This lakeside city on Seattle’s northern edge offers quiet neighborhoods, natural beauty and easy access to transit and urban life.
If you’re looking for a neighborhood that feels secluded but keeps you connected, Lake Forest Park deserves your attention. Tucked along the north shores of Lake Washington between I-5 and Kenmore, this small city is known for its tree-lined streets, lake views, and a strong sense of community—all within reach of Seattle’s job centers and cultural life.
A Lakeside City with a Forest Feel
Lake Forest Park lives up to its name. Much of the city is covered in tall evergreens, ravines, and streams, with many homes set back on winding residential streets. While largely residential, its main commercial area—Lake Forest Park Town Center—serves as a local hub for groceries, shopping, the beloved Third Place Books, and year-round community events.
A display at Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park for Independent Bookstore Day
Access to Transit and the Outdoors
Despite its quiet, wooded character, Lake Forest Park is well-connected. From the Town Center, it’s just a 10-minute drive or a 15-minute bus ride to the Mountlake Terrace light rail station. Bus service is frequent, and the Burke-Gilman Trail runs through the city, providing scenic access for bikers, walkers, and commuters alike.
For drivers, State Route 522 (Bothell Way) runs along the southern edge of town. In fact, part of this route—known as the Red Brick Road—is a designated King County landmark, built in 1913 and still visible today, offering a glimpse into the region’s early road-building history.
What It’s Like to Live Here
This is a place where people come home to nature. Homes tend to be larger than average, often surrounded by trees, with some boasting Lake Washington views. The city’s residential zoning and careful development policies preserve its peaceful character. It’s an ideal spot for those who value space, privacy, and a slower pace of life.
Civic life centers around Lake Forest Park Civic Club, community concerts, art walks, and family-friendly events at the Town Center. Along with neighboring Kenmore, Lake Forest Park offers a quieter alternative to more urbanized suburbs—without feeling too far out.
Real Estate in Lake Forest Park
You’ll find a range of home styles here, from mid-century moderns to larger contemporary houses and the occasional waterfront property. The market is competitive but often more accessible than comparable neighborhoods in Seattle proper. Buyers looking for value, space, and a forested setting should keep an eye on Lake Forest Park.
The Bottom Line
Lake Forest Park strikes a balance that’s rare in the Seattle region: close enough for convenience, but tucked away enough to feel like a retreat. If you’re searching for a place with natural beauty, strong community roots, and solid access to transit and amenities, this lakeside enclave just might be the one.
A hill garden in LFP
FAQ
Q. Can you land a seaplane on Lake Washington in Lake Forest Park?
A. Seaplanes are permitted on Lake Washington, and pilots often land near the north end of the lake. However, Lake Forest Park does not have a dedicated seaplane dock or marina. Most recreational or charter seaplane access happens closer to Kenmore or Seattle, where designated facilities are available. That said, it’s not uncommon to see planes landing or taking off in view from the shoreline.
Q. What is the Red Brick Road in Lake Forest Park?
A. The Red Brick Road was built in 1913 and 1914 by Greek and Italian immigrant laborers. Now part of Bothell Way (State Route 522), it connected Lake Forest Park and Bothell and served as part of the Pacific Highway—an early north-south route connecting communities in Western Washington. A section of this original road can be seen at Wayne's Curve in Bothell's Red Brick Road Park. It’s a rare and charming piece of local history still visible today.
Q. What can you find at Lake Forest Park Town Center?
A. Lake Forest Park Town Center is the city's main commercial and community hub. It features grocery stores, cafés, fitness and wellness services, a library branch, and beloved local retailers like Third Place Books. The center also hosts live music, seasonal events, and weekly farmers markets. More than just a shopping plaza, it’s a gathering place that plays a central role in civic life—connecting neighbors over books, food, and shared experiences.
Q. Is Lake Forest Park good for commuting to Seattle?
A. Yes. Lake Forest Park is about a 10-minute drive or 15-minute bus ride from the Mountlake Terrace light rail station. Multiple express buses also serve the area via highway 522. Known in Lake Forest Park as Bothell Way, this arterial provides direct access to I-5 for drivers, while the Burke-Gilman Trail offers a scenic, non-motorized route for bike commuters.
Q. What kind of homes are in Lake Forest Park?
A. You'll find a wide range of homes, including mid-century ramblers, custom-built houses, and some properties with lake views or waterfront access. Many homes are set on larger lots surrounded by trees, giving the area a peaceful, wooded feel.
The Harry Vanderbilt Wurdermann House in Lake Forest Park
Lake Forest Park also has its share of local history. The most prominent example is the Harry Vanderbilt Wurdemann House, a grand 1914 mansion overlooking Lake Washington. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Wurdemann House is a rare example of Classical Revival architecture in the region and serves as a reminder of the area's early twentieth-century development. While most homes are more modest, the city’s character is shaped by its blend of heritage, nature, and thoughtful design.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Forest Park
🔍 Sources and Further Reading
- City Center on the Lake Forest Park city website
- Featured image "Lyon Creek Park 01" by Joe Mabel. License.
- "Independent Bookstore Day display at Third Place Books - Flickr - brewbooks" by brewbooks. License.
- "Hill garden in Lake Forest Park, Washington 01" by Joe Mabel. Cropped. License.
- "Harry Vanderbilt Wurdemann House 01" by Joe Mabel. Cropped and rotated and license plate number obscured. License.
- "The Red Brick Road Through Kenmore" on the Kenmore Heritage Society website
- Red Brick Road Map by David B Williams. See also his article "Follow the Red Brick Road."
- History of the Bothell Road on the History Pacific Highway website
- Red Brick Road is a pathway to Bothell history / National Preservation Month on the Bothell-Kenmore Reporter website
