Lake Youngs Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Youngs Park is a beautiful recreational area located in King County, Washington.


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Summary

The park is situated around the Lake Youngs reservoir, which provides drinking water for the surrounding communities. The area is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, fishing, and bird-watching.

One of the main reasons to visit Lake Youngs Park is the scenic beauty of the area. The reservoir is surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, making it a great place to take a leisurely walk or hike. Visitors can also enjoy fishing for trout, bass, and other species in the lake.

There are several points of interest in the park, including the Lake Youngs Dam, which was built in 1956 to create the reservoir. The dam is an impressive engineering feat and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and eagles.

Interesting facts about the area include the fact that Lake Youngs is one of the largest reservoirs in the region, with a volume of over 12 billion gallons. The park is also home to a number of historic sites, including an old farmhouse and a logging camp.

The best time of year to visit Lake Youngs Park is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the park is open for recreation. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy the changing seasons and fall foliage in the autumn months.

Overall, Lake Youngs Park is a beautiful and peaceful destination for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors. With its scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich history, it is a must-see destination in the state of Washington.

       

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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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