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West Green Lake Beach

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Weather and marine data: Open-Meteo

West Green Lake Beach

West Green Lake Beach borders Green Lake, a 64-hectare freshwater body located in Seattle's Wallingford neighborhood, about 8 kilometers north of downtown. The lake, formed by a glacier over 15,000 years ago, occupies a glacial depression characteristic of Puget Sound. The west shore has a temperate urban profile: low-density residences dominate the hinterland, while the public promenade runs along the lake's perimeter for about 3 kilometers, offering regular access to swimming and water sports enthusiasts. The beach itself extends along a narrow strip of sand and pebbles, typical of glacial lakes in the Pacific Northwest. Unlike 6th Avenue West Street End, located 3.8 kilometers to the south and more exposed to circulation currents, West Green Lake Beach remains relatively sheltered, benefiting from the lake basin's orientation. The water, calm and clear in summer, reaches temperatures ranging between 18 and 22°C depending on the season. The beach hosts a regular flow of local swimmers and families, especially in the late afternoon when the light conditions illuminate the lake's reflections. The atmosphere remains relaxed, without intrusive recreational facilities. No lifeguard service is provided here. Access remains free, although the absence of designated parking requires visitors to use adjacent streets. No basic facilities (toilets, showers) are reported on site. Swimming is practiced on a personal basis, without official supervision.

About this spot

Green Lake, whose English name dates back to 19th-century prospectors who noticed the emerald hue of its waters, long served as a freshwater reservoir for Seattle before becoming a municipal recreational area. The west shore, less densely developed than the east shore, has retained a more discreet character. In 1917, the City of Seattle undertook partial landfilling of the lake to create buildable land, permanently altering the lake's geography. Today, West Green Lake Beach remains an anchor point for swimmers in the Wallingford neighborhood, who perpetuate a summer practice rooted in the aquatic culture of the Pacific Northwest.

Updated 5/9/2026

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Other nearby spots

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West Green Lake Beach water temperature today | Wind, UV, Surf & Water Quality | BeachFinder