Vision
We look to a park that will be an innovative model for the State’s diverse system of recreational, cultural, historical, and natural sites in the 21st Century. Lake Sammamish State Park will be Washington’s signature park for protecting and celebrating urban natural areas, showcasing regionally significant wetlands and wildlife habitat, while enriching the lives of visitors and providing a valued legacy to future generations.
Park Info
The 512-acre park is one of the most popular destinations in King County. Features include three large picnic shelter areas, two beaches with enclosed swimming areas, kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals, a summer concession stand, two outdoor playgrounds, sand volleyball courts, boat ramp access to Lake Sammamish, an officially recognized great blue heron rookery, 1.5 miles of hiking and biking trails and access to the East Lake Sammamish Trail.
Activities in the Park
HIKING
Easy paved and compacted dirt trails are available for hiking, bicycling, and mountain biking through natural areas. The park has 1.5 miles of biking trails and 1.5 miles of hiking trails.
PICNICKING
Lake Sammamish State Park is a perfect place for a picnic. There are three picnic shelters, including a rotunda. Picnic tables and barbeque grills are scattered throughout the park for your convenience. The Kitchen Shelter has two sinks and a center counter with electrical outlets. The shelter accommodates groups of up to 400 people. The Rotunda Shelter may also be reserved and is a unique hexagonal-shaped building with a central fireplace, six picnic tables inside, 12 tables outside, and a sandy volleyball court. The shelter accommodates groups of up to 100 people. To reserve a shelter, call 888-CAMPOUT or reserve online.
PLAYING
The all-access playground opened at the park in 2016. Rubber surfacing ensures accessibility for all, from strollers to wheelchairs. The playground is designed for ages 2-12 and includes a geodesic dome, a zip line, and of course swings, slides, and a rotating net. The best playground on the Eastside!
LEARNING
Junior Ranger programming is offered all summer on Saturdays and Sundays. Children are invited to meet our rangers and learn about native animals, conservation, and the environment.
CAMPING
Hans Jensen Youth Camp, located east of the lake across E Sammamish Parkway SE, is across the road from the Park. The Camp accommodates up to 100 people and up to 40 cars. There are 36 picnic tables and a covered picnic shelter. To reserve, call 800-CAMPOUT or reserve online.
BOATING
Lake Sammamish is the perfect place for boating with 6,858 feet of waterfront. The park is a popular launch site as it is one of the few public launch sites on the lake. There are nine launches with very nice docks and 250 parking spaces for vehicle/trailer combinations. A restroom is also available for boaters. A Discover Pass plus a $7 launch fee is required, or Daily Access Permit $10 plus a $7 launch fee, or free if you have a Natural Investment Permit. There is an automated pay station that accepts cash or card.
PADDLING
Love water sports but don’t have a kayak or board? No problem! Rentals are available at Tibbetts Beach. Kayak and SUP rentals are available in the summer through Issaquah Paddle Sports.
SWIMMING
Lake Sammamish State Park has two beaches with enclosed swimming areas and a fully renovated Bath House. Sunset Beach has was renovated in 2016; check out the newly contoured beach, the cool 'buried' bronze critters, and the ADA-accessible ramp. Playground and snack bar are easily accessible from the beaches.
FISHING
Lake Sammamish is Western Washington’s premier small-mouth bass lake. A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington state parks. For regulations, fishing season information, or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Species Available: Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Brown Bullhead Catfish, Black Crappie, Chinook Salmon, Kokanee, and Steelhead.
BIRDWATCHING
The park provides deciduous forest and wetland vegetation for the enjoyment of visitors including a large great blue heron rookery. This urban park offers a wide assortment of birds and habitats in its varied ecosystems. Birds commonly seen include Crows, Pigeons, Waterfowl (Eurasian Wigeon, American Wigeon, Mallard, Bufflehead, Green-winged Teal, Ruddy Duck, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Coots), Kinglets, Cedar Waxwings, various Sparrows, Geese, Gulls (Mew, Ring-billed, California, Herring and Glaucous-winged), Bald Eagles, Hawks, Great Blue Heron, Jays, Owls, Wilson’s Snipe, and Woodpeckers. Eastside Audubon Society offers monthly bird walks in the park. Please check Eastside Audubon Calendar for more details.