Awesome Seattle Day Trip to Lake Tapps Park: Things to Do
Author: Tammi from Wander Healthy
Lake Tapps, a reservoir in Pierce County, Washington, approximately 35 miles southeast of Seattle, offers plenty of things to do, especially at North Lake Tapps Park.
I love this place! I love it for its’ family friendly atmosphere. I love that the time I’ve spent here never feels crowded, even when it is, and I absolutely adore the mountain view. Its’ the perfect Seattle day trip for families.
The publicly accessible beach on the northern end of the lake offers sandy beaches, grassy areas, walking trails, and miles of shoreline perfect for a variety of watersports in the calm, clear, and slightly chilly water.
💡Know Before You Go
* Lake Tapps gets extremely crowded on hot summer days. Go early!
* There is an entry fee.
* Bring layers, water shoes, snacks, water and a first aid kit just in case.
North Lake Tapps Things to Do
photo credit: Tammi Kaeberlein
North Lake Tapps is a truly charming lake that holds a special place in the hearts of many people in Washington state. Whether it’s the sheer size of the lake or the huge amount of green space surrounding it, it never feels as crowded as it probably is.
Sandy Beaches
North Lake Tapps Park is a great place to visit all year round, but during the hot summer months, it becomes an oasis for people looking to cool off and enjoy some fun in the sun.
One of the highlights of the park is its swimming beach, which is a popular spot for visitors to relax and soak up the sun. The beach is sandy and gently sloping, making it an ideal spot for kids to play and for swimmers of all levels to enjoy.
Grassy Space With and Without Shade
For those who prefer to stay on land, the park has a large grassy area that’s perfect for games and sports.
Whether you want to play frisbee, throw a ball around, or simply lounge in the sun, the park’s open space is a great place to do it.
It’s also a great spot for picnics and outdoor gatherings.
Lake Tapps Boating, Kayaking, Paddling
photo credit: Tammi Kaeberlein
With its serene waters and spectacular view of Mt Rainier, the lake is an ideal spot for boating, kayaking, and other water activities. Whether you’re a seasoned boater or a first-time kayaker, the lake offers something for everyone.
You can paddle along the shoreline or you can venture out to the middle of the lake and enjoy the stunning views of Mt Rainier.
The park’s boat launch makes it easy to explore the lake.
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Lake Tapps Fishing
photo credit: Tammi Kaeberlein
For those who enjoy fishing, North Lake Tapps Park is an excellent destination to cast a line. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish, including trout and bass, making it an ideal spot for anglers of all skill levels.
There are many areas around the lake where families can fish and enjoy quality time together.
If you arrive early enough, you are almost guaranteed to see people fishing. This is always a huge highlight for little fishermen, and incentive to get up early too.
Things to Do Nearby
There are many things to do near Lake Tapps depending on your interests.
Victor Falls
Also known as Fennel Creek Falls, Victor Falls is a beautiful waterfall, a hidden gem that is popular among locals and visitors who enjoy hiking and exploring nature.
photo credit: Tammi Kaeberlein
The waterfall is tucked away in a small canyon and can only be reached by hiking through a moderate trail that is about a mile long.
Victor Falls is about 50 feet tall and drops into a small pool below, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
Allen Yorke Park
Allan Yorke Park, on the southern shore of the lake, provides a wide range of amenities and activities. Covering 45 acres, the park boasts a swimming beach, a boat launch, picnic areas, a playground, and a large sports field.
Apart from its recreational facilities, Allan Yorke Park also hosts several annual events and festivals, including:
- Tapps Island Summer Concert Series
- Bonney Lake Farmer’s Market
- Fourth of July Celebration
Fennel Creek Hiking Trail
Fennel Creek Trailhead is about 8 miles south of Lake Tapps, hidden in the back of a neighborhood, with a small parking lot that closes at dusk.
The Fennel Creek Trail is a dog-friendly trail.
You can choose to take either a paved, flat path to the left at the trailhead or go right and cross a wooden bridge, which leads to a wooded area beyond. Opting for the latter will take you and your furry companion on a moderate hike, which is the more challenging of the two routes.
Bonney Lake Skate Park
The Bonney Lake Skate Park is a public skate park located in Bonney Lake, Washington. It’s a popular destination for skateboarders and inline skaters of all ages and skill levels.
The skate park offers various features, such as ramps, bowls, rails, and half-pipes, designed to provide a challenging and fun experience for riders.
North Lake Tapps Amenities
The park offers a wide range of amenities and facilities.
- Barbecue grills – The park has several barbecue grills available for visitors to use. This is an excellent option for those looking to enjoy a cookout or picnic with family and friends.
- Restrooms – The park has clean and well-maintained restrooms available for visitors to use.
- Life jacket self-serve kiosk – During the summer months the park has a life jacket self-serve kiosk available. This is an excellent option for those who need a life jacket while boating or kayaking on the lake.
What to Bring for a Day Trip to Lake Tapps
A successful and enjoyable day at the lake starts by planning ahead. Bring these basics, so that you can make the most of your time.
Comfortable shoes and Water shoes
Comfortable shoes and water shoes if you prefer that over bare feet. If you’re going to be near water or doing water activities, you may want to consider wearing water shoes instead of going barefoot to protect your feet from sharp objects or rough surfaces.
Water shoes also provide good grip in wet environments.
Layers
Bring layers for all possible weather and a change of clothes. When you’re spending time outdoors, it’s important to prepare for any kind of weather. It’s also a good idea to bring a change of clothes in case you get wet or dirty.
Swimsuit & Accessories
If you’re going to be around water, a swimsuit is a must.
Sunscreen is important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Make sure to choose a sunscreen with a high SPF and reapply throughout the day.
And don’t forget sunglasses and a towel to dry off after being in the water.
Nutrition
Snacks, water, and trash bag.
It’s important to stay hydrated and fueled during outdoor activities.
Swimming burns a lot of calories! Bring plenty of water and healthy snacks to keep your energy levels up.
And don’t forget to bring a trash bag to pack out any trash you generate.
First Aid Kit
Bring a first aid kit. Accidents can happen, so it’s always a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand.
Make sure your kit includes essentials like:
- Bandages
- Gauze
- Antiseptic wipes
- Tweezers
Water Toys
Lastly, I strongly encourage you to bring watercraft of some kind.
If you want to make the most of your time at the lake, you’ll need some kind of watercraft. This could be something as simple as a floatie, or as expensive as a kayak, canoe, paddleboard.
Make sure you have the appropriate safety gear, like life jackets and paddles, and that you know how to use your watercraft safely.
How to Get to North Lake Tapps Park
Lake Tapps is 35 miles south of Seattle. The most efficient way to get to there is to drive.
Driving Directions
- Take I-5 South from Seattle to WA-167 South.
- From WA-167, take the Stewart Road SW exit, turning left onto Stewart Rd SW and continuing onto Lake Tapps Pkwy SE.
- Continue straight onto 9th St E, and straing onto 12th St E.
- Turn right after approximately 440 feet onto 198th Ave East and you will have arrived at North Lake Tapps Park.
Address: 2022 198th Ave E, Bonney Lake, WA 98391
Lake Tapps Hours
November through March, the park is open from 7:30 in the morning to 3:30 in the afternoon. This is when it’s most peaceful.
From April to the end of September, the park is open from 6:00 in the morning to 8:00 in the evening.
The park is not open on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Please check their website before going as hours can change.
💁♀️ Pro Tip: Go early and go on a weekday if at all possible.
Parking and Fees for Lake Tapps
Parking is limited, especially on hot summer days and during the weekend.
It’s best to arrive early to ensure entry and to obtain a parking space.
Walk-ins are not allowed once the parking lot is full. Quite frankly, this is a great rule because it keeps the crowds from getting too large.
There is a fee to park in the lot between May through September (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day).
The daily entry fee is $7/vehicle, $7/motorcycle, $3/seniors and free for disabled American Veterans. The price is subject to change, so check before leaving.
The gatekeeper booth accepts cash, check, and credit card.
Boat Launch Fees and Availability
The boat launch is open from April through October.
It costs $15/vehicle with trailer, which also includes the cost of parking. The boat launch fee is $5 for seniors.
Lake Tapps Restaurants
There are many great restaurants to choose from, near Lake Tapps and within a short driving distance as well.
My favorites are:
- The Rock Wood Fired Pizza – Pizza is always a good idea, right? They also have a variety of great sandwiches, salads and pastas too.
- Hops n Drops – This restaurant serves fish tacos, sandwiches and some fantastic salads.
- Al Lago Restaurant – It’s hard to beat an Italian eatery that offers take-out by the lake, but they have a pretty good view on their own as well. They also served American dishes.
FAQs about Lake Tapps
Answers to some commonly asked questions about visiting Lake Tapps.
Is Lake Tapps a private lake?
North Lake Tapps is a publicly accessible park open to anyone, although hours do vary depending on the season. There are a variety of other parks and trails surrounding Lake Tapps that are for residents only.
Can you swim in Lake Tapps?
Yes, you can swim in Lake Tapps. The lake is a popular destination for swimming, boating, and fishing during the summer months.
What is Lake Tapps known for?
Lake Tapps is known for its recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, and swimming, as well as its scenic views of Mount Rainier. It’s a popular destination for outdoor lovers and families.
Is Lake Tapps expensive?
Lake Tapps is an expensive area to live in due to high property values and the cost of lakefront homes. However, visiting for recreation is affordable, with many options like parks and public access areas.
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Final Thoughts: Lake Tapps Park
A day spent at Lake Tapps is a beautiful, relaxing and lovely outdoor experience, with a variety of water-based sports, hiking trails and beach activities to enjoy. The area is family-friendly, with something for everyone’s interest, and a great day trip option for those in the Seattle area.
🌲 Washington Travel Planning Guide 🌲
🚨 Should I buy Washington travel insurance?
YES — I recommend Travel Insurance Master because you can compare multiple options with one click. With plans starting at $5/day per person, why not give yourself piece of mind? Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!
🚗 Is it safe to rent a car in Washington?
YES — It’s totally safe to drive in Washington. And unless you are planning to just stay in Seattle, renting a car is pretty much a necessity! Beware of tolls whether crossing bridges or driving in HOV lanes. I recommend Discover Cars as they have some of the best prices around.
📞 Will my phone work in Washington?
YES — All major cell providers work in Washington. However, be prepared for some dead spots in the more remote parts like in the middle of the cascades.
🛏️ What’s the best way to book my Washington accommodations?
For Washington hotels, Booking.com is amazing because you can often reserve your room with no money down. If you are looking at Airbnbs for a more home-like stay, don’t forget to check VRBO for potentially better prices and options.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Washington flights?
I recommend looking at Skyscanner for finding cheap flights. Pro Tip: check if flying into Everett is cheaper than flying into Seattle.
🛂 Do I need a passport to visit Washington?
NO — If you are a US citizen, you do not need a passport as Washington is part of the United States. If you are from out of the country, the same passport and visa requirements are the same as entering anywhere in the United States from your country.
🧳What should I pack to Washington?
Layers! Layers! Layers! Weather can get finnicky, so prepare for both rain and sunny warm days. Wear comfortable walking shoes that can go from city strolls to mountain hiking.
