Lake Sammamish State Park

Lake Sammamish State Park is a large recreational area along a lake in Issaquah featuring two swimming beaches and nine boat launches. The park covers about 512 acres with hiking trails that run along the shoreline.

Native American peoples including the Snoqualmie, Sammamish, and Duwamish gathered at the southern end of the lake for winter festivals and hunting. This long history of use shaped the area across many generations.

The name Sammamish comes from a Native American word meaning hunter, reflecting the region's deep historical ties to indigenous peoples. Visitors can sense this connection today as they walk along the shore where these communities once gathered.

The park is accessible during daylight hours with wide, level paths easy to walk for visitors of all abilities. Weekends can get busy, so early mornings or weekdays tend to be quieter.

The park protects important wetland areas that support a large nesting colony of great blue herons. These valuable habitats also help salmon navigate through a nearby creek.

Location: Issaquah

Operator: Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

Website: http://parks.state.wa.us/533/Lake-Sammamish

GPS coordinates: 47.55867,-122.05931

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:29