Kirkland

Kirkland is a city on the eastern shore of Lake Washington in King County, Washington, with residential neighborhoods, shops, and parks spreading along several kilometers of lakeshore. Downtown sits right on the water, with wide sidewalks, storefronts, and plazas, while wooded hills and residential areas rise behind it.

The settlement began in the late 1880s when Peter Kirk planned to build a steel mill here, and it became an officially incorporated city in 1905. After the industrial plans collapsed, the area grew as a residential community and merged with the neighboring town of Houghton in 1968.

The waterfront promenade runs along the lake and attracts runners, cyclists, and families who walk by the water or picnic in the parks every day. Many shops and restaurants downtown have terraces facing the lake directly, giving the area a relaxed and open character.

Downtown is easy to explore on foot, with most shops and waterfront areas close together and connected by level paths. The regional trail called Cross Kirkland Corridor runs for about 9 kilometers (5.75 miles) and links several neighborhoods together.

Between 1976 and 1985, the Seattle Seahawks operated their training center at the Lake Washington Shipyard site. Today, several bronze sculptures by local artists are placed in parks along the shore and remain freely accessible year-round.

Location: King County

Inception: 1888

Elevation above the sea: 152 m

Shares border with: Bothell, Redmond

Website: http://kirklandwa.gov

GPS coordinates: 47.68583,-122.19167

Latest update: December 15, 2025 00:05