PARK INFO

Lake Sammamish State Park is a stunning 531-acre park that beckons visitors worldwide. With over two million people stopping by each year, this destination rivals the visitation of Mount Rainier. 

Every year, over two million people experience the park's natural beauty and charm, rivaling visitation to Mount Rainier. The park offers something for everyone, including:

  • 1.5 miles of hiking and biking trails

  • Two beaches with enclosed swimming areas

  • An officially recognized great blue heron rookery

  • Two outdoor playgrounds

  • The only public boat ramp access to Lake Sammamish

  • Access to the East Lake Sammamish Trail

  • Two reservable picnic shelters

  • Reservable “rotunda” with a central firepit

  • Reservable enclosed shelter, great for meetings or large events, 

  • A group camp

  • Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals

  • A summer food concession stand

Come and experience the splendor of Lake Sammamish State Park, where memories are made and nature thrives.

Park Map

ACTIVITIES

  • A Family Hiking

    HIKING

    Available trails are easy to navigate and perfect for biking, hiking, and mountain biking. They are made up of either paved or compacted dirt paths. You'll have 1.5 miles of biking trails and 1.5 miles of hiking trails to choose from, providing plenty of opportunities to explore and enjoy the lush scenery.

  • A couple sitting in chairs

    PICNICKING

    Looking for a serene and picturesque spot for a picnic? Lake Sammamish State Park has three scenic picnic shelters as well as picnic tables and barbeque grills scattered throughout the park. For larger groups, check out our reservable facilities:

    The Meadow Shelter is an enclosed facility that offers ample space for large meetings or family events. 

    The Rotunda Shelter is a unique hexagonal-shaped building with a central fireplace, six picnic tables inside, 12 tables outside, and a sandy volleyball court. This shelter can easily accommodate groups of up to 100 people.

    To reserve a shelter, call 888-CAMPOUT or reserve online.

  • A Picture of a Playground

    PLAYING

    In 2016, an all-access playground was introduced to the park. With rubber surfacing, the playground is easily accessible for strollers and wheelchairs alike, ensuring everyone can enjoy the fun. 

    Designed for children ages 2-12, the playground features a geodesic dome, zip line, swings, slides, and a rotating net. It's the best playground on the Eastside!

  • Children with a Ranger

    LEARNING

    Our Junior Ranger program is a great way for kids to learn about native animals, conservation, and the environment. Join us on select summer weekends to meet our rangers and participate in educational activities. 

    We also partner with organizations like FLSSP, UWRP, Mountains to Sound Greenway, and Trout Unlimited for family events and educational programming throughout the year. Together, we can inspire the next generation to care for our planet.

  • An image of a Park Shelter

    CAMPING

    Looking for a great camping spot? Hans Jensen Youth Camp offers a convenient and private environment, perfect for a relaxing getaway. With capacity to accommodate up to 100 people and 40 cars, this camp is ideal for group camping. 

    Situated east of the lake across E Sammamish Parkway SE, the camp features 36 picnic tables, and even a covered picnic shelter. To make reservations, you can either call 800-CAMPOUT or reserve online.

  • Kayakers

    BOATING

    Boaters, Lake Sammamish features 6,858 feet of stunning waterfront!

    As the only public launch site on the lake, our park offers nine convenient launches with docks and 250 parking spaces for vehicles and trailers. Boaters can access restrooms for added convenience.

    To launch, you'll need a Discover Pass plus a $7 launch fee, or a Daily Access Permit ($10) plus the $7 launch fee. If you have a Natural Investment Permit, launching is free! Our automated pay station accepts cash and cards.

    Lake Sammamish is your perfect boating destination!

  • Boats on a shore

    PADDLING

    Love water sports but don’t own a kayak, paddleboard, or boat? No worries! Personal and group rentals are available at Tibbetts Beach from May - September through Issaquah Paddle Sports.

  • Children playing in water

    SWIMMING

    Lake Sammamish State Park offers two beautiful beaches with enclosed swimming areas and a fully renovated Bath House. Sunset Beach features a contoured shoreline and an ADA-accessible ramp. Families can easily access the playground and snack bar, making it a perfect spot for a fun day by the water!

  • Fisherman

    FISHING

    Fishing at Lake Sammamish State Park offers an exceptional experience for anglers, featuring shoreline access and the only public launch site on the lake. To fish in Washington state parks, a recreational fishing license is required.

    The lake is rich in biodiversity, home to species such as Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Brown Bullhead Catfish, Black Crappie, Sunfish, and various Salmon, including Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, and Kokanee.

    For detailed fishing regulations and seasonal updates, please consult the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

  • Hummingbird

    BIRDWATCHING

    Birdwatching at Lake Sammamish State Park is a delight for nature enthusiasts, offering diverse habitats ranging from deciduous forests to wetlands. The park is home to a large great blue heron rookery and a wide variety of bird species, making it a prime spot for birdwatching. The Eastside Audubon Society frequently hosts bird walks in the park, providing guided opportunities to explore and enjoy the rich avian life. For more details and to join a walk, check the Eastside Audubon Calendar.

    Visitors can expect to see an array of birds, waterfowl such as Eurasian Wigeon, American Wigeon, Mallard, Bufflehead, Green-winged Teal, Ruddy Duck, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, and Coots. Other commonly spotted birds include Kinglets, Cedar Waxwings, Sparrows, Geese, Gulls (Mew, Ring-billed, California, Herring, and Glaucous-winged), Bald Eagles, Hawks, Great Blue Herons, Jays, Owls, Wilson’s Snipe, Crows, Pigeons, and Woodpeckers.

PARK PARTNERS

FLSSP is one of many organizations supporting Lake Sammamish State Park, including Trout Unlimited, the Lake Sammamish Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership, Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust, Snoqualmie Tribe, and Eastside Audubon. The park also features two concessionaires: Issaquah Paddlesports and Sunset Beach Cafe.

  • Trout Unlimited (TU) is a national non-profit with a local office at Lake Sammamish State Park. TU focuses on protecting native fish populations and their watersheds while connecting the Seattle metro area community with these natural resources through recreation, education, and stewardship. TU's initiatives in the Basin include:

    Restoration: Stream reconnection and restoration on Laughing Jacobs Creek and riparian restoration on Tibbetts Creek in partnership with the Snoqualmie Tribe.

    Supplementation: Supporting the hatchery program for native Lake Sammamish Kokanee to prevent extinction.

    Research: Investigating the impact of aquatic weeds and fish parasites (Myxozoans) on water quality and salmon mortality, and working on mitigation strategies.

    Community Outreach and Education: Stewarding the Lake Sammamish Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership (UWRP).

  • The Lake Sammamish Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership (UWRP) links the Seattle metro area and its natural surroundings, fostering conservation and community engagement. Stewarded by Trout Unlimited (TU), UWRP collaborates with various restoration, conservation, and educational partners to amplify collective efforts and better serve local communities. UWRP offers a range of services, including:

    Recreational Experiences: Outdoor activities that connect people with nature.

    Educational Programs: Workshops and outreach initiatives designed to raise awareness about local ecosystems and conservation practices.

    Stewardship Opportunities: Volunteer programs empower community members to preserve and enhance the environment.

    UWRP is committed to engaging and supporting community-based organizations interested in conservation and environmental education

  • Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust: Lake Sammamish State Park is in the heart of what is today known as the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area, encompassing 1.5 million acres from Seattle to Ellensburg along Interstate 90. This area was recognized by the U.S. Congress for its vibrant tapestry of nature, history, and culture. Join the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust in its mission to conserve and enhance this incredible landscape, working toward a long-term balance between people and nature. Volunteer for habitat restoration, trail maintenance, and enjoy fun events all year long to form a stronger connection with your natural surroundings. Visit mtsgreenway.org to get involved today!

  • The Snoqualmie Tribe Ancestral Lands Movement raises awareness of the importance of these lands and waters to the Snoqualmie people whose connection to these places has existed since time immemorial and continues to the present day. Individuals can integrate respect and acknowledgement for the Snoqualmie Tribe into their recreational practices and experiences. To learn more about how you can protect, respect, and restore sdukʷalbixʷ lands, visit the page for the Snoqualmie Tribe Ancestral Lands Movement by clicking here.

  • Eastside Audubon Society is the National Audubon Society chapter serving east King County communities from Bothell south to I-90 and from the eastern shore of Lake Washington to the Cascade Foothills. Eastside Audubon offers bird walks in the park, and depending on the season, you’ll see a stunning variety of birds, including Green and Great Blue Herons, Pie-billed Grebes, Red-eyed Vireo, Western Tanagers, and so much more.

BOAT LAUNCH

Lake Sammamish State Park features the only public boat launch on the lake, conveniently located at 4455 E Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE, Issaquah, WA 98029. This well-equipped launch offers nine lanes and ample parking for 250 vehicle/trailer combinations, restrooms, a boat tie-down area, and a boat cleaning station.

To launch your boat, you'll need one of the following permits:

  • A one-day Discover Pass ($11.50) plus a daily launch permit ($7)

  • An annual Discover Pass ($30) plus a daily launch permit ($7)

  • An annual launch permit (Natural Investment Permit) for $80

Annual permits can be purchased at State Parks Headquarters in Olympia, regional offices, online, or at the main park office when staff is available. Enjoy your time on the water at Lake Sammamish!

PARK HISTORY

Lake Sammamish State Park includes sqʷawx̌ x̌ačuʔ (Lake Sammamish in Lushootseed). Snoqualmie people have been present in the lake and on the shores of Lake Sammamish since time immemorial. The original highways of this region were the rivers and lakes that connected the region. Despite longhouses being burned down by colonizers, at the turn of the century there were seven Snoqualmie homesteads along the eastern shore of Lake Sammamish. In the 1980s, creeks on the eastern shore of the Lake were renamed to reflect the Snoqualmie families who are connected to this land including George Davis, Zackuse, and Kanim Creeks.

The Tribe released the Valley of Snoqualmie map in 2023 and is a part of the Snoqualmie Tribe’s efforts to combat Native erasure in interpretive signage and messaging in the broader Snoqualmie Valley area.

 Today, the Snoqualmie Tribe invests heavily in restoration efforts to support ʔilaʔł (little red fish) which are greatly threatened with extinction. We are present in the waters, as the Tribe holds canoe practice sessions each year in the lake leading up to the annual Canoe Journey. Click here to view and download the Tribe’s Kokanee Salmon Workbook and click here to view the Lake Sammamish story map produced by the Tribe.