Issaquah is renowned for being the best outdoor recreation destination in the Seattle metro area. Surrounded by the Issaquah Alps and Lake Sammamish, the region has some of the best hiking, trailing, biking, and so much more! Below are eight of the most notable parks and trails to explore while in Issaquah.
Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park
Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park is a well-known Sammamish Plateau destination that sits on 120 acres of dense evergreen forest. The trails at Duthie Hill Park offer challenging and fun mountain bike trails for riders of all ages and skill levels. With a six-mile network of rolling single-track trails, free riders can also find a network of downhill-only trails loaded with berms, jumps, and drop-offs. Hikers and trail runners may use the perimeter trails and all trails are one-way.
Key features at the park include informational kiosks, skill-building features, and a picnic shelter. Many visitors also come for the annual Evergreen Mountain Bike Festival every June, which is operated by Stewardship of Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park. Bikers can also find their way to the trails at Grand Ridge Park from Duthie Hill - both trails connect directly to the south, and Soaring Eagle Park is less than 2 miles to the north.
East Lake Sammamish Trail
The East Lake Sammamish Trail is a non-motorized transportation corridor and is used for many recreational activities including biking, walking, and running. King County purchased the property in 1998 and opened an interim gravel trail in 2006. The county has now spent over ten years planning, designing, and constructing the trail’s master plan, with input from a citizen’s advisory group and Redmond, Sammamish, and Issaquah municipalities. While some parts of this trail are currently under construction, many sections have already been finished and are open to visitors.
Currently, there are five trails complete and ready for recreational activity - Zackuse Creek, South Sammamish, A Segment, North Sammamish, Issaquah, and Redmond. What was once a gravel trail is now a 12-foot wide asphalt surface with two-foot gravel shoulders, as well as an additional one-foot clear zone on both sides. Plenty of space for all bikers and runners! Environmental upgrades include enhancing wetlands, stabilizing slopes, installing fish-passable culverts, and planting native flora. The redeveloped trail is equipped for people of all ages and abilities, providing exercise opportunities for families, individuals, and communities to enjoy.
Fox Hollow Farm
Fox Hollow Farm opened in 2008, and this popular venue has been expanding its operations ever since. Festivals and holidays are popular traditions at the farm. Though some venues may be gearing up for fall festivities, there’s still some time to enjoy warm-weather fun. Fox Hollow Farm hosts many different summer activities for kids and families. Enjoy the splash park and creek, the Farm’s organic gardens, and a new beach party play area. Other fun opportunities include riding kid-sized ATVs, playing in the farmhouse village, exploring River Park, and much more.
Some key outdoor features at Fox Hollow Farm include a number of picnicking areas, with tables spaced out enough to grant privacy to a family celebration or event. Guests can bring their own food, or they can purchase snacks or drinks from the farm's coffee shop and concession court. Fox Hollow Farm is also available to reserve for larger private events, such as weddings and other special occasions.
Issaquah Alps Trail Club
The Issaquah Alps Trail Club has a rich, 40-year history that consists of three popular trails: Cougar Mountain, Tiger Mountain, and Squak Mountain. The Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park was once home to a Nike missile site, which has since been obliterated and repurposed. Squak Mountain was once 560 privately held acres, which were gifted by the influential Stimson Bullitt family to the State of Washington. Finally, Tiger Mountain was once a mix of private and public land experiencing rapid deforestation, which created a no-man’s-land for motorcycle races, mud runs, and other outlaw festivities. Today, county officials and advocates aim to preserve, protect, and promote the land, wildlife, and trails of the Issaquah Alps. Advocates raise awareness about Issaquah’s public lands through guided hikes, trail improvements, and community education.
The Issaquah Alps Trails Club has hiking events planned every month, with admission open to all. During each hiking experience, participants will get to see Issaquah’s beautiful scenery and unique wildlife, as well as learn about how volunteers and local officials maintain the area’s trails, flora, and fauna. The Issaquah Alps Trail Club is the perfect outdoor activity for those seeking a fun and active lifestyle. Some of their programs include Hike with a Purpose, Adopt-a-Trail, Green Issaquah Partnership, Trailhead Ambassadors, and more.
Poo Poo Point
Located on the bare shoulder of West Tiger Mountain is Poo Poo Point. The trail gets its name from the steam whistle sounds heard throughout the Tigers during the logging era, when the area was owned and its forests cut by the Weyerhaeuser Corporation. Poo Poo Point offers beautiful views northwest across Issaquah and Lake Sammamish toward Bellevue's downtown. To the west are the Squak and Cougar Mountains, where some of Seattle’s tallest buildings can be seen in the distance. Poo Poo Point is a great location to have a picnic with the family and enjoy the view. Some of the trail's amenities include two picnic tables and public restrooms. If you arrive at the trails at the right time, you may see a few paragliders launch off the Point’s steep northwestern face!
Washington Trails Association
Washington Trails Association offers educational and recreational outdoor activities for all, but its youth programs really shine. Open to children aged 10 to 18, the Washington Trails Association's Youth Programs offer many outdoor opportunities. The association also offers Outdoor Leadership Training for teachers and youth leaders who want to help get young people outside. The benefits of putting your kids in a youth program are many - they’ll make new friends, get great outdoor exercise, learn leadership and outdoor survival skills, and help staff maintain hiking trails.
A popular program is the Youth Volunteer Vacation, which is open to high school students aged 14 to 18. Every participant learns how to maintain trails, protect wildlife, and camp responsibly. This summer program offers three vacation types: Frontcountry, Backcountry, and Shared-Identity Trips. The Frontcountry is for all experience levels — perfect for newbies — and is an all-gender crew. During this vacation, participants can work on projects near the ocean and in the mountains.
The Backcountry vacation is for returning and experienced volunteers. Participants of all genders will backpack to a project base camp, where they will live and stay for the week. Teens will have the opportunity to grow their leadership skills with the help of Washington Trail Association crew leaders, as well as other experienced youth leaders.
The final Youth Volunteer Vacation offered is the Shared-Identity Trip. This program specifically seeks to promote wilderness experiences for underrepresented groups, like females and LGBTQ+ individuals. Via groups like the All Girls Crew, the Washington Trails Association aims to attract new participants as well as grant a yearly experience for returning volunteers.
All Youth Volunteer Vacations offer a fun and inclusive introduction to camping, trail work, hiking, and much more. Teens will be guided by experienced crew leaders, will work on a great summer project, and can apply for full scholarships if they can’t afford fees. Participants can even earn volunteer service hours!
Swakane Peak
Located in the central part of Washington is Swakane Peak. This trail is at least 7.4 miles round trip and has an elevation of 2,787 feet. The Peak is a hearty climb, but is also incredibly rewarding - those who power through will earn stunning views across the Columbia River, Waterville Plateau, Badger Mountain, and Wenatchee, as well as Missions Peak.
Goat Lake
Located in the North Cascades, Goat Lake is a 10.4-mile trail surrounded by beautiful forests, rushing creeks, and a variety of waterfalls. At this trail, families, and friends can enjoy a slow trek through inspiring scenery. Goat Lake affords views of beautiful mountain peaks covered in snow, while the surrounding areas are full of evergreen trees and other lush plant life.
Moving to Issaquah?
If you’re planning to move to Issaquah and are interested in Seattle-area real estate, contact Shannon Campbell today. Shannon serves a wide range of neighborhoods in the Seattle metro area and has decades of knowledge of the local market, including which Seattle, WA homes are currently for sale. Let Shannon help you find the right home for you and your family!
*Header Photo credit: Issaquah Alps Trail Club