Lake Youngs Trail encloses the 700-acre reservoir in Renton, Washington. The lake is Seattle’s primary source of drinking water. McGarvey Hill and Cedar Mountain, meanwhile, overlook Lake Desire on the north.
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Lake Youngs Trail at a Glance
Access: Lake Youngs Trailhead
Round Trip: 10 miles
Elevation Range: 480′-600′
Essential Gear: none
GPS Track: available
Dog-Friendly: yes
Playlist: Urban
Exploring Around the Massive Reservoir
Little did I know that Lake Youngs was a reservoir as I researched nearby rainy-day hikes. But I’d avoided it for years, assuming it was a popular spot among lakegoers. So, after putting the inner rumor to rest, I visited the area early to dodge the post-10 AM rain.
At sunrise, I followed the perimeter trail counterclockwise on a 10-mile loop from an empty lot. But soon afterward, I realized I might not see the lake because of the dense forest. Oh well, at least I’d get some exercise today if not for the water views.
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Viewing Trees, Fences, and a Horse En Route
The herd of creatures I spotted inside the fence was too far to identify. After chatting with a resident walker, l learned that the forest houses various animal species. According to the lady, they’re not permanent and move in and out occasionally.
Even in the early hours, the car noises along the west of the boundary were unavoidable. But I sure envied the residents here able to access the trail from their front porch. Views comprised the trees, dense brush behind private homes, and a shy horse.
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The Non-Hiker Friendly Lake Youngs Trail
Finally, I saw a sliver of the lake by its narrowest point on the south end. The haughty lady I met shortly before there wondered why I insisted on calling it a “lake.” Last I checked, it’s a freakin’ large body of water surrounded by land. “Reservoir” Young? Puh-lease.
Walking north by 184th Ave and the busy Petrovitsky Road was nerve-racking without an official path. But I made it through alive before entering the woods to finish behind some car junkyard. Soon, the rain came, 45 minutes later than the forecast.
See more trip photos here.