Juanita Bay Park

In a protected corner of Lake Washington in Kirkland, the 144-acre Juanita Bay Park provides wetland and woodland habitats. The park is popular with walkers, runners, families, and wildlife photographers who use the boardwalks for close access to water birds. Eastside Audubon leads a monthly bird walk in the park.

Spring/Summer: Bewick’s Wren, Spotted Towhee, Red-winged Blackbird, and Common Yellowthroat nest in the park. Red-tailed Hawk and Bald Eagle are common. Green-winged Teal, Wood Duck, Virginia Rail, Downy Woodpecker, and Belted Kingfisher are resident. The mud flats at the north end of the old road are good for Killdeer and Wilson’s Snipe in spring.

Fall/Winter: Wintering waterfowl include Bufflehead, Mallard, Gadwall, Ring-necked Duck, and possibly, Canvasback. Tundra and Trumpeter Swan winter occasionally.

Trails and Accessibility: The parking lot and paved trails are asphalt, and they connect with two wooden boardwalks to the lakeshore. Some interpretive signs aid self-guided walkers. Restrooms are open in summer, and a wheelchair accessible portable toilet is available in winter.

References: A Birder’s Guide to Washington, pp. 146. The Great Washington Birding Trail Map, Puget Loop Stop #10.

Upcoming Eastside Audubon walks at Juanita Bay

Walk leader

Chuck Guilford hosts the morning bird walk at Juanita Bay Park, where he's a familiar presence along the boardwalks year-round. A Kirkland-area birder and avid photographer, he also occasionally leads photography walks at the park. His sightings can be followed on his eBird profile.