Issaquah — Parks
Lake Sammamish
State Park
Two swimming beaches, a boat launch, picnic meadows, and easy trails on the south shore of Lake Sammamish, 18 miles from Seattle.
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Overview
Lake Sammamish State Park stretches across 512 acres on the south shore of Lake Sammamish at the north edge of Issaquah. It is one of the busiest day-use parks in the Seattle metro area on a warm weekend: two swimming beaches, the only public boat launch on the lake, wide picnic meadows, playgrounds, soccer fields, and easy trails along Issaquah and Tibbetts Creeks.
Sunset Beach is the main swim beach, with a seasonal concession, changing rooms, and an all-access playground nearby. Tibbetts Beach, a few minutes west, is a little quieter and is where seasonal kayak and paddleboard rentals set up. Between them, paved paths and the Orchard Loop wind through wetlands and old orchard meadows.
The park is at 2000 NW Sammamish Road, Issaquah, WA 98027, just off I-90 Exit 15. A Discover Pass or a day-use parking fee is required. Lots fill by late morning on hot summer weekends — arrive early, or come on a weekday.
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activities
Sunset Beach
The park’s main swimming beach, with sand, a wide lawn, and a roped swim area. Restrooms, changing rooms, beach showers, and a seasonal concession sit next to the sand. Lake water often reaches the low 70s in summer, which is warm by Puget Sound standards. Lifeguard coverage is limited — keep a close eye on swimmers.
Tibbetts Beach
A second sandy beach a few minutes west of Sunset, with its own swim area, lawn, and restrooms. It is usually a little less crowded than Sunset and is where seasonal kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and pedal-boat rentals set up. A good pick if the main beach is packed.
Paddleboard & Kayak Rentals
Seasonal rentals at Tibbetts Beach typically include kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and pedal boats. Hours and inventory follow summer weather, so check the vendor the morning you go. You can also launch your own small craft from the shoreline outside the roped swim areas, or use the park’s boat launch for trailered boats.
Orchard Loop
An easy 0.8-mile loop through the park’s old orchard meadows and wetlands. It is mostly flat, good for a stroller or a short walk after the beach, and connects toward the other named trails in the park — Jogger’s Loop, Homestead, and the Issaquah Creek Trail.
Walking Paths
Paved and gravel paths link the beaches, picnic areas, and parking lots, with longer natural-surface trails along Issaquah Creek (1.3 miles) and Tibbetts Creek (0.5 miles). The whole network is gentle — this is a stroll-and-picnic park, not an Alps hike.
Soccer Fields
A cluster of soccer fields on the south side of the park is used heavily by Issaquah Soccer Club. Weekend mornings often mean games and full sideline parking. Open lawn around the fields is still fine for a casual kickaround when leagues are not using the marked pitches.
Tibbetts Playground
Play equipment near Tibbetts Beach, a short walk from the sand and the seasonal rental stand. A solid backup if the all-access playground at Sunset is busy.
Sunset Playground
An all-access playground that opened in 2016 next to Sunset Beach, with additional play equipment at the south end of the Sunset picnic area. It sits a few steps from the sand, restrooms, and concession — the easiest playground-and-beach combo in the park.
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amenities
Parking
Several day-use lots sit off NW Sammamish Road. A Discover Pass or a day-use fee is required. On hot summer weekends the lots fill by late morning and the park may turn cars away. The boat-launch lot is separate, with space for cars and trailers.
Restrooms
Flush restrooms with changing rooms and beach showers are next to Sunset Beach, with additional restrooms at Tibbetts Beach and near the picnic shelters. Facilities are busiest at midday in summer.
Rotunda Shelter
The Rotunda Shelter (S3003) is one of three reservable picnic shelters in the park, with a distinctive round roof, tables, and nearby grills. Reserve through Washington State Parks; unreserved time is walk-up. It sits in the Sunset Beach picnic area.
Salmonberry Shelter
A covered picnic shelter on the Tibbetts / creek side of the park, with tables and nearby lawn. Like the other shelters, it can be reserved through State Parks and is walk-up when not booked. A quieter picnic base than the Sunset Beach cluster.
Concession
Seasonal concession stands operate at Sunset Beach and Tibbetts Beach on peak summer days (often a few days a week, more on weekends). Expect snacks, drinks, and ice cream rather than a full kitchen. Bring a picnic if you are visiting on a weekday or outside midsummer.
Boat Launch
The only public boat launch on Lake Sammamish, with a paved ramp, five docks, and parking for up to 225 cars and trailers. It sits on the east side of the park off East Lake Sammamish Parkway, separate from the beach lots. A Discover Pass or day-use fee is required. Summer weekends are busy — arrive early with your trailer.
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Things to Know
Discover Pass or Day-Use Fee
Parking requires a Washington Discover Pass or a one-day state park fee. The pass also covers Squak Mountain and the Tiger Mountain / Tradition Plateau trailheads. Buy one before you arrive — machines and cell service can be unreliable at the lot.
Lots Fill on Hot Weekends
On sunny summer weekends the day-use lots often fill by late morning, and staff may close the entrance. Arrive before 10am, or visit on a weekday. The boat-launch lot is separate and can fill with trailers even when the beach lots still have space.
Two Beaches
Sunset Beach is the main swim beach, with the concession, changing rooms, and all-access playground. Tibbetts Beach is a short drive or walk west — usually quieter, and the home of seasonal paddle rentals.
No Reliable Lifeguards
Do not count on a lifeguard. Swim in the roped areas, keep kids within arm’s reach, and skip the lake if there is a wind warning. Summer water is relatively warm (often 70–75°F), but it is still a real lake.
Shelter Reservations
The Rotunda, Kitchen, and other picnic shelters can be reserved through Washington State Parks. Walk-in use is allowed when a shelter is not booked. Bring your own charcoal for the grills.
Dogs
Leashed dogs are allowed on trails and in picnic areas. They are not allowed on the designated swimming beaches. Bring bags and keep them off the sand and out of the swim lines.
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