Lake Forest Park was laid out around its trees. The city sits at the north tip of Lake Washington, between Seattle and Kenmore along Bothell Way. OFM’s April 1, 2026 estimate counts 13,700 residents; the 2020 Census counted 13,630. Today, the city’s wooded streets, Lyon and McAleer creeks, and its Sunday farmers market reflect that landscape.
Drawn around the trees
The city’s own history begins with the Lake People, who camped at the mouths of two salmon-rich streams known today as Lyon and McAleer creeks. Ole Hanson platted the first lots circa 1910. HistoryLink records that the plat followed the contours of the hillsides, with the remaining trees and the lay of the land deciding where lots went and how large they were, and that the name itself stressed the three rustic elements of the new community. More than 100 homes went up in the 1920s, and a school followed in 1923. Residents voted on June 6, 1961, and Lake Forest Park became a city on June 20, 1961.
Lake Forest Park regulates tree removal under Chapter 16.14 of its municipal code. Whether a permit is required depends on the tree and the circumstances; confirm with the city before removal.
Down to the water
The Lyon Creek Waterfront Preserve is a 0.89-acre passive park across from Town Center, with 100 feet of Lake Washington shoreline and 250 feet of Lyon Creek. The city notes it is the first creek mouth that salmon leaving the Sammamish River meet in Lake Washington, and the park has a dock by the lake.
Up the hill, Horizon View Park covers 8.4 acres at the highest point in the city. It has meadows and fields, a paved path through a wooded area and another around a City of Seattle reservoir. It was originally a Nike missile site, decommissioned in 1964, and a play train recalls a railroad museum that once stood nearby, which gave the park its nickname, “Choo-Choo Park.”
Sundays at Town Center
Third Place Commons runs the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market, a seasonal Sunday farmers market at Town Center, from spring into October; check its site for the current schedule.
Getting around
Bothell Way (SR 522) is the main road through town. Sound Transit is building the Stride S3 bus rapid transit line along SR 522 and NE 145th Street, with three Lake Forest Park stations: NE 153rd St, NE 165th St and Ballinger Way. As of October 2026, Sound Transit projects a 2028 opening, with planned service every 10 to 15 minutes. The line’s western end is Shoreline South/148th Station, on Link light rail. The project also adds a Burke-Gilman Trail connection at 41st Ave NE.
Living here
Lake Forest Park still follows the lines of its 1910 plat, from the wooded hillsides down to the Lyon Creek mouth. Chase Hedin is a Managing Broker who works out of Woodinville. Comparing it with Kenmore or Shoreline, or thinking about selling? He can help you sort it out. Start a conversation · What’s my home worth?