2 min
Overview
Blue Lake Regional Park has been an urban picnic and play destination for 90 years. As such, those seeking solitude should avoid it, especially on summer weekends. However, at quieter times of the year, or mid-week in the summer, it is a fine destination for families with small children. The many facilities are complemented by a trail which follows the lakeshore, explores a small wetland and sculpture garden, and loops back. The lake itself is a natural lake fed by springs, as is its twin Fairview Lake. Note that pets are not permitted here and Metro, the park's current custodian, does not allow young children to swim in the lake. Head back along the exit road from the parking area (east) towards the Lake House, a home which Metro rents for special events. The path leads into the parking area by the house. Walk past the house and onto its lawn. A path leads down through the ivy to a sidewalk by the lake. Turn right here. Waterlilies and pink lotus bloom in rafts on the lake in the summer. Go around the walkway on the fishing dock and admire the Interlachen mansions on the other side of the lake. A path leads up past the boat concession and then along the shore. Pass a small grassy peninsula and reach the swimming beach (Both fishing and swimming can be banned sometimes in the summer because of algae blooms). From here, head up past the changing rooms and find another path continuing west. Reach another play area with a water fountain and also a flower garden. From here, the path is shaded by maples, Oregon ash and cottonwoods. There’s a large field on the right. The paved trail bends around to the right and reaches a trail junction. Here, go left and zigzag into the wetland area. There’s a platform over a pond. Continuing to the left, we take a boardwalk and then cross a graveled maintenance road. The path nears the shore of Blue Lake with a small slough on the right and then loops to the right under white alders at the Nicháqwli Monument, which commemorates the lives of the Chinook Indians. After admiring t
Trail Stats
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Photos
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