Enatai Beach Park — Attraction in Bellevue

Much has changed since I last visited (decades ago). It is now a very tidy clean beach park. int he summer time, there are two lifeguards, and if you can stand the I-90 freeway noise, you will be rewarded with a cozy place to worship the sun. Some unruly groups may be an eyesore, but live and let live. Parking can be a challenge at peak times, but okay for the most part. Little known, so if I had my rathers, I'd like to keep it that way, but I want to share with you. Good for swimming, canoeing and paddle-boarding. Wakes from boats come in often, as there is a boat launch across the way on Mercer Island, and the East Channel seems to be a favourite place to "punch it" with motor boats. DO NOT FEED THE BIRDS - there are signs that warn visitors, but so many people feed the cute ducks. It does more harm to them than good - please...

Great spot for water rentals such as kayaks and canoes. 37 dollars an hour for tandem kayak and 10 bucks for each additional. Singles available for less. Stand up paddle boards to rent as well. Plenty of gear available from REI and convenient online rental request form to reserve gear. Includes life jackets to borrow. Good location to access natural wetlands in nearby slough. At a moderate paddle speed, the full slough loop can be done in around 3 hours. Restroom available. Outside shower to rinse off when done playing in small swim beach area with lifeguard on duty during summer. Not much parking. Has small public launch area for bringing own kayaks, etc. Small playground and grass area as well. Quaint but plentiful in lakeside...

Well maintained park. Has a great playground design that the kids seem to like. There are picnic tables, but they're not under any cover. There's limited shade. The beach is small, but there's not usually many people there. The pier is fairly long, but narrow, so you'll definitely want to wear a mask since people will have to pass close by. I've seen people picnicking, fishing, swimming, and generally hanging out. A lifeguard was on duty when we were there. There is a wheelchair accessible ramp down to the pier. A limited amount of free parking is available.

We found a nice patch of shaded grass where we spread out a blanket and had lunch. Other than the freeway noise, it was...