Posted Jun 15, 2026 - Be careful in cold water! Even when the air is hot, rivers and lakes in King County can run very cold from melting snow. Cold water can trigger an involuntary gasp and rapid breathing that can cause drowning within seconds, even for strong swimmers and close to land. Always wear a life jacket and enter cold water slowly—especially kids! Find information about boater, river, and water safety at: Boating | Washington State Parks or kingcounty.gov/watersafety. For information about recent water temperatures at lake beaches, please visit: King County Swimming Beach Monitoring
Sprawling lawns and forested trails around a set of Romanesque Revival brick buildings. A labyrinth of paths drops through lush forest to the shore of Lake Washington — some open to mountain bikes, some kept for walkers.