Lake Washington is a beautiful freshwater lake adjacent to the city of Seattle. It is the largest lake in King County and the second largest natural lake in the state of Washington, after Lake Chelan.

This glacial lake is long and narrow, a "ribbon lake" that is approximately 15 miles long. It borders the cities of Seattle on the west, Bellevue and Kirkland on the east, Renton on the south, Kenmore on the north, and encloses Mercer Island. The lake is fed by the Sammamish River at its north end and the Cedar River at its south.

Lake Washington received its present name in 1854 after Thomas Mercer suggested it be named after George Washington, as the new Washington Territory had been named the year before.

The surface of Lake Washington is often as smooth as glass in the early morning. The lake appears serene and untouched except for the occasional paddling of ducks. It’s around this time in the morning when the sun peers over Seattle and the first watersports enthusiasts are entering the shallows.

With paddles in hand, the lake-goers slip their kayaks and paddle boards into the water, and soon they are joined by small fleets of boats, personal watercraft, wakeboarders, and swimmers, as Lake Washington becomes a playground for summer activity.

The lake provides sport fishing opportunities too. Some species found in this lake are Coastal Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, and Black Crappie.