LAKE SAMMAMISH STATE PARK
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lake Sammamish State Park is located near Auburn, Bellevue and Bothell
Lake Sammamish State Park offers numerous picnic tables, two kitchen shelters with electricity, plus several barbeque grills for picnicking.
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.
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.
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.
Located on the edge of the city of Issaquah, Wash.
From I-90: Drive east to exit #15, and follow the signs.