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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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Washington
King Country Region
Lake Sammamish State Park
Lake Sammamish State Park White Winged Crow © WILLIAM HARRIS
Spotted at Lake Sammamish State Park on 9/19/2016 The American Crow with white in the wings, is the official name of the everyday crow seen across most of North America. Why does this touch of albinism occur in crows more often than most other birds is unknown.
Lake Sammamish State Park White Winged Crow © WILLIAM HARRIS
Spotted at Lake Sammamish State Park on 9/19/2016 The American Crow with white in the wings, is the official name of the everyday crow seen across most of North America. Why does this touch of albinism occur in crows more often than most other birds is unknown.
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LAKE SAMMAMISH STATE PARK
LAKE SAMMAMISH STATE PARK
2000 Northwest Sammamish Road
Issaquah, Washington   98027
(lat:47.5599 lon:-122.0555) map location

Phone: 425-649-4275
Lake Sammamish State Park is a 512-acre day-use park with 6,858 feet of waterfront on Lake Sammamish. The area around the lake was an important culture zone for local Indian tribes for centuries. The park provides deciduous forest and wetland vegetation for the enjoyment of visitors. A salmon-bearing creek and a great-blue-heron rookery are additional features. The park includes diverse natural wetlands, a large great blue heron rookery and the salmon-bearing Issaquah Creek. The park has one of the largest freshwater beaches in the greater Seattle area.to dusk.
History of the Area
The Lake Sammamish area was once a gathering place for Indian tribes. They celebrated their "potlatch," or winter festival, at the south end of the lake, where they hunted, fished and berry-gathered in preparation for winter. The word "Sammamish" comes from the Indian "Samena," meaning "hunter."
Passes
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.
Camping
The park has no individual camping.

The park has the Hans Jensen youth group camping area. It accommodates up to 200 people and up to 40 cars. There are 36 picnic tables, 12 stoves, a covered picnic shelter and three vault toilets.
Swimming
1. Lake Sammamish State Park offers two large sandy beaches for swimming.
2. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months at both Sunset Beach and Tibbetts Beach.
3. The park provides designated swim areas to ensure safety, away from boating activities.
4. Swimming is permitted all year round but water temperatures can be cold outside of summer months.
5. Both beach locations have restrooms, picnic facilities and playgrounds nearby for convenience after swimming sessions.

Boating
Located in King County on Lake Sammamish, the park offers nine watercraft launches located off E. Lake Sammamish Parkway SE. There are two 60-by-4-feet and four 40-by-4-feet finger docks spaced among nine 12-by-30-feet launch ramps. There is one restroom and parking for 250 car / boat-trailer combinations. There are no garbage facilities available pack it in, pack it out.
Fishing
You can enjoy fishing in the freshwater lake, home to species like rainbow trout and smallmouth bass. Other fish include perch, salmon, steelhead and catfish. Fishing is allowed year-round with a valid license. Boat ramps are available for easy access into deeper waters.



Picnicking
Lake Sammamish State Park offers numerous picnic tables, two kitchen shelters with electricity, plus several barbeque grills for picnicking.
Trails
1. East Lake Sammamish Trail: This 11-mile trail runs along the eastern shore of Lake Sammamish, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding nature.

2. Tibbetts Beach Trail: A short but scenic route that leads to a sandy beach on the shores of Lake Sammamish with picnic areas and swimming spots.

3. Beaver Pond Interpretive Loop: An easy half-mile loop featuring educational signs about local wildlife, particularly beavers who inhabit this area's pond ecosystem.

4. Sunset Beach Trail: Leads hikers through lush forested terrain towards an idyllic sunset viewing spot at one end of the park's shoreline.

5. Birding Walks Trails: These trails are perfect for bird watchers as they wind around marshy wetlands where many species can be spotted throughout different seasons.

6. Picnic Area Pathways: Short walking paths connecting various picnic sites within Park providing leisurely strolls amidst greenery while enjoying outdoor meals or gatherings.

7. Jennings Nature Loop: It is a wheelchair:accessible path winding through forests & meadows showcasing diverse flora/fauna in their natural habitats.

8. Issaquah:Preston Rail-Trail: Partly running alongside old railroad tracks; it offers glimpses into history besides beautiful vistas across its length.

9. Sammamish River Access Point Paths: Small offshoot pathways leading from main hiking routes down to riverbanks allowing close:up encounters with aquatic life.

10. Rotary Community Playground Walking Track: Encircling children's playground equipment making it ideal for families looking out for recreational activities beyond just hiking.
Bicycling
Biking is a popular activity in this park, with several trails available. However, caution should be exercised due to varying terrain.

The East Lake Sammamish Trail offers paved paths ideal for family biking trips but requires careful navigation around pedestrians and joggers.

For mountain bikers seeking more challenge, the Beaver Lake trail provides steep inclines and rough surfaces; helmets are strongly recommended here.

Remember that some areas of the park may not permit cycling - always check signage before proceeding on your ride.

Also note that weather conditions can affect path safety significantly - avoid riding after heavy rain or snowfall.

Lastly, ensure you have appropriate gear such as lights if planning an evening bike trip within these grounds.
Birding
The park offers diverse birding opportunities with over 200 species recorded. It's a hotspot for waterfowl, including Mallards and American Wigeons. Raptors such as Bald Eagles and Red-tailed Hawks are common sights too.

Songbirds like Black-capped Chickadees, Pacific Wrens, Spotted Towhees can be spotted in the forested areas of the park. The wetlands attract Green Heron and Belted Kingfisher while marshy habitats host Virginia Rail or Marsh Wren.

During migration season, it becomes home to various shorebirds like Greater Yellowlegs or Killdeer. Winter brings Bufflehead ducks along with Common Goldeneye into view around its waters.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
April 15 liking the improvements!
park review stars; one to five We are excited for the new bathhouse to open in time for summer 2015. Then comes new sand, and we hear that a new HUGE destination playground is coming.And lots of cool events! Learn more at Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park website, or find them on Facebook.
September 3 Ruined for me by DKM
park review stars; one to five I could never visit this park as I would always associate this place with that horrible July day 40 years ago. A bright sunshine filled day turned into one of the cloudiest ever. Janice Ott and Denise Naslund you will never be forgotten. What would your lives have turned out to be. Something only God knows. The other lucky girls form that fateful day. I hope you found peace and happiness. Those of us old enough to remember know what I am talking about. To those younger please enjoy the park but always be careful as you would any place.
April 28
park review stars; one to five
write a review read more reviews
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Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Located on the edge of the city of Issaquah, Wash.

From I-90: Drive east to exit #15, and follow the signs.

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Washington
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Washington State Parks

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