Green Lake
Seattle, WA
Green Lake has two official lifeguarded swim beaches, East and West, both with swimming rafts and diving boards, distinct from Lake Washington and often unfairly written off given the lake's dirty reputation. Routine King County testing consistently finds it clean and safe to swim, and it's one of the most heavily used stretches of water in the city regardless.
Real, heavily used, and safe per routine testing despite the reputation, though it reads as an urban park lake more than a scenic destination.
How we score beachesSwimmers stay within about 50 feet of shore in marked areas at both beaches; it's not a lake for a long open swim.
This isn't one entrance, it's a stretch with a few. Here's where locals actually meet up.
East Beach
Lifeguarded swim beach on the lake's east side, with a raft, diving board, and playground.
Get directions →West Beach
Lifeguarded swim beach on the lake's west side, similarly equipped with a raft and diving board.
Get directions →More Pacific Coast beaches
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