Just Outside Seattle Is A Pretty Crystal-Clear Lake Park With Swimming, Fishing, And Boating

Scenic landscapes and access to outdoor adventure abound in the state of Washington. That is true even within the state's largest metro area. One such example is Lake Meridian Park in the Seattle suburb of Kent. Although this park is a mere two dozen miles from downtown Seattle, it sits along the shores of its namesake lake and offers outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, paddling, and boating in a surprisingly serene setting with Mount Rainier providing a dramatic backdrop.

The city of Kent is often described as "Washington's best kept secret." That same moniker could easily be applied to Lake Meridian and the 19.6-acre park along its shore. The lake is a natural glacial body of water that covers 150 acres and plunges to a depth of 90 feet in the center. This depth, coupled with its glacial nature, lets the water remain quite clear under most conditions throughout the year.

So it's little wonder that the lake is a popular spot for swimming. At Lake Meridian Park there's a dedicated swimming area and sandy beach for easy entry into the water. The swimming area is surrounded by a dock that serves as a safety barrier to prevent swimmers from venturing into the deeper portions of the lake or areas with boating traffic. Onshore there are also restrooms, showers, a playground, and a picnic area — all the amenities necessary to enjoy a day at the lake.

But swimming isn't the only way to enjoy Lake Meridian. Fishing is also popular at the lake, which is stocked with rainbow trout and Kokanee salmon, and has naturally occurring populations of largemouth bass and yellow perch. Anglers can fish from the shore or off the dock. Canoes and kayaks can start from shore, while boats can set out from the park's boat launch with the purchase an $8 daily pass.

The boat launch, and the ability to use boats and personal watercraft, set Lake Meridian apart from many other lakes in Greater Seattle. Because it's one of only a handful that allow power boats, Lake Meridian is a popular spot for pleasure boaters and watersport enthusiasts. It also draws its fair share of paddlers, with kayak and paddleboard rentals available in the park for those who don't bring their own. The park also has a free lifejacket loaner program.

Being less than 25 miles from either Tacoma or Seattle, Lake Meridian Park is a great day trip for anyone living in or visiting Washington's two most-populous cities. Although both drives are short, they're accented with interesting places to stop. Driving up from Tacoma, visitors pass through the city of Auburn, the vibrant "Gateway to Mount Rainier" that's filled with shops and restaurants. The route from Seattle takes drivers through Renton, an artsy city with a vibrant downtown and diverse dining.