Clark Lake Park is a 130-acre forested lakeside park in Kent, Washington, with a small lake, walking trails and access to the Green River Trail. It suits a low-key outdoor outing for walking, fishing or exploring the park’s natural landscape; from this hotel in Auburn, it’s about a 15-minute drive (4.7 miles).
- Location: S.E. 240th St. and 127th Ave. S.E., Kent, WA 98030.
- Trail network: 1.5 miles of trails, with dirt, gravel and a boardwalk section.
- Activities: Walking, fishing and BMX; the park also connects with the Green River Trail.
- Access: No entry fee or parking pass is required; the trailhead has parking for 10 cars.
Where Clark Lake Park Is
Clark Lake Park is in Kent, not Auburn, at S.E. 240th St. and 127th Ave. S.E. Visit Kent describes the site as a 130-acre forested lakeside park, with a small lake at its centre. The park’s position makes it a distinct outing from the Auburn city centre, rather than a park within Auburn itself.
For another outdoor destination in the area, what to know about Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park can help you compare two very different Auburn-area landscapes.
Trails and Outdoor Activities
Clark Lake Park has 1.5 miles of walking trails, including short loops beside the lake. The paths combine dirt and gravel, with a boardwalk section. Washington Trails Association says you can make small loops along the lake’s edges, but private property at the south end prevents a continuous loop around the entire lake.
Walking and fishing are among the park’s activities, and BMX is another option. Park features include a fishing dock, boardwalks and bridges, along with meadows and wildflowers. Wildlife and views of Mount Rainier add to the natural setting. The Green River Trail is also accessible from the park.
If you’re planning to walk with a dog, dogs are allowed on leash. For another way to put the park in context, how Auburn’s neighborhoods and downtown fit together offers a broader look at the city.
Facilities and Park Access
The trailhead has parking for 10 cars, and no parking pass or entry fee is required. Washington Trails Association’s driving directions say to turn east from Central Avenue in Kent onto James Street, continue 2.7 miles, then turn right into the Clark Lake Park parking lot.
Visit Kent gives the park’s phone number as 253-856-5000. The trailhead coordinates are 47.3868, -122.1740. These details can help you identify the access point before setting out.
Plan Around Conditions and Park Rules
The route around the lake has a clear limit: private property at its south end means you can’t walk a complete circuit. Plan on using the lakeside paths for shorter loops instead. The trail surface changes between dirt, gravel and boardwalk, so expect a mix underfoot rather than a single uniform path.
Before you go: Check Visit Kent’s official site before you go for current park information. Keep dogs on leash, and use the trailhead parking area when arriving by car.
FAQs
Is Clark Lake Park in Auburn?
No. Clark Lake Park is in Kent, Washington, despite its proximity to Auburn.
Can you walk all the way around Clark Lake?
No continuous full-lake loop is available because private property interrupts the route at the lake’s south end. You can make smaller loops along the edges.
Are dogs allowed at Clark Lake Park?
Yes. Dogs are allowed on leash.
Is there a fee to enter Clark Lake Park?
No entry fee or parking pass is required.