Juanita Bay Park
About
What It Is
Juanita Bay Park is a 110.8-acre natural park in Kirkland, Washington, operated by the City of Kirkland. [1] It sits along the shore of Lake Washington, where Forbes Creek empties into Juanita Bay, and encompasses wetland, meadow, and waterfront habitat. [1][2] The park functions as a designated restoration area under the Green Kirkland Partnership and is managed in part to protect and enhance wildlife habitat. [1]
Activities & Experiences
Visitors can walk an interpretive trail and a boardwalk that passes through the wetland and offers views of Forbes Creek Wetland, Juanita Beach, and Juanita Bay. [1] Wildlife viewing is a primary draw, with turtles, birds, and waterfowl observable from the boardwalk and shoreline. [1] The park also features picnic tables and a seasonal drinking fountain for day-use visitors. [1]
Since 2020, a Wildflower Meadow pilot project has been underway on the grounds, creating a tall-grass environment intended to support pollinators, nesting turtles, and bird habitat. [1]
Practical Access
The park is located at 2201 Market St, Kirkland, WA 98033, and has a small on-site parking lot. [1] Hours are sunrise to 11 PM. [1] Entry is free, and no reservation is required. [1] A seasonal restroom building is typically open March through October; a portable toilet is available approximately November through March. [1]
Restrictions
The waters surrounding the park are a designated wildlife habitat area. Entry into this area by any means, including motorized or non-motorized boats, rafts, flotation devices, or swimming, is prohibited under Kirkland Municipal Code 14.16.050. [1] The boundaries of the protected water area are marked by buoys with warning signs. [1]
What Makes It Distinctive
The park occupies land that served as a nine-hole golf course from 1932 to 1975, and its transformation into a wetland restoration area represents a significant ecological shift. [1] It is also historically notable as the course where Kirkland native Joanne Gunderson Carner, a two-time U.S. Women's Open champion and five-time U.S. Women's Amateur champion with 43 LPGA Tour wins, first learned to play golf. [1] The combination of accessible boardwalk wildlife viewing, active habitat restoration, and a protected bay environment makes it an unusually layered urban nature park.
Sources
- Open year-round
- Typical duration: 1h
Access & fees
- free entry
Things to do
- interpretive walk
- picnicking
- volunteer stewardship
- wildlife viewing
Before you go
- water entry prohibited
Amenities
- drinking fountain
- picnic tables
Features
- 110.8-acre park
- designated wildlife habitat area
- forbes creek outlet
- historic golf course site
- restoration area
- waterfront views
- wetland boardwalk
- wildflower meadow
Nearby
- juanita beach
Good to know
- address
- park hours
- portable toilet available
- restrooms seasonal
- small parking lot