As a longtime resident of Sammamish, Washington, I’ve come to appreciate its harmonious blend of unspoiled nature and city amenities. Our hometown offers picturesque landscapes, tranquil lakes, and verdant forests; as well as parks, trails, and natural spaces that cater to our passion for outdoor activity just outside our door! Sammamish truly represents paradise without taking us far from civilization!
Sammamish and its surrounding regions offer an incredible wealth of parks, reserves, and public lands to take advantage of for hikers of every skill level – and I treasure that aspect most!
They each present its own combination of trails and outdoor activities designed for recreationists at all skill levels – I can count how often peaceful strolls through lush meadows seamlessly transition into challenging ascents toward breathtaking summits; our extensive trail network allows us to traverse diverse landscapes such as wetlands forests mountains waterfalls; it’s no wonder Sammamish has become such a hub of outdoor adventures enthusiasts like myself!
Best Hikes In & Around Sammamish
1. Evans Creek Preserve (5.5 miles from downtown Sammamish)
| Type of Hike | Trail Length | Terrain Type | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loop | 3 miles | Wetland, meadow, forest | Easy |
Covering an expansive 179 acres, the park serves as a sanctuary for both wildlife and hiking enthusiasts who long for a direct connection with Mother Nature.
Evans Creek Preserve boasts nearly four miles of trails for you to discover, with everything from gentle strolls or birding excursions through meadows for peaceful relaxation or leisurely bird-watching expeditions, to moderately challenging treks through lush woodland areas and moderately challenging treks through lush meadows and forests to moderately challenging treks along Evans Creek itself.
All trails are maintained well for your enjoyment – and offer stunning seasonal views as you move through habitats such as wetlands, meadows, and forests as you make your way around this extraordinary body of waterway itself! Views vary accordingly with every season from vibrant wildflower displays in springtime through fiery leaves in autumn!
Evans Creek Preserve’s accessibility makes it truly remarkable. The trail network was thoughtfully planned so as to be inclusive, offering sections suitable for children, elderly walkers, and those with mobility challenges alike. All year long this preserve is an integral part of Sammamish’s beauty; our own little piece of wilderness. Come discover and love it today.
2. Soaring Eagle Regional Park (5 miles from downtown Sammamish)
| Type of Hike | Trail Length | Terrain Type | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Various | Over 12 miles | Forest | Easy to moderate |
Soaring Eagle Regional Park is another hidden treasure within Sammamish. Spanning over 600 acres, its overland trails weave their way through dense forest areas and wetland habitats – providing shelter to an assortment of local fauna.
Soaring Eagle Regional Park boasts 12 miles of trails that cater to outdoor enthusiasts of all levels – from casual walkers to experienced hikers. Ranging from gentle flat terrain trails to moderate terrain slopes and more challenging ones. Each path boasts unique charm – whether that is peaceful creek murmurings on Wetland Trail or expansive bird’s-eye views from Viewpoint Trail!
Pipeline Trail is one of my personal favorites – rugged but rewarding, it winds around the park’s eastern boundary and provides excellent opportunities to spot wildlife. Whatever season it may be, expect spectacular sights – be it vibrant autumn leaves exploding into vibrant hues or summer’s lush canopy providing shelter and shade!
Soaring Eagle Regional Park provides more than just hiking opportunities; it’s an engaging experience that showcases all that Sammamish has to offer.
3. Beaver Lake Preserve (3 miles from downtown Sammamish)
| Type of Hike | Trail Length | Terrain Type | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loop | 2 miles | Forest, lake views | Easy |
Hiking enthusiasts like myself find refuge in Beaver Lake’s trails as an escape from city life without needing to venture too far from home.
Beaver Lake Preserve boasts an idyllic 2.4-mile looping trail around its namesake lake that makes for the ideal relaxing stroll, jog, or family outing. The route mainly winds flatly under a thick canopy of cedar, fir, and maple trees while offering occasional glimpses of its tranquil lake – making this year-round trail an absolute treat! It can even bring frost-kissed beauty during winter!
For those in search of more adventure, the Preserve offers moderately challenging offshoot trails that lead to serene spots perfect for picnicking, bird-watching or simply appreciating its tranquil beauty.
4. Duthie Hill Park (6 miles from downtown Sammamish)
| Type of Hike | Trail Length | Terrain Type | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Various | Various | Forest | Easy to difficult |
Duthie Hill Park, just six miles outside downtown Sammamish, provides both easy and challenging trails, making it a highly desired hiking and mountain biking destination.
Offering trails tailored to different skill levels ranging from gentle forest paths to steep technical climbs, this extensive network allows visitors to tailor their experience according to personal tastes or abilities – an outstanding opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts of any level! Duthie Hill Park makes an excellent outdoor choice.
5. Big Rock Park (1.5 miles from downtown Sammamish)
| Type of Hike | Trail Length | Terrain Type | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loop | 1.5 miles | Forest | Easy |
Big Rock Park is a hidden treasure just 1.5 miles outside Sammamish’s downtown core, featuring an easy 1.5-mile loop trail through lush forest scenery that is highlighted by a glacial erratic known as Big Rock as its centerpiece.
Perfect for families, casual hikers and nature enthusiasts of all kinds; with minimal elevation gain making the hike accessible regardless of age and fitness levels – as you explore you may come across interpretive signs providing insight into its history or natural features – Big Rock Park adds an educational aspect to its explorations – adding even further depth!
6. Sammamish River Trail (8 miles from downtown Sammamish)
| Type of Hike | Trail Length | Terrain Type | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Point-to-point | 10.9 miles | Paved, river views | Easy |
The Sammamish River Trail is an 11-mile paved path connecting Marymoor Park in Redmond to Bothell Landing, 8 miles outside downtown Sammamish.
Ideal for walking, jogging, and bicycling alike – perfect for fitness levels of any kind and featuring scenic river views as the river winds its way across the landscape – the path offers flat surfaces perfect for all fitness levels and age brackets alike! Plus there are parks, picnic spots, and wildlife viewing areas along its length making the Sammamish River Trail an enjoyable recreational destination for both locals and visitors.
7. Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park (10 miles from downtown Sammamish)
| Type of Hike | Trail Length | Terrain Type | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Various | Over 38 miles | Forest, hills | Easy to difficult |
Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, approximately 10 miles outside Sammamish city center, features 38 miles of hiking trails to discover.
Offering various trail options that cater to hikers of varying ability – from leisurely strolls through forests and gentle climbs through challenging climbs – Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park is home to lush forests, babbling creeks, and rolling hills; not to mention remnants from old coal mines from WWII as well as an anti-aircraft radar station dating back to this era! It’s also host to historical points of historical interest such as remnants from old coal mines that date back centuries!
8. Squak Mountain State Park (12 miles from downtown Sammamish)
| Type of Hike | Trail Length | Terrain Type | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Various | Over 13 miles | Forest, mountain | Moderate to difficult |
Squak Mountain State Park, approximately 12 miles outside Sammamish city limits, features over 13 miles of hiking trails within its boundaries. One popular hike to its summit, offering panoramic views, is the 3.6-mile round-trip hike which spans round trip distance. Trail difficulty ranges from moderate to difficult making this an excellent place for more experienced hikers looking for more challenging adventures. You will encounter dense forests, rugged outcrops and scenic viewpoints when exploring this lush oasis – the park makes an excellent destination.
9. Tiger Mountain State Forest (14 miles from downtown Sammamish)
| Type of Hike | Trail Length | Terrain Type | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Various | Over 20 miles | Forest, mountain | Moderate to difficult |
Sammamish River Greenbelt Park is an expanse of lush greenery just minutes away from Sammamish that has captured many hearts – mine included! Boasting over 13,745 acres with over 400 miles of hiking trails across them all, making this paradise for hikers of any level of experience.
West Tiger Mountain trails are highly-visited destinations. Of particular note is West Tiger #3 Trail – offering an immediately challenging 5-mile round trip that concludes at a scenic summit offering panoramic views of Mt. Rainier and its surrounding valley on clear days; making every effort worthwhile!
Tiger Mountain Trail provides an exhilarating challenge, traversing its entirety along its full 15.4-mile length – passing through an abundance of habitats from mature forests and riparian zones to rare fen wetland habitats – while also passing remnants from its past as a site for logging operations, adding extra layers of intrigue along its course.
Do not overlook Poo Poo Point Trail, beginning from Chirico Trailhead. Notable features on this trail include its paragliding launch point as well as breathtaking views over Lake Sammamish, Bellevue, and beyond.
10. Rattlesnake Ledge (24 miles from downtown Sammamish)
| Type of Hike | Trail Length | Terrain Type | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out and back | 4 miles | Forest, mountain | Moderate |
Rattlesnake Ledge is an easy, four-mile roundtrip hike located approximately 24 miles outside Sammamish and suitable for hikers at any fitness level. Travel through lush forests while taking in stunning views of surrounding valleys, mountains, and Rattlesnake Lake from its breathtaking ledge. This trail boasts an elevation gain of 1,160 feet for optimal fitness levels – it makes Rattlesnake Ledge an excellent option if looking for a challenging yet rewarding trek close by Sammamish!
11. Twin Falls (29 miles from downtown Sammamish)
| Type of Hike | Trail Length | Terrain Type | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out and back | 2.6 miles | Forest, waterfall | Moderate |
Twin Falls in Olallie State Park, about 29 miles outside Sammamish, features an exciting 2.6-mile round-trip hike leading directly to its stunning waterfall. Along the trail run lush forests, creeks, wooden bridges, as well as elevation gain which makes this hike suitable for people of reasonable fitness levels. Twin Falls State Park makes an excellent destination for waterfall enthusiasts as well as anyone searching for picturesque hiking nearby Sammamish.
12. Mount Si (30 miles from downtown Sammamish)
| Type of Hike | Trail Length | Terrain Type | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out and back | 8 miles | Forest, mountain | Difficult |
Mount Si, situated approximately 30 miles northwest of Sammamish, provides an 8-mile round-trip hike that gains 3,100 feet of elevation over 8 miles in total, offering panoramic views from its summit.
This difficult trail passes through dense forests and steep switchbacks for an unforgettable hiking experience with views that span mountains, valleys, and the Seattle skyline – making Mount Si an immensely popular hiking spot among both residents and visitors.
13. Snoqualmie Falls (24 miles from downtown Sammamish)
| Type of Hike | Trail Length | Terrain Type | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out and back | 1.4 miles | Forest, waterfall | Easy |
Snoqualmie Falls is an accessible 1.4-mile round-trip hike located approximately 24 miles northeast of Downtown Sammamish and features one of Washington State’s most visited natural features: an iconic 270-foot waterfall.
This trail offers minimal elevation gain with well-maintained paths making this hike suitable for hikers of all ages and fitness levels; in addition to offering stunning natural features, it boasts numerous amenities, including visitor centers, gift shops, and even historic Salish Lodge & Spa for an enjoyable and quick experience!
Conclusion
As both an avid resident and hiker in Sammamish, Washington, and its neighboring areas, I can vouch for the incredible outdoor experiences Sammamish provides – whether its serene nature reserves or challenging mountain ascents! Sammamish offers something magical for every taste and skill level – the 13 hikes that I shared here to provide just a taster into what awaits us right here!
No matter if it is your permanent or first visit to Sammamish, these trails will undoubtedly deepen your appreciation of this remarkable area. Our natural splendor and distinctive landscapes will leave you in awe; simply put on those hiking boots, grab your daypack and prepare yourself for an amazing journey!
Sammamish offers incredible hiking destinations ranging from its lush forests and valleys, all the way up to our breathtaking peaks – you will soon understand why so many travelers visit here for their outdoor excursions! Every path tells a tale and every hike promises an adventure! Welcome to Sammamish; enjoy every inch of this extraordinary corner of nature where each trail provides insight and every trek leads towards an adventure!
