🏆 Official Guide: Lake Sammamish State Park — A 531-acre urban park in Issaquah, Washington, featuring two sandy swimming beaches (Sunset Beach + Tibbetts Beach), the only public boat launch on Lake Sammamish (9 lanes), kayak/SUP/pedal boat rentals, 1.5 miles of trails through wetlands and forest, three reservable picnic shelters (including a rotunda with fireplace), and two all-access playgrounds.
Lake Sammamish State Park is one of Washington’s busiest and most beloved urban parks — a 531-acre green oasis at the southern end of Lake Sammamish, just minutes from Issaquah and the greater Seattle/Bellevue metro area. Two sandy swimming beaches, extensive picnic facilities, and the lake’s only public boat launch make it a premier summer destination for thousands of Puget Sound families.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 2010 NW Sammamish Rd, Issaquah, WA 98027 |
| Size | 531 acres |
| Hours | 6:30 AM to dusk daily |
| Entry Fee | Discover Pass ($10/day or $45/annual) |
| Boat Launch | 9 lanes + docks — $7 launch fee |
| Type | Day-use only — no camping |
Beaches
| Beach | Features |
|---|---|
| Sunset Beach | Bathhouse (changing rooms, showers), ADA ramp, playground |
| Tibbetts Beach | Kayak/SUP/pedal boat rentals (seasonal), enclosed swim area |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Swimming | Two sandy beaches — enclosed swim areas, seasonal lifeguards |
| Boating | Only public launch on lake — 9 lanes, motorized + non-motorized |
| Kayak/SUP Rentals | Tibbetts Beach — seasonal |
| Hiking | 1.5 mi trails — wetlands, deciduous forest |
| East Lake Sammamish Trail | Accessible from park — long-distance multi-use trail |
| Picnicking | 3 shelters (reservable) + hundreds of tables/grills |
| Playgrounds | 2 playgrounds — including modern all-access near Sunset Beach |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you camp at Lake Sammamish?
No — Lake Sammamish State Park is day-use only. For camping near Issaquah, consider Tiger Mountain State Forest or nearby private campgrounds.
Do I need a Discover Pass?
Yes — a Washington State Discover Pass is required for vehicle entry ($10 for a day pass or $45 for an annual pass). The boat launch has an additional $7 fee.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Squak Mountain State Park Natural Area (a short drive away) and Bridle Trails State Park (a short drive away).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Washington state parks online at washington.goingtocamp.com.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Lake Sammamish State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in most Washington state parks but must be under physical control on a leash at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 8 ft maximum leash required; pets must be under physical control
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted on designated swim beaches
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed inside vacation houses but are permitted in designated pet-friendly cabins and yurts (e.g. Cape Disappointment, Grayland Beach, Seaquest, Ike Kinswa), typically up to two pets, with a pet fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $15 per night pet fee in pet-friendly cabins/yurts
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Director-designated off-leash areas are exempt from the leash rule and are conspicuously posted
Are dogs allowed at Lake Sammamish State Park?
Pets are allowed in most Washington state parks but must be under physical control on a leash at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.wa.gov. More: Washington state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Lake Sammamish State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
