Clarke Beach Park

East MERCER WAY AT SE 77TH PLACE

Once home to the Girl Scouts' Camp Tarywood, Clarke Beach is a 9-acre park featuring fishing and swimming piers, an enclosed swimming area, restrooms (open in summer), picnic tables, paved walkways, open space, and wildlife habitat. The park was acquired by the City in 1969-1970 using Washington State marine recreation funds and was developed in 1971.

As you head to the Mercer Island shoreline this summer, stay alert to hidden dangers. The Mercer Island Police Department’s Marine Patrol Unit actively patrols the coast to keep the public safe and has already removed tons of debris left by recent flooding. However, submerged hazards may still be present, risking entanglement or drowning.

Remember that Lake Washington remains deceptively cold beneath the surface, which can quickly trigger muscle failure or hypothermia, even if the air temperature is in the eighties or nineties. Preventable drownings remain elevated across King County, with Lake Washington accounting for nearly 30% of recent open-water fatalities. Exercise caution by never swimming alone, using a life jacket, staying close to shore, and swimming in a designated swim area. Visit King County's website for more tips to swim safely. 

For current water temperatures and water quality results, visit King County's Lake Swimming Beach Bacteria and Temperature page.

Park Amenities

• BBQ
• Benches
• Dock
• Drinking fountains
• Grass area
• Certified wildlife habitat and restoration area
• Dog waste bag dispensers
• Drinking fountain
• Fishing pier
• Grass area
• Natural areas
• Parking
• Paved pathways
• Picnic tables
• Restrooms (open in summer)
• Sand area
• Swim beach and pier
• Trails
• Trashcans
• Waterfront access

More Information

• Lifeguards: Clarke Beach is not staffed by lifeguards. Swim at your own risk.
• Dog Rules: Dogs and other pets are not allowed at public swim areas from May 1 to September 30. During the rest of the year, dogs are allowed on the beach but must be leased at all times. Learn more about Mercer Island's off-leash areas here.