Bitter Lake Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bitter Lake Park is a 10-acre park located in Seattle, Washington.


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Summary

The park is situated around the Bitter Lake Reservoir and is a great spot for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, and cycling. The park also has a playground, a picnic area, and basketball courts for visitors to enjoy.

One of the main points of interest in the area is the Bitter Lake Reservoir, which was built in the early 1900s to supply water to the city. The reservoir is now a popular destination for birdwatchers as it attracts a variety of bird species throughout the year. Visitors can also rent a rowboat or kayak to explore the reservoir.

Another highlight of the park is the Bitter Lake Community Center, which offers a variety of programs and activities for people of all ages. The center has a gym, a dance studio, and a multi-purpose room that can be used for events and meetings.

Visitors can also explore the nearby Carkeek Park, which is just a short drive away. Carkeek Park features trails, a beach, and stunning views of the Puget Sound.

The best time to visit Bitter Lake Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. However, visitors can also enjoy the park in the spring and fall when the foliage is colorful and the crowds are smaller.

Overall, Bitter Lake Park is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and nature lovers. With its beautiful reservoir, variety of activities, and proximity to other parks, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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