Lake Tapps North Park
A beautiful 80-acre park on Lake Tapps, offering pristine waters for swimming, boating, and picnicking with stunning Mt. Rainier views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Lake Tapps North Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful 80-acre park on Lake Tapps, offering pristine waters for swimming, boating, and picnicking with stunning Mt. Rainier views.
"The water is so clean compared to other parks in the area and it makes it perfect for swimming!"
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up quickly on sunny days. Aim to arrive before noon to secure a spot!
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential for a comfortable day by the water.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 1,445 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal Clear Swimming
Designated swimming areas
Enjoy the exceptionally clean water, perfect for a refreshing dip on a warm day.
Stunning Mt. Rainier Views
Various vantage points
On clear days, the majestic peak of Mt. Rainier provides a breathtaking backdrop.
Family Picnic & BBQ Spots
Picnic areas
Spacious areas with grills make it ideal for family gatherings and outdoor dining.
Boating & Water Sports
Boat ramp
Launch your boat or kayak for a day of fun on the pristine waters of Lake Tapps.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Parking
What to Bring for a Perfect Day
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Lake Tapps Nighttime Park Access?
Hello, not technically in Seattle, but ive seen some other lake Tapps posts in this subreddit. Im just looking for a waterfront park or a pier that I could access at night, just to chill at. Help would be much appreciated, thanks.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up quickly on sunny days. Aim to arrive before noon to secure a spot!
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential for a comfortable day by the water.
Bonney Lake and Mt. Rainier
Lol that’s lake tapps.
Mount Rainier Viewpoint
Hello Seattle! I am trying to find a scenic view of Mount Rainier. I have a rental car only for tomorrow morning and limited strength to hike after today’s adventure. Can anyone provide suggestions of viewpoints accessible by car closest to Seattle? Thanks in advance. Edit:…
🧺 Bring Picnic Supplies
Grills are available, so pack your favorite BBQ foods for a delightful picnic.
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
Protect your feet while swimming or exploring the shoreline.
Moving from California and need some advice
Hello y’all. My family and I are moving to puyallup. A few questions. We have a rough budget at <700k we could possibly go to 750 but it’s a stretch. We are looking for areas with great elementary schools, great neighborhood all around, and an area that isn’t to hard to find…
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up quickly on sunny days. Aim to arrive before noon to secure a spot!
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential for a comfortable day by the water.
🧺 Bring Picnic Supplies
Grills are available, so pack your favorite BBQ foods for a delightful picnic.
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
Protect your feet while swimming or exploring the shoreline.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but keep them leashed and clean up after them.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lake Tapps North Park is celebrated for its exceptionally clean and refreshing water, making it a top choice for swimming and water activities. Visitors love the stunning views, especially of Mt. Rainier on clear days, and the family-friendly atmosphere with picnic areas and playgrounds. However, the park's popularity means parking can be a significant challenge on sunny days and weekends, often requiring an early arrival to secure a spot.
"Lake Tapps is a beautiful place to spend the day. The water is so clean compared to other parks in the area and it makes it perfect for swimming, kayaking, or just relaxing by the shore. It is very family friendly with plenty of space for kids to play and safe areas to enjoy the water. On sunny days it does get busy and parking can be a challenge, but once you are in it is absolutely worth it. The views are stunning, the water is refreshing, and it is one of the best spots around to enjoy time with family and friends."
Moatez Albermany
"Our last visit was on an 88° Monday (6/30/25) and it was packed! We arrived at Noon and there were only 30 parking spots left! You pay for your parking space not for how many people you have in the car. By 2:15 pm parking was full. My husband tried to meet us after work but it was too late! This is a huge difference from last week! The temperature was 82° and it didn't meet full capacity. Aside from that, it's a really beautiful park. Wonderful views as you float. We were able to find a little spot on the little beach to put up an umbrella and take breaks. The restrooms were clean and had real toilets. We were only there to float about so I can't say much on anything else. We did see some ducklings and they were adorable!"
Tara H
"Lake Tapps is a beautiful park. Restrooms, playgrounds and has security. Dog friendly but not many trails. Great place for picnicking, swimming, paddle boarding and boating. Water is crystal clear !!! I did find an amazing dog trail 🐶"
paula taylor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lake Tapps North Park is located in Lake Tapps, Washington. It's accessible by car, and GPS navigation will guide you directly to the park entrance. Parking is available on-site, but can fill up quickly on busy days.
Public transportation options to Lake Tapps North Park are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle. Consider carpooling if you are traveling with a group.
While specific directions depend on your starting point, using a GPS with 'Lake Tapps North Park' as your destination will provide the most accurate route. Be prepared for potential traffic on weekends.
There are no official park and ride options directly at Lake Tapps North Park. It's recommended to drive directly to the park.
To avoid traffic, plan your visit for weekday mornings. If visiting on a weekend, aim to arrive as early as possible, ideally before 10 AM.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a parking fee for Lake Tapps North Park, charged per vehicle, not per person. Check the park's official website or local listings for current pricing.
Park hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the official park website or local resources for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
Tickets are not typically required for entry, but parking fees apply. Advance booking is generally not necessary unless there are special events.
Information on discounts is not widely available. It's best to inquire directly with park management or check local community boards for any potential offers.
Lake Tapps North Park is dog-friendly, but pets must be kept on a leash at all times. Remember to clean up after your pet.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming in the clean water, picnicking with available grills, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and relaxing by the shore. There are also playgrounds for children.
Yes, restrooms are available at the park, including portable toilet facilities for convenience.
Absolutely! The park offers safe swimming areas, playgrounds, and plenty of space for kids to play, making it a great family destination.
The shoreline offers beautiful water views, and on clear days, the majestic Mt. Rainier provides a stunning photographic subject. Look for scenic spots along the water's edge.
While the park is primarily focused on water activities and picnicking, there are some areas suitable for short walks. Dedicated hiking trails are limited.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants located directly within Lake Tapps North Park. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food for picnics.
Yes, the park provides grills in designated picnic areas, making it a perfect spot for a BBQ. Remember to bring your own grilling supplies.
Nearby towns like Puyallup offer a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to sit-down restaurants. It's best to plan your meals before or after your park visit.
There are no concessions or stores within Lake Tapps North Park. It's essential to bring all your own food, snacks, and beverages.
Classic picnic fare like sandwiches, salads, grilled items, and refreshing drinks are popular choices. Don't forget dessert!
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Golden hour is particularly beautiful.
The shoreline with its clear water, the views of Mt. Rainier on a clear day, and the lush greenery are prime photography locations.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's crucial to check with park authorities or local aviation guidelines before flying a drone for photography.
A versatile lens, like a 24-70mm, is great for landscapes and general shots. A wide-angle lens can capture expansive lake and mountain views.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always respect private property and other visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit