West Green Lake Beach sits on the western shore of Green Lake at 7312 West Green Lake Drive North in Seattle's Green Lake Park near Seattle Public Theatre. Green Lake is called dxʷƛ̕əš in Lushootseed, the native language of Seattle, though the etymology of this indigenous name remains unknown. Federal surveyors gave the lake its English name in late summer 1855, with David Phillips initially noting it as "Lake Green" because even in its natural state the lake is prone to algae blooms that turn the water green, with surveyors likely encountering the lake during a seasonal algae bloom. The beach represents the western of two lifeguarded swimming areas in Green Lake Park, with the designation indicating its geographic location on the lake's west side. Green Lake Park and Boulevard, designed as part of Seattle's Olmsted parks system, provides 259 acres of recreational space surrounding the freshwater lake.
Swimming attracts families and individuals to the lifeguarded beach during summer months, with designated swimming areas providing safe entry to Green Lake's freshwater waters and seasonal lifeguard supervision ensuring swimmer safety. The 2.8-mile paved path circling Green Lake accommodates walking, jogging, cycling, and inline skating, creating one of Seattle's most popular recreational loops with views spanning the entire lake. Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding launch from various points around the lake for calm-water paddling exploration, with the protected freshwater environment ideal for beginning paddlers and families. Fishing from designated areas yields trout, bass, and other species stocked in the lake, with anglers casting from shore or small watercraft. Beachcombing along the sandy shoreline reveals smooth lake stones and driftwood. Wildlife watching includes waterfowl including ducks, geese, and occasional loons, great blue herons stalking shallows, turtles basking on logs, and bald eagles occasionally visiting. Picnicking areas throughout the park accommodate waterside meals, while playgrounds, sports fields, and Evans Pool provide additional recreational amenities.
Green Lake neighborhood dining offers diverse options surrounding the park. Nell's creates intimate European-inspired New American cuisine featuring finest Northwest seasonal ingredients from a chef-owned restaurant. Green Lake Spud serves fish and chips since 1940, recently reopened after three-year hiatus with interior and branding remodel. Restaurant Christine operates a 100 percent scratch kitchen using seasonal local ingredients to satisfy Pacific Northwest cravings. Hiroki in Tangletown makes Japanese and European-style desserts and breads with green tea tiramisu as a specialty. Sophon in Phinney Ridge serves Cambodian cuisine with handcrafted local foraged cocktails. Mai Thaiku prepares Thai food in Phinney Ridge. Sully's Snowgoose creates cozy dining resembling a cross between an old hunting cabin and quaint ski lodge with neighborly atmosphere.
