Road End Beach, also known as Yarrow Point Beach Park, sits on Lake Washington in the Town of Yarrow Point in King County. The beach takes its straightforward name from its location at the end of a road providing public access to Lake Washington's shoreline. Yarrow Point itself was named by Leigh S.J. Hunt (1855-1933), owner and publisher of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, who bought most of the point in 1888 and built a home on its northern shoreline, naming it "Yarrow" after the poem "Yarrow Visited" by William Wordsworth (1770-1850). Yarrow Point incorporated on June 15, 1959, as a small affluent community with a population just over 1,100, ranking third in per capita income in Washington state. The beach serves as one of the town's most cherished recreational spots, offering direct public access to the lake despite the surrounding exclusive residential character.
Swimming attracts visitors to Lake Washington's freshwater waters during summer months from the beach, with the protected location creating calm conditions. Kayaking and paddleboarding launch from the beach for exploration of Lake Washington's eastern shoreline with views across to Seattle, Bellevue's skyline, and the Cascade Mountains beyond. Picnicking on the beach and walking on the dock provide waterfront activities fostering relaxation and social gatherings. Beachcombing along the shoreline reveals smooth lake stones, driftwood, and seasonal finds. Wildlife watching includes waterfowl including ducks and geese, great blue herons, cormorants, and occasional bald eagles fishing the lake. Views capture Lake Washington's expanse with Seattle's skyline and Space Needle visible across the water, Mount Rainier to the southeast on clear days, and the Cascade Mountains forming the eastern horizon. The beach creates a public gathering space within this exclusive lakefront community, providing residents and visitors access to Lake Washington's shoreline.
Yarrow Point and nearby Bellevue dining offers extensive options in King County's eastside. Bellevue has emerged as one of the nation's greatest culinary scenes with over 400 multicultural restaurants, earning designation as one of America's "Best Suburbs for Foodies." The Lakehouse in Lincoln Square creates Northwest farmhouse cuisine spotlighting produce from grower relationships. COMO serves cuisine of Lombardy with Lake Washington and Olympic Mountain views. El Encanto at Carillon Point features expansive outdoor dining overlooking Lake Washington with luxe couches and plexiglass walls. Water Grill prepares sustainable seafood with market-fresh fish selections. Legion Sports Bar serves areas including Yarrow Point, Medina, Hunts Point, and Clyde Hill. Daniel's Broiler in Leschi offers Mount Rainier and Lake Washington views from every table.
