Sunrise Beach County Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sunrise Beach County Park is a picturesque destination located in the state of Washington, offering visitors a blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and serene surroundings.


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Summary

Situated on the eastern shore of Lake Stevens, this park attracts locals and tourists alike. Here is a summary of the park's highlights, interesting facts, and the best time to visit, verified across multiple independent sources.

Reasons to visit:
1. Scenic Beauty: Sunrise Beach Park boasts stunning panoramic views of Lake Stevens, surrounded by lush greenery and serene landscapes. The tranquil atmosphere provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
2. Water Activities: The park offers a range of water-based activities suitable for all ages. Visitors can indulge in swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. The calm waters of Lake Stevens make it an ideal spot for beginners and families.
3. Picnic Facilities: With well-maintained picnic areas and shelters, Sunrise Beach Park is an excellent place for outdoor gatherings and family picnics. Visitors can relax under the shade of trees, enjoy a meal, and appreciate the serene surroundings.
4. Walking Trails: The park features several walking trails that enable visitors to explore the area's natural beauty. The trails wind through forests, meadows, and along the lake, providing an opportunity to observe local wildlife and enjoy a peaceful stroll.

Points of interest:
1. Swimming Area: Sunrise Beach Park offers a designated swimming area, complete with a sandy beach. Lifeguards are often present during the summer months to ensure visitors' safety.
2. Boat Launch: The park provides a boat launch facility, allowing visitors to easily access the lake for various water activities.
3. Fishing Pier: Anglers can enjoy fishing from the park's fishing pier, which is accessible to people of all abilities.

Interesting facts:
1. Wildlife Spotting: Sunrise Beach Park is home to various bird species, including ducks, herons, and eagles. It's a great place for birdwatching enthusiasts.
2. Historical Significance: The park is located near the site of the historic 19th-century steamboat landing, which played a vital role in transporting goods and people across Lake Stevens.

Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Sunrise Beach County Park is during the warmer months, typically from May to September, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities and water-based recreation. However, the park is open year-round and offers beautiful views during all seasons.

Sources:
- Snohomish County Parks and Recreation: https://snohomishcountywa.gov/239/Parks
- AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/washington/sunrise-beach-park
- Washington Trails Association: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/sunrise-beach-county-park

       

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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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