike, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature and witness a rare geological wonder.
📸 Photographers
The changing seasons also offer diverse backdrops.Green Lakes State Park in NY is a photographer's dream due to its exceptionally rare meromictic lakes, whose vibrant emerald color is truly captivating.
The unique water layers and surrounding natural beauty create dramatic and unforgettable images. Visiting during different times of day can yield varied lighting conditions, enhancing the visual impact of these natural wonders.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Science Behind Green Lakes State Park's Colors
This means the lake waters are permanently stratified into distinct layers that do not mix. This phenomenon is rare globally, with only a handful of such lakes existing. The distinct layers are due to differences in salinity and temperature, preventing the usual turnover that occurs in most lakes. This lack of mixing preserves ancient organic matter at the bottom, contributing to the unique color and clarity of the water.This scientific marvel has attracted researchers, including NASA scientists who have studied the lakes.
When visiting, remember that swimming is allowed in Green Lake, but it's important to respect the delicate ecosystem. The park offers trails that circle the lakes, providing excellent vantage points for photography and appreciating the natural wonder. The unique color is a direct result of the lake's unusual geological and chemical properties, making it a must-see for nature enthusiasts and science buffs alike.
Exploring Seattle's Green Lake Park: A Local Favorite
This trail is a hub of activity, perfect for a brisk walk, a leisurely jog, or a scenic bike ride. The park is also equipped with amenities like basketball courts, picnic tables, and restrooms, making it ideal for a full day of recreation.Beyond the trail, Green Lake Park offers a variety of activities. You can rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the water,
While the park is a fantastic destination, be prepared for parking challenges, especially on sunny days or weekends.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit