Idylwood Park
Redmond, Washington · on Idylwood Creek · Idylwood Park
Verified · 5 independent sources
- WATER
- lake
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- Free
- SEASON
- Best in summer
About Idylwood Park
Idylwood Park is a 17-18 acre City of Redmond park on the northwestern shore of Lake Sammamish, Washington, centered on a designated swimming beach with a bathhouse and restrooms. As the only free public swimming access point on Lake Sammamish, this swimming hole draws roughly 42,000 visitors each summer, making it one of the area's busiest places to swim.
The park sits directly on the northwestern shoreline of Lake Sammamish, a large freshwater lake, with open lawns, a fishing pier, and paved and unpaved nature paths connecting the beach to picnic and play areas.
Swimming at Idylwood Park
Swimming is off a sandy designated lake beach with a bathhouse, suited to families and casual lake swimmers rather than open-water distance swimmers. There are no lifeguards on duty, and the city directs visitors to check King County's seasonal water quality monitoring before swimming since conditions (e.g. algae) can vary.
How to get to this swimming hole
Located at 3650 West Lake Sammamish Parkway NE, Redmond, WA 98052, on the northwestern shore of Lake Sammamish; the park is a direct drive-up city facility with no approach hike.
Parking: On-site parking is available at the park, though the official pages do not state a specific space count; a 2023-era city planning document referenced adding 80-90 spaces as part of future renovations.
The walk in
No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. Drive-up city park; the swim beach is a short walk (well under 5 minutes) from the on-site parking lot, no trail or hike required.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
Sandy designated lake beach with bathhouse is generally family-friendly, but the City of Redmond explicitly states there are no lifeguards on duty and advises checking King County water quality status before swimming; families should supervise closely, especially with young kids near the boat launch ramp.
Parking
Lot
On-site park parking lot; exact current space count and fee status not published, though a city planning document referenced expanding the lot to 80-90 spaces in a future renovation.
Restrooms
Yes
Bathhouse with restrooms adjacent to the swimming beach; city has discussed renovating this concession/restroom building.
On the water
Restrictions: Official city sources describe only a small 'car-top boat' launch ramp at the park, i.e., hand-carried, non-trailered craft. No mention of motorboat or trailer-launch capability, and none should be assumed there.
The city's own wording ('launch your car-top boat from the park's small ramp') does not itemize specific craft types; kayak/canoe/paddleboard are the standard car-top category this describes, but a jet ski or larger motorboat launch is not indicated as available here.
Rentals nearby
Single kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (regular and giant/multi-rider SUPs), pedal boats, and pedal kayaks
Tibbetts Beach, Lake Sammamish State Park, 2000 NW Sammamish Rd, Issaquah, WA 98027, at the south end of Lake Sammamish, roughly 6 miles from Idylwood Park at the lake's north end · May 22-Sept 7: open daily 10am-sunset. Sept 8-Oct 25: weekends only, 10am-sunset. Late Oct-early Apr: closed for season. Apr-May: weekends, 12pm or 10am-sunset (varies by date).
Idylwood Park: FAQ
Does Idylwood Park charge a fee?
Free, the park is described by the city as "the only free recreational access on Lake Sammamish."
Is Idylwood Park kid friendly?
Sandy designated lake beach with bathhouse is generally family-friendly, but the City of Redmond explicitly states there are no lifeguards on duty and advises checking King County water quality status before swimming; families should supervise closely, especially with young kids near the boat launch ramp.
Do I need to hike to reach Idylwood Park?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Idylwood Park?
On-site park parking lot; exact current space count and fee status not published, though a city planning document referenced expanding the lot to 80-90 spaces in a future renovation.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Idylwood Park?
The city's own wording ('launch your car-top boat from the park's small ramp') does not itemize specific craft types; kayak/canoe/paddleboard are the standard car-top category this describes, but a jet ski or larger motorboat launch is not indicated as available here.
When is the best time to visit Idylwood Park?
Summer, when the park sees the bulk of its roughly 42,000 annual visitors.
What are the rules at Idylwood Park?
No lifeguards are on duty at the beach; the City of Redmond advises checking King County's water quality monitoring program for swim safety status before entering the water.
What water body is Idylwood Park on?
Idylwood Park is on Idylwood Creek, a natural lake verified in USGS hydrography data.
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