Lake Sammamish is a fun, family-friendly destination which borders Redmond (to the north), Sammamish (to the east), Issaquah (to the south), and Bellevue (to the west). The lake’s proximity to Seattle makes for a great day trip or a wonderful overnight stay. At nearly seven miles long and 1.5 miles wide, Lake Sammamish has plenty of room for fun activities.
Lake Sammamish is best enjoyed in the late spring to early fall, with the summer months reaching peak crowds. Whether you are looking for fun on or off the lake, here are the six best ways to enjoy Lake Sammamish.
1. Visit Idylwood Park
Photo courtesy of Idylwood Park Redmond Govt.
Located on Lake Sammamish’s northwest shores, Idylwood Park offers a pristine, sandy beach for swimming and sunbathing. The beach itself is well-equipped with plenty of restrooms and a bathhouse. You will also find a canoe launch from which you can launch canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.
Take a break from the water to enjoy a nice family picnic at one of the many picnic shelters. These shelters include a picnic table and grills for barbecuing. You can also let your little ones play on the nearby playground.
The beach does have a rental shack for canoes and kayaks; however, the hours are not always clear, which means it could be hit or miss. If you have your own, you would be better served to bring them.
2. Lake Sammamish State Park
Photo courtesy of Lake Sammamish State Park
Located slightly closer to Windermere real estate and homes for sale in Laurelhurst, Lake Sammamish State Park is situated on the lake's southeastern shore. The park features two beaches, multiple hiking and biking trails, and other amenities. It offers nine launches for various watercraft, a concession stand, and numerous picnic tables.
Both beaches at this state park are great options, but they have some differences. Sunset Beach is the larger of the two and is an excellent spot for families looking to spend a classic day under the sun. Activities include sun tanning, swimming, and building sandcastles. Tibbetts Beach is much smaller and is better suited for kayakers and paddleboarders.
The distance between both beaches is relatively short, thanks to a 1.5-mile paved trail. Still, getting to both beaches requires a short walk, so you may want to be a little choosier when deciding what to haul out there.
3. Marymoor Park
Marymoor Park is a great option for people looking for a little more action. Located on the northern tip of Lake Sammamish, this park consists of 640 acres. Within the park, you will find plenty of hiking trails, sports courts, and access to water. The more daring crowd can use the park’s rock-climbing wall.
Dogs are more than welcome at Marymoor Park. So, feel free to bring your furry friend on your beach day trip. They can enjoy one of the park’s many dog areas that offer plenty of space for your canine to run off the leash.
Many of the park’s hiking trails wind around the lake, offering beautiful water views. Undoubtedly, one of the best trails to check out is the Marymoor Park Trail. This 6.5-mile loop is easy for all types of hikers and provides incredible views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Near the trail's end is a boardwalk that leads out to the marshlands, from which you can view paddleboarders and birds fishing.
4. Beaver Lake Park
Located on the southwest corner of Sammamish, Beaver Lake Park is a 54-acre park with plenty of fun activities. Choose from numerous fishing and water recreation areas, picnic shelters, barbecue grills, and hiking trails. The park is also dog friendly and hosts a massive area for dogs to run off the leash.
Beaver Lake Park is an excellent spot for a day of fishing. Stocked Rainbow Trout are the primary catch, along with Largemouth Bass and Yellow Perch that exceed eight inches long. The lake, separate from Lake Sammamish, comprises three bodies of water connected by small waterways. The largest of the three is better for fishing.
5. Camping on the Lake
Photo courtesy of Vasa Park RV
What better way to enjoy the outdoors than by camping? The Vasa Park RV is a great seasonal camping spot for RVs and tents. Besides standard camping amenities, the park offers access to the beach and lake, a boat launch, and paddleboard and kayak rentals. Your kids will enjoy the park’s water slides and diving boards.
The park also features other amenities like Wi-Fi, a laundry facility, showers, sports courts, and fire pits. The park is open seasonally from May 15 to October 15. Reservations are recommended and are limited to 14 days. This park is the only place to camp on Lake Sammamish!
6. Accommodations
Camping isn’t the only way to stay multiple days on Lake Sammamish. If you are coming from Windermere real estate and homes for sale in Laurelhurst, you have plenty of other accommodations at your disposal. Since the lake is between Bellevue, Sammamish, Redmond, and Issaquah, you will find many hotel and Airbnb properties. You can also find hotels near Lake Sammamish State Park or Marymoor Park to stay closer to the lake.
Relocating to Lake Sammamish?
Whether relocating to the city of Sammamish or any surrounding communities, moving to the area unlocks all that Lake Sammamish has to offer. You and your family will have a memorable time on the lake, from plenty of beach day activities to off-the-lake fun.
Still, the real estate market in the area is relatively competitive, especially the closer you get to Seattle. Therefore, it’s best to have a realtor on your side to help you find your dream home.
If you are ready to tour Windermere real estate and homes for sale in Laurelhurst, then contact trusted realtor Shannon Campbell today. She shares your enthusiasm for these areas and brings unparalleled service and knowledge to any real estate search and transaction.