Dog Walkers in Echo Lake

A mostly residential area of Shoreline, Echo Lake offers easy access to both freeways and urban trails, such as the Interurban Trail and Burke-Gilman Trail, but also boasts walkability within its quiet confines. Sandwiched between petite bungalows and ranch-style homes are grocery chains, restaurants, coffee shops, and an ample amount of churches.

Having Echo Lake Elementary within the vicinity makes this a popular settlement for young families, but college students are also present due to the proximity of Shoreline's community college. The average resident holds positions in business or management and several commuters use alternative methods to get to work, such as walking, taking the bus, riding a bike, and a small percentage even utilize a ferry. 

While a mostly urban area, wildlife and nature are still present in certain corners of this Shoreline community. Locals report spotting coyotes, turtles, rabbits, mallard, herons, and even the patriotic eagle. Typically the local wildlife will stay away from heavily populated areas, but there have been reports of coyotes in some of the adjacent parks, and those with pets are recommended to keep their furry family members indoors at night as well as keep any dog or cat food exclusively indoors. 

Most mileage of Echo Lake is paved with pedestrians and bikers in mind, giving those on foot or wheels plenty of safe and convenient footpaths and bike lanes. Some older neighborhoods tucked into corners of the region have little to no paths for those on foot, forcing them to walk on the roads if they're without a car or prefer to walk if destinations are nearby. 

Washington state, in general, is known for its regal landscape and is home to several mountain ranges. Within just a 2-hour drive in any direction, Shoreline itself provides its community members with the option to drive to more than four national parks, three of which contain mountains. You'll find that Echo Lake isn't as craggy as its surroundings, allowing for simple, effortless strolls through this mostly flat neighborhood. 

However, should an excursion or ambitious hiking trail be desired, all are within a short drive or at most, fun day-trip away. It's on these excursions that terrain varies from its central suburbia, giving way to elevation and rocky footpaths. 

Echo Lake Park is a local favorite due to its many amenities: playground, restrooms, and access to trails. This is a pit-stop on the Interurban Trail, which reaches from Seattle up north to Everett, stretching across two counties of the picturesque Washington state and over 20 miles of bikable or walkable pathways. Echo Lake, which is within the park, is home to a colony of ducks as well as plentiful local flora, such as pine and willow trees. Along the lake's edges are cattails, lime algae, and during certain seasons, water lilies, making this a great opportunity for a serene moment of quiet contemplation on a bench or spread picnic blanket. During the summer, some locals even enjoy taking a dip in the cool waters or lying on the grass soaking up some rare sunshine.

North City Park is just east of the Echo Lake neighborhood and heavily wooded, giving its trekkers ample shade during the heat of warmer months. Dogs are allowed on the woodland's hiking trails as long as they are leashed and picked up after. This is, in fact, the case for all parks in the Shoreline township. However, if you desire an area for your dog to burn some energy and play with others, there is Shoreview Park Off-Leash Dog Park just a 10-minute drive away.