KirstieAllie 
Despite living near the Oregon Coast for years, I’ve never exactly been what you’d call an expert on the ocean—or the creatures that live in it. Sure, I love walking down the beach. But whenever my parents visit, they seem to assume that just by living near the ocean, I’ve absorbed some kind of honorary …
Fishing is one of those hobbies you can keep coming back to for life—if you keep it interesting. New techniques, new gear, new waters… and occasionally, new fish. One of the most eye-catching and unusual fish you can target (especially in California) is the Lightning Trout—a glowing yellow-orange rainbow trout variant that looks like it …
When my wife and I were debating about whether we wanted to move to the PNW and deal with the high cost of living or move to North Carolina and not have majestic mountains it was really a no-brainer. We couldn’t leave the mountains. No matter where you are in Oregon (or the PNW) you …
The other day I got a text message from my recent married cousin, “Hey, looking at affordable places in the PNW and Ocean Shores came up…. what’s wrong with it?” It’s a good question, as I often wonder that myself when I look at houses in a certain area and notice that prices are a …
If you’re spending any real time in Sammamish—especially in the summer—you’re going to end up at Pine Lake Park. It’s not just the city’s most popular public space, it’s kind of the heart of the community. Birthday parties, concerts, lazy afternoons on the dock… this is where it all happens. Tucked along the eastern shore …
You don’t have to leave Sammamish to find incredible hiking. Sure, we’re tucked between the Issaquah Alps and the Cascade foothills—but even within city limits, there’s a surprising number of forest trails, wetland boardwalks, and lakeside walks that’ll get your boots dirty without needing to pack snacks or a map. These are the best hikes …
So here’s the honest truth: Sammamish doesn’t have any traditional hotels, let alone luxury ones. It’s a residential city through and through—tree-lined streets, excellent schools, and a general vibe of “We’d like to keep it quiet, please.” But if you’re visiting friends or family here, or planning to explore Lake Sammamish, Pine Lake Park, or …
Before I moved to the Pacific Northwest I always imagine that it was just full of pine trees. Maybe it was the PNW stickers (of pine trees) that I saw everywhere but I had no idea of what it was actually like. If you haven’t been to the PNW before, let me tell you, it’s …
Covering approximately 19 acres, this lakefront oasis blends wooded sections, open sports turf, and a sandy beach. Once a private resort (circa 1910s), it became a King County park in the 1960s and transferred to the city after incorporation in 1999. A hub for annual community events (e.g., Summer Nights in the Park concerts, outdoor …
2000 NW Sammamish Rd, Issaquah, WA 98027 Access Open daily from 6:30 AM ’til dusk (year round).A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access. Daily passes: $10, annual passes: $30. More info: Discover Pass web page Ammenities 3 reservable shelters + open picnic tables throughout2 large playgrounds near the main beach and picnic areas9 watercraft launches, parking …