Monroe's Lake Tye definitely qualifies as a lowland lake. The state Department of Fish and Wildlife pegs the lake's elevation at a mere 29 feet, and many visitors do come here to fish (the lake is stocked with trout and bass.) A wide paved trail, officially 1.63 miles long, encircles the lake for use by hikers and joggers (it's also wheelchair-accessible.) The trail is never more that a few feet above lake level so elevation gain is not an issue here.
Begin your hike at the parking area at the SE corner of the lake. You can see most of the lake from here. Head west past the picnic area toward the lake's SW corner where the trail bends around toward the north. The western boundary of the lake is straight, a reminder that Lake Tye is an engineered lake, not a natural one. This part of the trail closely follows the route of a power line, and you will pass by an occasional wooden pole along the way. The western edge of the trail is bordered by tall grasses, and beyond that a lot of non-native blackberries. There are not a lot of trees here, or anywhere in the park.
In the spring you will notice blooms of buttercups, plus an occasional wild mustard and a few yellow flag irises (yellow hues seem to dominate the flora at Lake Tye.) When autumn arrives, some fall colors can be enjoyed.
Cattails are common along the edge of the lake, and often provide perches for redwing blackbirds whose calls you will hear frequently all around the lake. Depending on the season you are likely to see a variety of ducks, and a few geese too.
When you reach the NW corner of the lake, take the trail that bends sharply eastward and heads toward Fryelands Blvd. When you reach that street, turn right and head south. For a short while, you will be on an urban sidewalk with commercial buildings on both sides. But soon you will get past the buildings on the west side and once again be in the park. From that point on, you can enjoy expansive views across the lake toward open fields, with higher hills including Lord Hill rising beyond.
In the opposite direction, Fryelands Blvd, while not particularly scenic, does offer some options for a meal or coffee if you are so inclined. Otherwise, continue on south along the lake shore and enjoy the views across the lake. All too soon you will be back at your trailhead.
Lake Tye is named for the small railroad town of Tye that thrived here in the 1890s, long before the area was annexed by an expanding Monroe. Some locals claim (it may be an urban legend) that the railroad tye was invented there.
For a map that shows the lake and trails, go to maps.google.com and search for the address "Fryelands Blvd SE & Wales St SE, Monroe, WA".
Lake Tye
47.8625,
-122.0098
Map & Directions
-
Length
- 2.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 9 feet
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Highest Point
- 45 feet
Enjoy an easy walk (or a jog) around a small lake in a very green, open setting. If you have occasion to be in the Monroe area anyway, come by for a pre-lunch stroll. Or, Lake Tye can be a pleasant add-on if you stop in Monroe for a meal after a longer hike in the Stevens Pass area. Either way, relax and take in the vista of open fields and forested hills.
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Hiking Lake Tye
Map & Directions
Trailhead
Before You Go
Parking Pass/Entry Fee
NoneWTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.
Getting There
If you are coming via Everett, take the Stevens Pass Highway (US-2) east about fourteen miles. At the signal light, turn right on Fryelands Blvd SE. In about 0.7 miles, at Wales St SE, turn right into the parking area for Lake Tye Park.
If you are coming via Bothell, take Hwy 522 northeast about 17 miles and take the exit signed Monroe West Main. You will find yourself heading east on W. Main St, and at the roundabout you need to go all the way around and head back west on W. Main St. Pass under Hwy 522 and at the next roundabout continue west on W. Main St. At the next cross street, turn right on Fryelands Blvd SE. In about 0.75 miles, at Wales St SE, turn left into the park.
There are about 50 parking spots in the area north of the tennis courts. Additional parking is available farther south near the playfields. The park is open from dawn until dusk. An indoor restroom is available just north of the tennis courts, and a picnic area is nearby.
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