Juanita Bay Park Kirkland
A 110-acre urban wetland sanctuary in Kirkland, WA, offering scenic boardwalks, abundant wildlife, and peaceful nature trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for wildlife sightings
Juanita Bay Park Kirkland
Best Time
Best for wildlife sightings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 110-acre urban wetland sanctuary in Kirkland, WA, offering scenic boardwalks, abundant wildlife, and peaceful nature trails.
"A beautiful and serene spot with a fantastic boardwalk for walking and enjoying stunning lake views."
📸 Photographer's Paradise
Bring your camera! This park is renowned for its stunning views and diverse wildlife, perfect for capturing memorable shots.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Easy, scenic trails make it ideal for a relaxing stroll. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the boardwalk and paths.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Boardwalk Over the Water
Central boardwalk
A stunning wooden deck extending over the lake, perfect for leisurely walks and breathtaking views.
Abundant Birdwatching Opportunities
Throughout the park
Home to eagles, osprey, trumpeter swans, and more. A paradise for bird enthusiasts and photographers.
Urban Wildlife Encounters
Wetland areas
Spot beavers, otters, and a variety of native foliage in this 110-acre preserved wetland sanctuary.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Wildlife Viewing
Leash Up for a Peaceful Stroll
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photographer's Paradise
Bring your camera! This park is renowned for its stunning views and diverse wildlife, perfect for capturing memorable shots.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Easy, scenic trails make it ideal for a relaxing stroll. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the boardwalk and paths.
🐶 Leash Your Dog
Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash to protect the wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all.
🦢 Respect the Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance and avoid disturbing their habitats. Be aware of potential bee nests.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photographer's Paradise
Bring your camera! This park is renowned for its stunning views and diverse wildlife, perfect for capturing memorable shots.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Easy, scenic trails make it ideal for a relaxing stroll. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the boardwalk and paths.
🐶 Leash Your Dog
Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash to protect the wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all.
🦢 Respect the Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance and avoid disturbing their habitats. Be aware of potential bee nests.
🚗 Convenient Parking
A parking lot is available at the entrance, making it easy to access the park and its amenities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Juanita Bay Park's serene beauty and abundant wildlife, particularly the stunning boardwalk views and diverse bird species. It's praised as a peaceful escape perfect for nature walks and photography, with convenient amenities like parking and restrooms. Some minor concerns include off-leash dogs and occasional dog waste.
"It's a beautiful and serene spot. The long wooden deck that extends over the lake is the highlight, offering a fantastic place to walk and enjoy the views. The park is very quiet and feels like a peaceful escape. I saw many people with cameras, and it's easy to see why—the views of the lake and the surrounding greenery are stunning. There’s a convenient parking lot and a restroom at the entrance, which is a big plus. I also appreciated the long path with benches that leads north to another park and shopping area. This is a perfect place for a relaxing stroll and some great photos."
Nan Liu
"Absolutely wonderful place to take a nature walk and see lots of different birds and wildlife. Great for photographers! It's a very well maintained park with restrooms. The big issue can be off leash dogs, random piles of dog poop that haven't been picked up, and underground bee nests."
Jeff King
"This is my happy place! Such a precious place!! Many impressive birds (eagles, osprey) and other wildlife like beavers and otters. Truly urban wildlife at its finest."
Sophia Winkler-Schor (Sophia Winkler)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Juanita Bay Park is easily accessible by car, with a convenient parking lot located at the entrance. It's also a short walk from Juanita Beach and nearby dining options, making it a great stop for a stroll.
Yes, Juanita Bay Park is located in Kirkland, WA, which is just a short drive from downtown Seattle, offering a peaceful escape within easy reach of the city.
While specific bus routes can vary, Kirkland is served by public transportation. Checking local transit schedules for routes near Juanita Beach or downtown Kirkland would be advisable.
Absolutely! There is a convenient parking lot available at the park's entrance, making it easy for visitors to access the trails and amenities.
The park features easy, scenic trails and a long boardwalk over the lake, perfect for walking, birdwatching, and photography.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Juanita Bay Park is a public park and does not require an entrance fee, making it a free and accessible destination for everyone.
As a public park, Juanita Bay Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. It's always a good idea to check local park advisories for any specific seasonal or event-related changes.
No, tickets are not required for Juanita Bay Park as it is a free public park. You can visit anytime during its open hours.
The main restriction is to keep dogs on a leash and to be mindful of wildlife. Visitors are encouraged to respect the natural environment.
Yes, it's a great spot for a quick stroll or a longer nature walk. The boardwalk offers immediate scenic views.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of wildlife, including eagles, osprey, trumpeter swans, beavers, and otters. It's a fantastic spot for birdwatching and observing urban wildlife.
Yes, there are restrooms available at the park entrance, which is very convenient for visitors.
Absolutely! The park's scenic boardwalk, diverse wildlife, and beautiful lake views make it a prime location for photographers.
Dogs are welcome at Juanita Bay Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times to ensure the safety of wildlife and other visitors.
Many visitors highlight the long wooden deck that extends over the lake as the park's highlight, offering fantastic views and a unique walking experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes located near Juanita Bay Park, including options at Juanita Beach and in the nearby shopping area, making it easy to grab a bite after your visit. 
While there aren't dedicated picnic facilities, you can enjoy a picnic in designated areas of the park or at nearby Juanita Beach. Remember to pack out all your trash.
You can find a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to restaurants offering different cuisines, in the vicinity of Juanita Bay Park.
There isn't a cafe directly within Juanita Bay Park itself, but there are coffee shops and eateries very close by, such as @urbancoffeelounge mentioned by visitors.
Yes, the area around Juanita Bay Park offers family-friendly dining options. Mezcal Grill Kirkland, for example, has been recommended by visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The boardwalk extending over the lake offers stunning panoramic views. The wetland areas are also excellent for capturing wildlife and natural landscapes.
Wildlife photography, landscape photography, and nature photography are very popular due to the diverse bird species and scenic beauty.
Early mornings and late afternoons, known as the 'golden hours,' offer the best lighting for photography and are also prime times for wildlife activity.
Drone usage in parks is often regulated. It's best to check with King County Parks or local authorities for specific rules regarding drone operation in Juanita Bay Park.
Don't miss the chance to photograph the trumpeter swans, eagles, or osprey if you spot them. The sunset views over the water are also spectacular. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't extensive playgrounds within the park itself, the nearby Juanita Beach offers play areas, and the park's proximity to dining options means you can easily combine a nature walk with a family meal. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, and keep an eye out for any potential hazards like bee nests, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable family adventure.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring your telephoto lenses for wildlife and wide-angle lenses for the expansive landscapes. The park is well-maintained, and the accessible trails make it easy to move around and find the perfect shot. Many photographers find the park to be a peaceful and inspiring location for both nature and landscape photography.
🚶♀️ Solo Strollers & Dog Walkers
Dog owners will appreciate that the park welcomes leashed dogs, making it a great spot for a walk. However, it's crucial to adhere to leash laws and be mindful of other visitors and the wildlife. The presence of restrooms adds to the convenience for longer visits.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails and Boardwalk
Many visitors appreciate the accessibility of these trails, noting they are well-maintained and suitable for all fitness levels. The path north from the park also connects to Juanita Beach and a shopping area, extending the exploration possibilities. Whether you're looking for a short, peaceful walk or a longer nature immersion, the trails and boardwalk at Juanita Bay Park deliver a rewarding experience.
A Haven for Wildlife and Birdwatching
Beyond the birds, the park is also home to other fascinating wildlife such as beavers and otters, adding to the allure of this urban oasis. The abundance of native foliage further enhances the habitat, creating a vibrant ecosystem. Photographers and nature lovers alike flock to Juanita Bay Park to capture these incredible creatures in their natural environment. Remember to observe from a respectful distance to ensure the well-being of the wildlife.
Photography Opportunities at Juanita Bay Park
The park's rich wildlife population is another major draw for photographers. Capturing images of eagles, osprey, trumpeter swans, and other birds in their natural habitat requires patience but yields incredibly rewarding results. The wetland environment also offers opportunities to photograph unique flora and smaller creatures. Many visitors recommend bringing telephoto lenses for wildlife shots and wide-angle lenses to capture the expansive landscapes.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit