Lake Sammamish: The Complete Guide (2024)

FAQs

How long is the loop around Lake Sammamish? ›

Experience this 22.4-mile loop trail near Redmond, Washington. Generally considered an easy route. This is a popular trail for road biking and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.

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.

Lake Sammamish is a freshwater lake 8 miles (13 km) east of Seattle in King County, Washington, United States. The lake is 7 miles (11 km) long and 1.5 miles (2 km) wide, with a maximum depth of 105 feet (32 m) and a surface area of 8 sq mi (21 km²).

In Redmond, Sammamish River flooding can impact the accessibility of Northeast 95th Street and low areas on the Sammamish River Trail. Flooding can also have a severe impact on stormwater and water quality infrastructure, at times backwatering into facilities.

Try this 2.2-mile loop trail near The Peak, Central and Western. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 1 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.

The famous Green Lake path is 2.8 miles in circumference, with minimal elevation change. It is accessible to walkers, joggers, bikers, children, pets, and the disabled. The path includes a crushed granite trail closest to the lake for walkers and joggers and a paved, asphalt path for wheeled users and walkers.

Close to Seattle, Lake Sammamish State Park offers two swimming beaches, trails, sandy volleyball courts, soccer fields and more. Here, you'll enjoy outdoor family time off the urban grid.

City of Sammamish open spaces, trails, park areas and associated marine areas are open from dawn to 30 minutes after sunset. Parking lot gates are open from 8am to 30 minutes after sunset.

Access the latest and most accurate water temperature data for Lake Sammamish. Currently the water temperature is 76º Fahrenheit.

The lake provides rearing and migratory habitat for many salmon species and a home for a variety of warm water fish, birds and other wildlife. As the sixth largest lake in Washington it is designated a natural resource of statewide significance by the Shoreline Management Act.

How busy is Lake Sammamish? ›

There are days when this park is a little more crowded than would be comfortable, but it's a nice spot when it's not packed.

Kokanee salmon are native to the Lake Sammamish and Lake Washington watershed but now spawn in only a few streams that feed into Lake Sammamish. Unlike their larger relative the sockeye salmon, kokanee do not go out to the ocean but spend their entire lifecycle in fresh water.

Water quality in the Sammamish River is poor during summer months. Much of the river lacks shade and large portions are heavily infested by the invasive weed Egeria densa, or Brazilian Elodea.

Numerous creeks feed Lake Sammamish, with Issaquah Creek being the largest. Then, the Sammamish River carries water from Lake Sammamish to Lake Washington. Lake Sammamish covers about 7.6 square miles which Issaquah Creek is the major tributary to Lake Sammamish.

The Lake is east of Lake Washington and west of the Sammamish Plateau, and stretches from Issaquah in the south to Redmond in the north. At Issaquah it is fed by Issaquah Creek, and at Redmond it drains to Lake Washington via the Sammamish River.

Loop the Little Lake, often referred to as the “Loop,” is a 3.5-mile route that links three (3) communities (Village of Fox Crossing, City of Menasha and City of Neenah) while creating connections for bicycle commuting/recreation and pedestrian recreation with scenic vistas and access to Little Lake Butte des Morts.

Washington Park, affectionately known as "Wash Park" by the locals, spans 165 acres and is home to two small lakes, beautiful trees and grass, and a plethora of recreational opportunities. This 2.5-mile loop makes the most of the natural scenery in Washington Park by looping around the entire campus.

Lake Washington Loop | 50.2 mi Cycling Route on Strava.

Because the Cascade Loop is 440-miles long and crosses all manner of terrain, you might very well find yourself out of reception on occasion. Plan for black-out zones.