Sammamish Landing – The Unofficial City Directory

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If you’re looking for public access to Lake Sammamish, this is it. Literally.

Sammamish Landing is the only public lakefront park in Sammamish, and it’s one of the smallest—but don’t let that fool you. It’s not a big, flashy park with playgrounds or pavilions. It’s a narrow, tree-lined strip of waterfront tucked between condos and lake homes, and yet it’s somehow one of the most peaceful spots on the lake.

We’ve come here for early morning coffee walks, mid-summer swims, and even the occasional lakeside lunch break. It’s not the kind of place where you spend an entire day with a giant cooler and a canopy tent. It’s more of a “show up with a towel and enjoy the water” kind of vibe.

Contact Information

Address:
4607 E Lake Sammamish Pkwy NE
Sammamish, WA 98074

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

Website:
Sammamish.us

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 to Expect

  • Lake Sammamish Access: A mix of gravel beach and dock access. Great for wading, swimming, or launching a kayak.
  • Swimming: No lifeguards, but the water is shallow near shore and relatively calm. Water shoes help—the shoreline is rocky.
  • Two Docks: One larger one near the main entrance (good for fishing or lounging), and a second smaller one a few minutes down the trail.
  • Picnic Tables & Benches: Scattered throughout the park—first-come, first-served. No covered areas.
  • Short Trail: A flat, easy gravel path connects the north and south ends of the park (about a quarter mile end-to-end). Shaded, quiet, and usually empty on weekdays.
  • Wildlife Watching: We’ve seen everything from blue herons to bald eagles here. And the ducks… expect ducks.

Why It’s Special

  • Actual access to the lake — incredibly rare in Sammamish where it seem everything is private and restricted
  • Quiet and low-key, especially on weekday mornings
  • Great for paddleboards and kayaks (you’ll need to carry them down, though)
  • Perfect post-work or after-dinner spot — no big commitment required
  • Sunset views are excellent from the dock on a clear evening

Parking & Access

This part trips people up, so here’s the real deal:

  • Main Entrance: Off NE 34th Street (right by the railroad tracks). There’s a small parking lot that fills quickly on warm days.
  • Overflow Parking: None, officially. You can try street parking nearby, but watch the signs—most of the area is residential.
  • Trail-Only Access from the South: There’s a gated access point at the end of SE 8th Street, but it’s walk-in only. If you’re biking or walking from Redmond or the Lake Sammamish Trail, this is a great way to sneak in.

Things to Bring

  • A towel and water shoes (the beach is rocky)
  • Sunscreen — shade is limited by the water
  • A paddleboard, kayak, or inflatable float (if you’re up for it)
  • Snacks or a small cooler — no concessions here
  • Bug spray in the evening (especially near the trees and water)

Things Not to Expect

  • No playgrounds
  • No grills or fire pits
  • No lifeguards
  • No real bathrooms (just seasonal porta-potties — better than nothing, but don’t expect much)

When to Go

Weekday mornings or evenings are magic here — peaceful, shaded, and rarely crowded.
Hot summer afternoons can get packed, especially with kids and paddleboarders.
Fall is underrated. The lake is quieter, the leaves start to turn, and you can usually get a dock bench all to yourself.

Good to Know

  • Dogs are allowed on leash, but not in the water
  • You can fish from the dock (just follow state regs)
  • The park closes at dusk — and they do lock the gate
  • No motorized boat launch here — this is human-powered access only
  • Biking in from Marymoor or the East Lake Sammamish Trail is a solid option if parking is full

Final Thoughts

Sammamish Landing isn’t trying to be everything. It’s not a massive rec area, and it doesn’t need to be. What it is is one of the few, quiet, truly public ways to enjoy the lake — and for that alone, it’s worth knowing about.

If you’re a local and haven’t been, go. If you’re visiting and want a lake experience that doesn’t involve jet skis and packed beaches, this is your spot.

Bring a book. Sit on the dock. Watch the sun hit the water. It’s simple—but that’s exactly the point.