Big Rock Park North – The Unofficial Sammamish Park Directory

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Big Rock Park North is one of those rare places where the forest still feels wild — even though you’re smack in the middle of Sammamish.

Tucked into the hillside just off 218th Avenue SE, this is the quietest and most natural-feeling section of the three-part Big Rock Park system. If you’re looking for playgrounds or sports fields, head to Big Rock Central. But if what you want is a peaceful walk, tall trees, and that earthy Pacific Northwest smell after a rain? This is your spot.

We’ve come here to unwind after busy days, to let the kids scramble around the mossy logs and stumps, or just to walk without a plan. It’s not big, but it doesn’t need to be — it’s immersive in the way that only a true woodland pocket park can be.

Contact Information

Address:
21805 SE 33rd Place
Sammamish, WA 98075

Phone:
(425) 295-0585 (Sammamish Parks & Recreation Department)

Website:
https://www.sammamish.us/parks-recreation/parks-trails/parks/big-rock-park/

Hours of Operation

Park Hours:
Dawn to dusk daily

Please note that hours may change due to holidays or special events. It is recommended to check the park’s website or call ahead for any updates.

What You’ll Find

  • Forest Trails: Well-maintained gravel and soft-surface trails wind through Douglas firs and maples. Some incline, but nothing too steep.
  • Art Installations: A few tucked-in surprises like carvings and forest-themed sculptures. Not in-your-face — just enough to spark curiosity.
  • Bridge Crossings & Boardwalks: Over seasonal streams and wetland areas. Great for curious kids and quiet contemplation alike.
  • Benches: Scattered in the most peaceful places — perfect for sitting with a coffee or just listening to the birds.
  • Nature Play Elements: A few natural “playground” features — think logs to balance on, stumps to jump between, and plenty of space to explore.

Why Locals Love It

  • Shady and quiet, even on warm days
  • Real forest feel, not just landscaped trees
  • Less crowded than other Sammamish parks
  • Good for solo walks, nature time, or low-stimulation kid outings
  • Connects easily to the rest of Big Rock Park via trails and sidewalks

Parking & Access

  • Trailhead Parking: Small lot off 218th Ave SE (not much signage — easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there)
  • Overflow: Street parking nearby, but respect residential access
  • Trail Connections: You can walk north-south through Big Rock Park Central and South if you want to make it a longer hike

Good to Know

  • Bathrooms: None at this section — use the ones at Big Rock Central
  • Dog-friendly: Absolutely — leashed dogs welcome
  • Stroller friendly? Kind of. The upper trail is doable, but many side trails are packed dirt or gravel with some slope
  • No playgrounds or fields — this is a “nature-first” zone
  • Bring bug spray in the summer — it’s forested and can get buggy

Suggested Loop

If you’re just looking for a quick escape into nature, try this short loop:

  1. Start from the 218th Ave SE entrance
  2. Take the main loop trail through the woods (about ¾ mile)
  3. Detour to the wooden bridge overlook
  4. Stop at a bench near the fern-covered clearing
  5. Exit back to the lot or continue south into Big Rock Central

Final Thoughts

Big Rock Park North is one of Sammamish’s best-kept secrets — a quiet, shady retreat that feels a world away from busy neighborhoods and daily to-do lists. It’s not a park built for activity. It’s built for presence.

If you’re local, it’s one of those places you end up returning to more often than you planned. And if you’re visiting? Skip the noise. Come here and see what Sammamish looked like before all the houses.