The Tarywood neighborhood was first Camp Tarywood, established by the local Girl Scout Council back in 1933.  The camp contained a lodge, tent platforms and cabins. Camp Tarywood later had stints as a Brownie resident camp, and then home for the prestigious Mercer Island High School  humanities program.  The school district had to move the popular program back to the high school in the 1980s, due to reduced enrollment at the high school.

Tarywood Estates is the most well-known part of the neighborhood.  The homes in Tarywood Estates are typically the Buchan or Hammond architectural style, which have a NW Contemporary feel. Nature is abundant in the Tarywood area, and the homes blend nicely with the lush forest foliage throughout the neighborhood.

Clark Beach Park, which was once part of Camp Tarywood, is a popular place to swim and play.  The park is grassy and has docks, picnic and bbq areas, along with restrooms. Currently, there is no lifeguard on duty during swimming season.