Juanita Bay Park

At 110 acres, Juanita Bay Park is primarily a natural preserve surrounding one of Lake Washington's last remaining natural wetlands. Similar to the lake's largest wetland, Mercer Slough, Juanita Bay is a thriving ecosystem of aquatic reptiles, fish, water fowl, and migratory birds, and the park is extremely popular among bird watchers and nature lovers.

From any section of the park's extensive boardwalk system, trails, or any three of the park's observation platforms, you'll likely see Canada geese, great blue herons, osprey, red-winged blackbirds, western painted turtles, and numerous amphibians perched amongst the willow trees and cattails. Passing the park's interpretive kiosk, you can also get onto the Old Market Street Trail and venture 0.7 miles to Juanita Beach Park on the other side of the bay.

Note: The Eastside Audubon club hosts free birding walks at the park year-round on the third Tuesday of every month. From October through March the walks start at 9 a.m., and from April through September they start at 8 a.m.