Dreaming of a beach day not far from Seattle? Head to Lake Sammamish State Park! Boasting two lakefront beaches and trails through deciduous forest and wetlands, this park provides a family outdoor experience just off the urban grid. You may even get to share space with one of the great blue herons or bald eagles that nest in the park.
Love water sports but don't have a kayak or board? No problem! Rentals are available at Tibbetts Beach. Rather keep your feet or wheels on the ground? Bring bikes, walking poles, binoculars and bird books, or bring your GPS unit for geocaching, and explore the light-dappled trails.
Would the kids prefer unstructured time? Let them loose in the brand-new, state-of-the-art playground, while you watch from the sidelines and rest.
In addition to free-form fun, Lake Sammamish plays host to community events year round. They include nature, birding and dog walks; stewardship projects; paddling and cycling events; kids' obstacle courses; summer concerts; holiday boat parades; and the annual summer Parkadilly Fair.
Whether you live in the Emerald City or have come to the area for a visit, Lake Sammamish is the place to picnic, play and make memories.
PARK FEATURES
Lake Sammamish State Park is a 531-acre, day-use park with 6,858 feet of waterfront on Lake Sammamish. The area around the lake carries cultural significance as a gathering place for at least four Native American tribes.
Although recreation is bound to keep the whole family busy, a salmon-bearing creek and a great-blue-heron rookery also provide birding and wildlife viewing opportunities.
ADA AMENITIES/FACILITIES
Restroom
Hiking trail
Playground
PICNIC & DAY-USE FACILITIES The Kitchen Shelter is reservable and has two sinks and a center counter with electrical outlets. There are horseshoe pits, a large grassy area and a sand volleyball court. The shelter accommodates groups up to 400 people.
ACTIVITIES
TRAILS
1.5 miles of biking trails
1.5 miles of hiking trails
WATER ACTIVITIES & FEATURES
Boating
Fishing (freshwater)
Kayak and paddleboard rentals
Personal watercraft use
Swimming
Watercraft launches (9)
Waterskiing
OTHER ACTIVITIES & FEATURES
Baseball/ softball fields (2)
Wildlife viewing
Bird watching
BOATING FEATURES
Located in King County on Lake Sammamish, the park offers nine watercraft launches located off E. Lake Sammamish Parkway SE. There are two 60-by-4-feet and four 40-by-4-feet finger docks spaced among nine 12-by-30-feet launch ramps. There is one restroom and parking for 250 car / boat-trailer combinations. There are no garbage facilities available; pack it in, pack it out.
Launching a boat at a state park requires one of the following:
An annual launch permit (Natural Investment Permit; or
An annual Discover Pass and a daily launch permit; or
A one-day Discover Pass and a daily launch permit.
CAMPSITE INFORMATION
The park has no individual camping.
GROUP ACCOMMODATIONS
The park has the Hans Jensen youth group camping area. It accommodates up to 200 people and up to 40 cars. There are 36 picnic tables, 12 stoves, a covered picnic shelter and three vault toilets.
