Klahanie

Atop the Sammamish Plateau just south of Beaver Lake lies one of Issaquah’s northern-most communities, Klahanie. It is a master-planned, 900-acre development made up of 16 subdivisions, 9 neighborhoods of multi-family homes, and 2 apartment complexes, all of which branch off of the main artery road of Klahanie Drive. This road connects to Issaquah-Fall City Road in the southeast, making for convenient access to the more populated areas of Issaquah. Equipped with its own shopping village and Challenger elementary school, it’s almost as if Klahanie were a miniature city in and of itself. If you’re looking for a well-maintained, independent community that suits a modern life-style, then Klahanie may be exactly what you have in mind.

Klahanie in native Chinook literally means “Outdoors.” The name stands true as 10 recreational parks in Klahanie are scattered across the development’s 300 acres of common land. Each park makes a specific contribution to the community, whether that be modern play-sets, soccer and baseball fields, or 20+ miles of wilderness trails. Klahanie’s pride and joy, however, are its two heated Klahanie swimming pools. Lakeside Pool is outdoors and transforms into a giant bubble pod in the winter-time. During swimming lessons parents can enjoy the beginner splashes, or take a walk around nearby Yellow Lake. It is a pleasure to bird watch here as the Mallards gather under the lake’s boardwalk at twilight. Queenslake Bog, and Gander and Sutter Ponds dot the land and are enjoyed by those traversing the trails.

Just before intersecting with Issaquah-Fall City Rd SE, to the east of Klahanie Drive is Klahanie Center. With over 30 shops and restaurants and a neighborhood QFC, Klahanie residents aren’t known for lacking. Here there is a movie store, fitness center, salon, spa, art gallery, and several banks and gas stations. They have a financial advisor, a tutor, dentist, optometrist, chiropractor, and veterinarian. There are several clothing boutiques to suit the needs of all ages, as well as a music and computer store; and there is also a UPS store, and dry-cleaning service for convenience.

Of the excellent Klahanie eateries, Chan’s Place is by far the best, drawing patrons from all over the Plateau who long for a bite of Chan’s Special Chow Mein. For 4 years straight, Chan’s has been voted as the “Best Chinese Restaurant on the Eastside” in the Eastside Dining and Drinking Poll. In addition to Chan’s, there is also a neighborhood Starbucks Coffee, Subway and Garlic Jim’s Pizza. Herfery’s Burgers may not sound appetizing, yet it is enjoyed nonetheless. Yoko3 Teriyaki and Thai Ginger are also popular spots.

In addition to appointing board positions for every neighborhood to ensure smooth-runnings, Klahanie’s home website even has a special Classifieds section where residents can buy and sell at their leisure. Annual Klahanie Community Events include Easter Egg Hunt, 4th of July parade and picnic, landscaping work parties and more.