Eastlake Sammamish

Lake Sammamish is relatively large compared to the various lakes and ponds that dot the Sammamish/Issaquah Plateau. It is nearly 11 miles long, approximately 1 mile across, and lies in between Sammamish and Bellevue. The southeastern bend of Lake Sammamish lies in the northern district of Issaquah. This vicinity is high commerce, yet also boasts a lovely state park. The entrance to I-90 is seconds away, and a pleasant easterly drive from here will take you into the lush forests of Preston and the mountain region of North Bend and Snoqualmie. However, 10 minutes on the same interstate going west will take you into Bellevue, and across Lake Washington into Seattle.

Before 1950, two farms operated on the land along the southeast border of Lake Sammamish; and before these farms, Native Americans celebrated their winter festival on these shores doing such things as hunting, fishing and picking berries to store for the cold winter months. This land was abounding in wildlife, and the lake’s waters were filled with tasty salmon, which was very pleasing to the native men trying to feed a family. The word “Sammamish” actually comes from the native word, samena, which means hunter.

As of 1953, the 512-acre plot of land closest to the lake became formal state recreation land. Today, Lake Sammamish State Park boasts over a mile of waterfront for swimming and recreational sports. Families can rent paddle boats on the beach, and the park’s lawn is scattered with picnic benches, barbeques and roofed shelters. Eastside families regularly come here to enjoy summer gatherings. A salmon-bearing creek, and miles of dog-walking paths weave through the park’s natural wetlands surrounded by willow trees and cattails. This park is a great place for bird-watching as well, as visitors can walk over to the park’s Great Blue Heron rookery. It’s also fun to watch hawks and eagles circle above the shoreline as they vie for the best tree-top hunting perches. Regularly, beach-goers can look on as these majestic birds dip their outstretched talons into the lake in search of nutritious fish. To the east, slightly disconnected from the rest of this family park is a large boat launch and grassy parking lot.

Pickering Place shopping center draws families from all over the Eastside. This shopping plaza, first and foremost, boasts a Costco. Trader Joes, Barnes and Noble, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Loews, Pier 1 Imports, Michaels arts and crafts, and a medicine clinic are also located within the center; moreover, there second biggest attraction is the Issaquah 9 Movie Theater. Great family restaurants, such as popular Red Robin, and Italian favorite, Cuccina Cuccina, draw hungry crowds every day of the week, and after dinner couples and families can take a stroll around a pond and its bubbling fountain.

Further down Eastlake Sammamish Parkway / Front Street is another shopping center that holds a Fred Meyer and many other convenient amenities. There’s a Home Depot, Sprint store, La-Z-Boy furniture store, and an Oil Can Henry’s within the center, as well as numerous other smaller shops. You can grab a quick bite at Qdoba Mexican restaurant, Starbucks, or Crispy Cream, and for a good sit down meal try Coho Café. You can find other great attractions and restaurants in Downtown Issaquah and the Issaquah Highlands.

Issaquah High School and Skyline are the nearest high schools in the area. Both belong to the Issaquah School District.