Shadow Lake, Washington

Lake Small lake in Washington state, suburban recreation spot

A small freshwater lake in Washington State frequented for shoreline walks, kayaking, fishing and local birdwatching. Nearby trails and parks make it a practical day outing from Puget Sound suburbs.

Shadow Lake is a small freshwater lake in Washington State located in the greater Seattle metropolitan area. It lies within the suburban and semi-rural landscape southeast of central Seattle and serves nearby residential communities.

The lake is commonly used for local recreation and by residents for activities such as small-boat use and shoreline access where public land or parks permit. It is one of several small lakes in the region that form part of local drainage and watershed networks.

Historically the lake has been a local landscape feature used by surrounding communities rather than a major regional destination. Management and access are typically handled at county or municipal level depending on shoreline ownership.

Shadow Lake is situated roughly southeast of central Seattle in King County, within easy driving distance of suburban towns and communities in that part of the Puget Sound region.

  • Local recreation: Located within the suburban mosaic southeast of Seattle, the lake is primarily a local recreational resource for nearby communities.
Shadow Lake, Washington
Shadow Lake area, King County, Washington (check local parks maps for exact trailheads)
47.4057, -122.0864
Free (public natural area)

How to Get to Shadow Lake, Washington #

Shadow Lake is in King County, Washington. Access is generally by car from nearby towns-consult local parks maps for trailheads and parking areas. The nearest larger centers are Renton and Auburn.

Tips for Visiting Shadow Lake, Washington #

  • Trailhead parking can be limited; arrive early on weekends to secure parking.
  • Check local maps for private property boundaries-some nearby areas are privately owned and not open to the public.
  • Combine a visit with nearby Tacoma or Auburn attractions for a wider itinerary.

Best Time to Visit Shadow Lake, Washington #

Summer offers the most pleasant conditions for lake access and trails.

Summer
June-September · 15°C to 25°C
Clear, warm weather for hiking and lakeside activities.
Winter
December-February · 0°C to 10°C
Rainy and cooler; trails can be muddy and water levels higher.

Weather & Climate near Shadow Lake, Washington #

Climate

Shadow Lake, Washington's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 24°C. Abundant rainfall (1253 mm/year), wettest in November.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
25°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (165 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

165 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

130 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

126 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

74 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
21°

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 24°

Weather

34 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
11° 25°

Weather

38 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
21°

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

102 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (185 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°

Weather

185 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (178 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

178 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

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