Originally published in The Seattle Daily Times, August 18, 1928
Vacationist may find ideal spot less than hour’s drive from Seattle—if he looks closely

Try to paint this picture. Lovely Lake Sawyer is one of the most popular vacation resorts in the Northwest. Less than an hour’s drive from Seattle, Lake Sawyer is ideal for an afternoon outing and picnic. Lake Sawyer Paradise, under the direction of Mrs. Anita Campbell, is one of the very fine resorts situated on the shores of the lake, splendidly equipped with cottages, boats, canoes, picnic groves, and other essentials to a delightful vacation.
No wonder the Eastern visitor to the Northwest exclaims at the wonderful scenery and wealth of lakes and rivers that abound here. It is beyond the understanding of most of us who have lived here for the greater part of our lives.
The outstanding feature, according to some of the tourists is the places in which one will find a bevy of lakes.
Travelling through valleys seemingly miles from timber, the tourist is suddenly aware of a heavily timbered area and then finds a raging mountain stream winding in and out on its endless roar to the sea. It is the drastic change of scenery and its suddenness that astonishes.
Lake Sawyer is example
A fitting example of what the Eastern tourist refers to will be found in the drive to Lake Sawyer, less than an hour from Seattle, and one of the most popular resorts in the Northwest, yet its location is so secluded that unless one were driving directly to it, it readily would be passed, for it lies off the main-traveled highway and is even so cozily hidden by the wooded thicket about it that it cannot be seen from the road leading to the lake.
Taking the Pacific Highway south through Kent and Auburn is but little more than an outing. The picture that lies before one is all of agriculture, dairying, and farming, and the valley so heavily cultivated reveals little for the imagination when bent on a vacation trip for scenery.
Choice of several roads
Lake Sawyer may be reached from either Kent or Auburn, for it lies to the east of these cities and about midway between them. The lake may also be reached via Renton from Seattle over the Maple Valley road through Black Diamond. This route is shorter but is not paved the entire distance.
However one chooses to go, the lake must be sought, for it will not reveal its location until you have come almost directly upon it.
It is ideal for a vacation as anyone would care to find. Lake Sawyer Paradise, under the direction of Mrs. Anita Campbell, is the most delightful resort, well equipped for the convenience of the vacationist.
The cottages are well furnished with dishes, bedding, and everything that is needed to ensure comfort. Fine Willits canoes and rowboats are available. There is a glorious picnic grove for the pleasure of picnickers.
Welcome permeates the very atmosphere. It is quiet and peaceful. Fishing is good in the lake. Trout, perch, and crappie are stocked there each year. Swimming is excellent, so what more could one ask, except to be left alone to bask in the sun, and that can be done, too.
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