Meydenbauer Bay Park | Belleville

Meydenbauer Bay Park is a public waterfront park situated in Bellevue, Washington, USA.

It provides access to Lake Washington and features recreational facilities.

Visual Characteristics

The park consists of a paved waterfront promenade, a sandy beach area, and a grassy lawn. Mature deciduous trees provide canopy cover. The lake water is typically a deep blue-green. A prominent feature is the public dock extending into the bay.

Location & Access Logistics

Meydenbauer Bay Park is located at 400 98th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004. It is approximately 1.5 km south of Bellevue's downtown core. Access is via 98th Avenue NE, which connects to NE 4th Street. On-site parking is available in a dedicated lot, subject to capacity. Public transport options include King County Metro bus routes 240 and 245, with stops within a 0.5 km walk of the park entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The park was established as part of Bellevue's municipal park system. The bay itself is a natural indentation of Lake Washington, formed by glacial activity during the Pleistocene epoch. The shoreline is composed of glacial till and lacustrine deposits.

Key Highlights & Activities

Activities include swimming from the designated beach area, kayaking and paddleboarding launch from the dock, picnicking at designated tables, and walking along the promenade. Fishing is permitted from the dock. Boat moorage is available for short-term use.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available and maintained by the city. Shaded areas are provided by mature trees and a covered picnic shelter. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong within the park. No on-site food vendors are present, but several restaurants are located within a 1 km radius in the downtown Bellevue area.

Best Time to Visit

For swimming and water activities, the best months are July and August when water temperatures are highest. Mid-morning offers good lighting for photography of the lake and surrounding landscape. Weekends can be crowded; weekday mornings offer a less congested experience.

Facts & Legends

A local anecdote suggests that during Prohibition, illicit alcohol was sometimes transported across Lake Washington and hidden in the coves near Meydenbauer Bay. The park's name is derived from the indigenous Salish word "Meydenbauer," meaning "place of the dancing waters."

Nearby Landmarks

• Bellevue Downtown Park (0.8km North)
• Bellevue Arts Museum (1.2km North)
• Lincoln Square (1.3km North)
• Kelsey Creek Farm Park (3.5km Southwest)
• Bellevue Botanical Garden (2.1km Northeast)