Best lakes around Union Hill-Novelty Hill are found in an area characterized by natural open spaces and trails, including the Redmond Watershed Preserve. While O'Brians Lake is located directly within its bounds, detailed recreational information for it is limited. Residents and visitors often explore several notable lakes in the surrounding areas for aquatic activities and scenic beauty. These nearby lakes offer a wider array of recreational opportunities.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
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Beaver Lake Park is an 83-acre park with access to Beaver Lake. The park was a private resort from the 1930s through the 1950s. It was purchased by King County in 2003, making it a public space. The park offers a variety of amenities, from an all-season lodge, playground, picnic shelter, trails, sports fields, and a swim beach.
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Don't forget the seasonal concessions - especially the ice cream stand! very accessible by bicycle. Good place to stop for a splash of water, a bite to eat, and - yes... ice cream!
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Fantastic ride now that the trail is finally complete!
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Enjoy the straight trail - part of a former city street. Just look out for pedestrians a-wandering all over the place. Beautiful spot for a sunset.
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This is a lovely place to take a break and enjoy the incredible views across Juanita Bay. The shore here is tranquil and good for birding, a truly peaceful place away from the city.
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Visitors frequently enjoy Benches with a view of Lake Washington and Seattle for its gorgeous panoramic views. The East Lake Sammamish Trail is also very popular for its scenic path along Lake Sammamish, ideal for cycling and running. Another favorite is the Juanita Bay Waterfront Trail, offering tranquil views and excellent birding opportunities.
Yes, O'Brians Lake is located directly within Union Hill-Novelty Hill. However, detailed recreational information for O'Brians Lake is limited. For more active lake recreation, residents and visitors typically explore well-equipped lakes in the surrounding areas.
The lakes are set within a diverse natural environment, featuring deciduous forests, wetlands, and salmon-bearing streams. Lake Sammamish State Park, for example, is home to a great blue heron rookery, offering year-round wildlife viewing. The area is characterized by natural open spaces and trails, including the Redmond Watershed Preserve.
Lake Sammamish offers extensive water activities, including swimming at Sunset Beach and Tibbetts Beach, kayaking, paddleboarding, pedal boating, fishing, and general boating. Cottage Lake is also ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, being stocked with trout seasonally.
Yes, the East Lake Sammamish Trail is a popular paved path, approximately 10 miles long, perfect for cycling, running, and hiking along the lake's shore. The Burke-Gilman Trail also runs along the northern lakefront of Lake Washington, offering scenic views for cyclists.
For stunning views, visit Benches with a view of Lake Washington and Seattle. The Juanita Bay Waterfront Trail also provides incredible views across Juanita Bay, especially tranquil for birding. Log Boom Park on Lake Washington offers great spots for watching seaplanes or enjoying the sunset.
Many lakes and parks are very family-friendly. Beaver Lake Park and Cottage Lake Park both feature playgrounds, picnic areas, and trails. Lake Sammamish State Park offers two swimming beaches, trails, and day-use facilities like picnic tables and barbecue grills, making it a great family destination.
Yes, Sunset Beach at Lake Sammamish State Park is wheelchair accessible, as is the East Lake Sammamish Trail, which is paved and nearly flat. These locations provide easier access for visitors with mobility needs.
Yes, the Juanita Bay Waterfront Trail is dog-friendly, and the East Lake Sammamish Trail is popular for dog walkers. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and follow local park regulations.
The summer months are ideal for swimming at Lake Sammamish, with water temperatures reaching 70-75°F. Fishing season at Cottage Lake is also popular, especially for trout. Wildlife viewing at Lake Sammamish State Park is good year-round. Generally, spring through fall offers pleasant weather for most outdoor activities.
Yes, Lake Sammamish State Park offers swimming beaches, trails, picnic tables, barbecue grills, and concessions. Cottage Lake Park provides lake access, walking trails, picnic areas with BBQs, a picnic shelter, a playground, and restrooms. Beaver Lake Park also has a playground, picnic shelter, and a swim beach.
Beyond water sports, the area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as those in the Redmond Watershed Preserve, or explore easy hikes like the Evans Creek Preserve loop. There are also options for gravel biking and road cycling, including routes like the Lake Sammamish Loop. For more details on routes, check out the easy hikes, gravel biking, and road cycling routes guides for Union Hill-Novelty Hill.
Yes, the East Lake Sammamish Trail is excellent for hiking, offering views of the water. For other hiking options, you can explore routes like the Evans Creek Preserve loop or trails within the Redmond Watershed Preserve. Find more hiking ideas in the easy hikes guide for Union Hill-Novelty Hill.


Still not found your perfect lake around Union Hill-Novelty Hill? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.