Lake Forest Park

Ole Hanson developed the area in 1909 with an eye on nature. He opened the community for anyone to build a home. However, he prohibited people from building saloons, shacks, stores, roadhouses or apartments.

Mr. Hanson wanted to preserve the natural trees and flow of streams. He advertised and created brochures to attract people to the area. One brochure solicited potential buyers who “desire to live where the surroundings are beautiful and cannot be marred by disagreeable things.”

Lake Forest Park is a quiet and peaceful community nested in the woods with views of Lake Washington. It is conveniently located to major highways and I-5. There are many bus routes to downtown Seattle on Bothell/Everett Way. On Saturday night you can be in downtown Seattle, Edmonds or Everett within 25 minutes. On weeknights you will find people walking, jogging or biking on Ballinger Way and Burke Gilman Trail.

The largest business area is the mall at Lake Forest Park Town Centre where you will find Albertson’s, the Post Office, Sally’s, Harvest Baking Company, Rite Aid and the King County Library. Up top you will find Hollywood Video, Third Place Books, restaurants and coffee shops. Third Place Books has author readings and occasion live productions. On Ballinger Way you will find Todo Mexican Restaurant and the Thriftway grocery store filled with gourmet goodies!