On the Water: Rowing, Paddling and Swimming
Green Lake is a working lake for small boats, and the Green Lake Small Craft Center, operated by Seattle Parks and Recreation, is where that energy gathers. Two groups call the center home:
- Green Lake Crew, a public rowing program
- Seattle Canoe and Kayak Club, for paddlers
Swimming is another reason people head to the park. Before you go, check with Seattle Parks and Recreation for current swim conditions, programs and seasonal details.
Fields and Picnics on Shore
Save some time for dry land, too. The park has athletic fields, and plenty of visitors simply spread out for a picnic near the lake. Pair a meal on the grass with a lap of the loop, and you have an easy half day outdoors.
Green Lake's Early Years, from Homestead to City Park
The lake's recorded story begins in September 1855, when David Phillips surveyed the area for the United States Surveyor General. In 1869 Erhart Seifried, the first settler, claimed a 132-acre homestead on the northeast shore.
Then came 1891, the year that changed the lake's future. A trolley line was extended from Fremont along the eastern shore and around the north end, and Green Lake was annexed to Seattle that same year. That early transit link helped turn a rural lake into the city destination you can enjoy today.
Finding Your Way Around the Lake
One road circles Green Lake, but its name shifts as you go. Depending on the stretch, it is called East Green Lake Way N, East Green Lake Drive N, West Green Lake Drive N, Aurora Avenue N or West Green Lake Way N, so keeping these names in mind saves confusion when you follow directions.
The surrounding neighborhood is generally bounded by Interstate 5 on the east, N 85th Street on the north, Aurora Avenue N on the west, and N 60th Street and Woodland Park on the south. With easy access to both Interstate 5 and Aurora Avenue N, the park is simple to reach from much of the city.
Landmarks a Short Walk from Shore
Wander a little beyond the water and you will find several notable spots within half a mile of Green Lake Park:
- Evans Pool, a landmark about 0.1 miles away
- Green Lake Library, about 0.2 miles away, an official Seattle landmark
- Fire Station #16, a landmark about 0.3 miles away
- Crescent Place and Rainbow Point, small parks about 0.4 and 0.5 miles away
- Banner Way Triangle and NE 60th Street Park, each about 0.6 miles away
Green Lake Library
Stop in at the Green Lake Library, a Carnegie library that opened in 1910. The 5,000-square-foot building cost $35,000 to build and now belongs to the Seattle Public Library system as the Green Lake Branch, a quick stop before or after your lap around the lake.
Neighborhood Classics
Beth's Cafe has served the Green Lake neighborhood since 1954, and the Colson House, built in 1904 by Charles and Sophie Colson, is a historic home in the area. Both reflect how long people have lived and gathered around the lake.
Making a Day of It
With Woodland Park bordering the neighborhood to the south, your trip to Green Lake pairs naturally with a visit to Woodland Park Zoo. For more green space across the city, browse our guide to all parks in Seattle.
