Echo Lake (Shoreline, Washington)

Echo Lake is located in Shoreline, Washington, a suburb adjacent to Seattle. Echo Lake Park sits on its northeastern corner.

Echo Lake
Echo Lake from Echo Lake Park
Echo Lake Show map of Washington (state) Echo Lake Show map of the United States
Location	Shoreline, Washington
Coordinates	47.771421°N 122.343184°W / 47.771421; -122.343184 (Echo Lake)
Basin countries	United States
Surface area	11.10 acres (4.49 ha)
Max. depth	30 ft (9.1 m)
Surface elevation	395 ft (120 m)

History

Echo Lake has played an important role in Shoreline's history. During the 1800s, logging was a significant industry in the region. In the early 1900s, Mowatt's Sawmill operated at the north end of Echo Lake.^[1]

From 1916 to 1996, the lake had a bathing beach that cost a nickel for admission. The lake was a center for social life, especially during the summer. Apartment buildings now stand on the former beach site.^[2][3][4]

Description

Echo Lake Park contains popular amenities such as a beach, paved trails, a playground, and public art.^[5]

Echo Lake is stocked with rainbow trout by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife.^[6] The lake suffers from high nutrient levels (eutrophication), causing algal growth and impacting water quality. In April 2021, these conditions led to algal blooms containing anatoxin, a highly toxic chemical. This led to a temporary lake closure.^[7][8]