Decided to go Trout Fishing on Friday (5/16/25) afternoon around 2:00 PM. When we got to the Lake, there were 4 people at the fishing spot. We set up our gear and poles. It was kind of a gloomy day, so fish weren't biting as often. About 2 hours later, we had caught 3 Trouts each. Getting the next 2 took a while longer, as I caught mine an hour and a half later to get my limit of 5. Dunno what factors caused the fish not to bite that regularly, but it was definitely a very slow day/evening fishing on the shore. Caught a couple of big ones, though. Nice sized fish... read more

See all

I've been to Lake Wilderness many times over the years for family get togethers, and a graduation party brought me here again yesterday! The space here is huge and there's lots to see and do. There's an area with a playground for kids which is camp themed, and there's also different types of sport courts. The bathrooms are clean and well-maintained as well. There's also covered areas that you can rent which have basic grills that you can use for stuff like hotdogs and burgers. The water always seems pretty clean. I haven't swam in it but my siblings and kids have and it always seems fine. They also have boat rentals here which are really cool, and there's a few different types that you can rent. It's a little over $20 an hour but I think it's worth it for sure. It's a great lake and I'm sure we'll be back quite a few times this summer! read more

It was a nice sunny day but still cold. It has a nice concrete path that you can walk, run, or bike along the lake. There is short trail that started from a free library, along that short trail, you can read a child book. It is funny way to kids to read a book. There is arboretum. You can picnic and do some fishing. There are parkings but during the summer or during an event it has be difficult to find a spot. read more

See all

Has everything, buttt the trees are poorly maintained to the point where theyre dangerous. Standing at the playground i can spot several broken branches just hanging in the trees. I dont allow my kids under them and I cringe seeing other kids playing under them. Very dangerous and not worth it. read more

I visited Lake Wilderness due to a friend participating in an Ironman, which was held at this lake. The park is amazing and the members of the community are outstanding. In fact, I interacted with the Mayor of the city and didn't realize it until a few minutes into the conversation. He was so humble and kind, and a very good leader the park is gorgeous for just recreational swimming and hiking, but it's also a great venue for a triathlon. I will visit again to enjoy the scenery' and activities. read more

See all

Huge park with a dirty lake, but it is still a good place to enjoy to get a quick dip in or have a picnic with family and friends. We visited on a sunny Friday afternoon with a plan to play football and watch the sunset. Unfortunately, the sunset here is towards the parking lot versus the lake, so it isnt the place for watching sunsets. There are plenty of tables available for families to picnic. There is even a bunch of room to play football, volleyball, and badminton. There are multiple parking lots that are around the lake, so if you dont find parking at the main entrance, you can continue on past the entrance to the other side of the park or park at the arboretum/lodge. Overall, this is a park that you can definitely enjoy without feeling cramped/stressed looking for a perfect spot. read more

Beautiful park... takes getting used to the view and atmosphere... and swimming in an actual Lake, being from Hawaii, a big contrast. Be it, it's a Beautiful place to be at in the Summer! Tennis courts on the other end, we are tennis Players. Hiked around the lake, we enjoyed the views! read more

See all

Great park. I e been coming here for as long as I can remember. Wonderful place for families.

This is an area that has quite a bit to offer. Obviously, the lake itself that people seem to be okay with swimming in (*shudder* - not for me!) Along with a lodge, plenty of trails, disc golf, and an arboretum. The arboretum has already put on its big show for the year, but it's still lush and green. Clearly some work is being done and I'm curious as to what it'll look like in June of next year. The trails have a lot of little signs all over the place letting you know not only what the plant is, but what kinds of things plants in that area were used for by the Natives. There's also additional trails if you keep going past the main trail. Disc gold course on site. I've never played, but the baskets appear to be in very good condition. Definitely a very popular place to play! Plenty of places to picnic and let the kids play on the various equipment provided/swim in the lake. Not exactly *amazing* but it's a pretty nice place to get some walking done if you're in the area. read more

See all

This is the gorgeous heart of Maple Valley! The trails are clean, the arboretum looks especially beautiful when the rhodies are in bloom. The frisbee golf course is nice. The new consession stands and rest rooms are a big upgrade (which I know from selling concessions for the Band Boosters). There is even a spot to rinse off lake water. Stay tuned, as the quality of the water varies weekly! The parks and rec department made it easy to schedule a pavilion for a wedding reception. The place looked a little rough around the edges when we got there, but we had it neat in less than an hour. The deal is that if you have all of your things cleaned up by 15 minutes after your reservation, they will reimburse your deposit. The workers road right up at closing time, and noted how nice it looked. We received the deposit within two weeks. read more

Lake Wilderness - Setting a nice table at pavilion #1 - Lakes Near Me - Maple Valley, Washington

See all

The place looks great but if you come there to fish DONT!!! You'll keep getting snagged, it's like the whole bottom of the lake is filled up with trees and rocks.Tried all types of baits,lures, and more didn't not even get a bite. read more

Went here with the pups and the girlfriend. It is the fourth so it was extremely packed full of people. It's a perfect little hidden gem if you want to go to a lake and paddle boarding. I was hoping to get in the water with the pups, but the beach doesn't allow it. Either way, I'm sure this place is awesome when it's not a holiday. I'll be going here I. The future for picnics and park days. read more

From the name we were already intrigued. Took a quick trip to the Seattle area and had a free day of exploring and with COVID there isn't much to do but get drunk on nature. We love love love simple walks where you can get sooo much from the outdoors. What a beautiful little place. I can say that it would have probably been more busy if there wasn't COVID so I am happy we got a quiet and peaceful experience. The lake is BEAUTIFUL. I loved it. You are able to take a stroll through trails and an arboretum. The arboretum was so fun too. Japanese Maple trees, a storybook trail and so much more. Come for the outdoor, stay for the science, leave refreshed. Period. read more

This park has a fantastic playground. We went on Father's Day afternoon, and the playground had tons of kids on it. My daughter was still able to play on a few of the structures, though, and the play area and benches next to it are nicely shaded! We will definitely be back to this park, assuming we can get one of the coveted parking spots. read more

See all

Great lake to go fishing in the spring. Spent the day here on the boat ramp end which you get to past the main park area and down a dirt path. No combustible engines here so it stays quiet and calm. Views of 3 bald eagles was pretty awesome through the afternoon. This one I'd worth a visit although the lake itself isn't too big. read more

See all

We live in Kent and make the drive here nearly every weekend. If you have adventure loving kids, this is the place to be! You can have a day spent playing tennis or baseball, you can enjoy the brand new playground, or keep walking along the lake and there are plenty of picnic tables or lawn space to enjoy the scenery. Walk a little further and visit the BEAUTIFUL arboretum-- can't miss this if you go in the Spring. It is so peaceful on a sunny evening, and you can enjoy the hummingbirds and walk the trail. All-around beautiful and very "chill" spot to go to-- though we do avoid the lakeside beach during the summer as it gets packed. Arboretum is our favorite. read more

See all

Lake is great and the "life guards" are obnoxious! They don't shut up with their megaphones about silly rules like don't come 50 feet from the outlying boom rope! Don't flip jump off the dock! And when they weren't totally listened to they shut the dock. They yelled at one guy too that he was banned from the dock for 20 minutes. What a bunch of wanna be cops. Total garbage. I heard them yelling at people on the megaphones about once every 30 seconds. You guys are terrible! read more

We live about 1/2 mile from the lake so we walk here almost everyday. My husband, son, and I moved to MV in September and were surprised that there were so few people out at the park even on the weekends. However, that has changed with the summer months rolling in and we find it much more crowded. But they have a lovely swimming/beach area; great trails; a playground that has me wishing it were appropriate for a 28 year old to run around; and nice pavilion areas that can be reserved for your family/friend get together. Overall my husband and I look forward to less desirable weather when we can have the lake to ourselves again - but it really is a fun, beautiful park that we are very happy to live so close to. read more

I really love this lake. I came here as a child all the time and come back when I visit family now. You can rent a paddle board or even a paddle boat to enjoy the lake even more. Fishing is ok and I mostly catch and release but the fishing is enjoyable. You can even bring a packed dinner or lunch and enjoy the park but make sure you bring some bread because you guests will consist of ducks that are hungry. They usually are not an issue but they can invite themselves to your picnic table for a bit to eat. read more

Lake Wilderness - Lakes Near Me - Maple Valley, Washington

This is one of my favorite lakes. Our family loves gathering here for the 4th of July and or for any parties or gatherings. There's a play ground and a few tables. It's always clean and the bathrooms are clean as well. read more

Went over to check out this park's picnic/BBQ area. Just wished they would pour concrete or asphalt in all of the walk ways. Some of them were made pebbles, which was hard to push our babies in their stroller because of the vibration. Overall it's a cut little park with plenty of parking. The playground area could use some update though. read more

Lake Wilderness - Lakes Near Me - Maple Valley, Washington

Small lake with lots of fisherman and swimmers during the warmer months. It's a great place to see wildlife and there is a view of Mt Rainier from some angles. It has a dock, a boat launch and a beach to push off from if you are boating. read more

Lake Wilderness - Lakes Near Me - Maple Valley, Washington

See all

I came here with my 3 year old on a weekday morning. It's not better than beaches closer to me so I don't see myself returning. Pros: -they offer free life jackets -lifeguards on duty starting at 12:00 -plenty of parking -plenty of grass space -shallow water, good for young kids -bathrooms Cons: -playground is far from the beach and not in eye-sight -lifeguards were not helpful read more

We love this lake. We've been coming every summer since 2009. We always go to the area where the boat launch is. It's less crowded and we always find a good spot. We bring a picnic lunch and swim all day. When we're done swimming, we always take a walk over to the playground area and let the kids play for a while. This lake is clean we always have a good time. read more

See all

I've been coming to this lake for over 25 years. A lot is the same, but they've also made a lot of great upgrades through the years. I'm excited to share a part of my childhood with my kids. read more

Came to the park today for a graduation party. The place was packed because it was a sunny day! Our party was located in one of the shelter areas, which included a barbeque and tables. The park has lots of grassy area and a fairly large beach area. Even though there were lots of people, we found a parking space easily and it didn't feel like we were crowded. This park has lots to offer... playground, tennis courts, baseball fields, swimming, fishing, picnicking etc, One of my favorite parks in the area. read more

Came here for the first time with my family and we had so much fun. There's a lot of clean grass area, beach area for swimming, playground, and volleyball. read more

Lake Wilderness - Lakes Near Me - Maple Valley, Washington

See all

Lake wilderness is more than a lake. I enjoy walks on trails that run through the arboretum. This is a great place for people of all ages especially children. I often see people walking their dogs (on leash) read more

Unfortunately, as much as I really like going to this place for a long time. And if you're someone in your 20s you probably shouldn't go to this place. There are too many rules, lifeguards are constantly screaming as swimmers, the place is not made for people in their 20's and teenagers to go to. And even when I was observing and not doing anything, the lifeguards thought I was hitting on the lifeguards, which I wasn't, and they got so mad at me, that they told me " if you're going be hitting girls, your going to have to leave" and they gave me a warning, but they didn't have to give me three strikes, I just voluntary left, so really the whole atmosphere there is completely not fun, too many rules, The lifeguards there are very stuck up and do not like people in their 20s going there, and also I'm pretty sure all the lifeguards there voted for Hilary in 2016. So really if your a person in the 20s do not go to this place, this made for kids not young adults or people in their 20's or people that just simply want to have a good time. And for me, they lost a loyal customer that has been going there for a long time. If you want to know a good place to go, go to Lake Meridian and go to Meydenbaur, those places are much better. And the lifeguards there are PC, SJW, 3rd wave feminist and are very bitter. read more

This is the nicest public park around the people are respectful and courteous and the water is clear and clean also provides clean restrooms and just an overall nice and clean area. Highly recommended for families. The beach is also very clean and well kept. read more

Here is what you get for $45 rental fee: five hours at a 'site', where, if the site has waterfront, bands of thugs can kick you out of your spot because they are obnoxious, aggressive, and take up space clear up to your picnic table because they're allowed access to the waterfront anywhere on the lake. Ruined our family picnic. Such a pretty place and so well mismanaged. There are other places that will take better care of their paying customers. read more