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 in Sammamish—listed in the order I’d recommend them to a local or out-of-town guest. Most are short enough to do before work or with kids in tow, and all of them are perfect for soaking in that classic Northwest mix of moss, mud, and quiet.
Best Hikes In & Around Sammamish
1. Evans Creek Preserve
📍 Trailhead: 4001 224th Ave NE, Redmond, WA
🥾 Distance: 3.5 miles (varies by route)
📈 Elevation gain: ~400 ft
🐶 Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
🅿️ Parking: Small lot, free
This is probably the most “hike-like” hike in Sammamish. It’s got a proper trailhead, switchbacks, open meadow views, and enough elevation change to count as exercise. The loop winds through shady forest, past seasonal streams, and opens up to a restored wetland area that’s beautiful in spring and fall.
Local tip: Go early in the day for more wildlife—deer, hawks, and the occasional owl. Also: bring boots if it’s been raining. This place loves to be muddy.
2. Soaring Eagle Regional Park
📍 Trailhead: 26015 E Main Dr, Sammamish, WA
🥾 Distance: 12+ miles of interconnected trails
📈 Elevation gain: Variable
🐶 Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
🅿️ Parking: Free lot with plenty of space
This place is huge. Soaring Eagle is the go-to local option for trail runners, dog walkers, and mountain bikers. The trails are mostly flat and wide, with occasional roots and puddles to keep things interesting. There’s no one big view, but if you like quiet, mossy forest and the occasional woodpecker, it’s a gem.
Best for: Longer walks, early morning solitude, and logging some miles without driving far.
Local tip: Cell service can get spotty deeper in—download your map if you’re exploring a new route.
3. Beaver Lake Preserve
📍 Trailhead: 25101 SE 24th St, Sammamish, WA
🥾 Distance: 1.5–2.5 miles (out-and-back or loop)
📈 Elevation gain: Minimal
🐶 Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
🅿️ Parking: Small lot, can fill on weekends
A peaceful and underused gem. This trail winds through second-growth forest down to the edge of Beaver Lake. The trail is well-maintained and easy enough for kids, but still feels like a true escape into the woods.
Bonus: It’s especially pretty in the fall with all the maple leaves turning yellow.
Local tip: Watch for frogs on the trail in early spring—they’re everywhere after a good rain.
4. Duthie Hill Park
📍 Trailhead: 2401 228th Ave SE, Sammamish, WA
🥾 Distance: ~1 mile loop
📈 Elevation gain: Negligible
🐶 Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
🅿️ Parking: Good-sized lot (fills on weekends in summer)
This one’s less of a hike and more of a walk with benefits. A loop trail weaves through the woods behind the baseball fields and playgrounds at Pine Lake Park. It’s short, shady, and a great option for stretching your legs while the kids play or before grabbing coffee nearby.
Best for: Families, quick leg-stretchers, stroller walks.
Local tip: Hit the dock afterward for a peaceful view over Pine Lake—especially nice at sunset.
5. Big Rock Park
📍 Trailheads:
- North: 21805 SE 8th St
- Central: 1516 220th Ave SE
🥾 Distance: 1–3 miles, depending on route
📈 Elevation gain: Rolling hills
🐶 Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
🅿️ Parking: Two small lots; overflow parking nearby
This park is a newer addition to Sammamish’s trail scene and it connects to several different loops through forest, streams, and upland meadows. It’s great for exploring with kids or walking the dog—especially since you can string together different paths without repeating.
Fun fact: The namesake “Big Rock” is tucked into the woods—your kids will want to climb it.
6. Sammamish River Trail
📍 Access points: Near Inglewood Landing, SE 33rd St, or NE 70th Pl
🥾 Distance: ~11 miles total (do a section)
📈 Elevation gain: Flat
🐶 Dogs allowed: Yes
🅿️ Parking: Small lots or neighborhood street parking
Not a forest trail, but easily one of the most popular paths in Sammamish. This multi-use trail runs along the east side of Lake Sammamish, connecting Issaquah to Redmond. It’s paved in some sections and gravel in others—perfect for a lakeside run, bike ride, or leisurely stroll.
Best for: Flat mileage, views of the lake, and walking with a coffee in hand.
Local tip: In summer, this trail is very popular. Go early or mid-week to avoid the crowds.
Bonus: More Great Hikes Just Outside Sammamish
If you’re willing to drive 10–20 minutes, you open the door to some of the best hikes on the Eastside. These aren’t technically in Sammamish, but they’re close enough that most locals treat them like backyard trails. Whether you’re craving mountain views, serious elevation, or just a quiet walk in deep forest, these are worth the short trip:
7. Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park (15–20 min from Sammamish)
This massive park in Issaquah is crisscrossed with more than 35 miles of trails. You’ll find everything from kid-friendly loops to calf-burning climbs. Favorites include the Anti-Aircraft Ridge Trail, Red Town Trailhead, and Coal Creek Falls (especially in spring when the water’s flowing).
Best for: Variety of routes, shaded summer hikes, and trail runners
8. Duthie Hill Park (5–10 min)
Originally designed for mountain bikers, Duthie’s trail network is also great for hiking and trail running. The forest is dense and peaceful, and it’s rarely crowded outside of peak biking hours. Stick to the walking-only trails on the edges, or explore the interior loops when it’s quiet.
Best for: Peaceful forest loops, short runs, or walking the dog
9. Tiger Mountain / Tradition Plateau (15–20 min)
Right off I-90, this trail system offers a choose-your-own-adventure experience. You can do mellow loops like the Around the Lake Trail or go all-in with the climb up to Poo Poo Point for hang gliders and views toward Mt. Rainier.
Best for: Flexibility—hikes from 1 to 10+ miles
Local Tip: Weekday mornings are magical and quiet. Weekends? Not so much.
10. Rattlesnake Ledge (30 min)
This is the Eastside’s most famous hike—and for good reason. In just under 2 miles of uphill hiking, you’re rewarded with a wide-open view over Rattlesnake Lake and the Cascade foothills. Expect crowds unless you go early or in the off-season.
Best for: Big payoff views, cardio workout, Instagram-worthy moments
11. Snoqualmie Falls Trail (25 min)
Short but dramatic, this hike takes you from the famous upper viewpoint of the 268-foot Snoqualmie Falls down to the base via a steep, forested trail. It’s just under 1.5 miles round trip, but you’ll feel it on the way back up.
Best for: Iconic scenery, out-of-town visitors, short photo ops
Local Tip: The mist down below can be intense in spring—bring a rain jacket.
Final Thoughts
Sammamish might not have the dramatic peaks of the Cascades, but we’ve got plenty of quiet forest, shady trails, and hidden spots worth exploring. Whether you’re walking the dog, clearing your head, or chasing salamanders with your kids, there’s a trail nearby waiting for you. Just don’t forget your boots—it’s always muddy somewhere.
