Timberlake Park – The Unofficial Sammamish Park Directory

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If you’re looking for a quiet place to access Lake Sammamish that feels like a bit of a hidden trailhead, Timberlake Park is exactly that.

It’s not a typical city park with ball fields and playgrounds. Instead, Timberlake feels more like a low-key nature preserve: a peaceful, forested hillside trail that winds down to a quiet stretch of shoreline. It’s shaded, simple, and easy to miss — but once you’ve been, it becomes one of those places you return to when you want a break from the busier spots.

We’ve come here when we needed a quiet walk, when the lake’s too crowded elsewhere, or just to let the kids splash around without the chaos of a full beach park. It’s especially beautiful in the early morning or late evening light.

Contact Information

Address:
4505 E Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE
Sammamish, WA 98075

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

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

Wooded Trails

  • A short, gentle trail system winds through mature forest, with side loops and connector paths
  • Trails are gravel and packed dirt, with some inclines and steps — sturdy shoes help
  • Benches and clearings tucked along the way for sitting or taking in the trees

Lake Sammamish Shoreline

Limited sun — most of the beach area stays shaded by trees, which is either a pro or con depending on the weather

The trail leads directly to a natural shoreline with gravel beach access

No docks or platforms, but the water is calm and swimmable

Great for a quiet paddleboard launch or wading, especially in the summer

Why Locals Love It

  • Peaceful and quiet, even in peak summer
  • Natural lake access without the crowds
  • Cool and shady on hot days
  • Perfect for low-key walks, solo reflection, or quiet nature time
  • Great birdwatching and seasonal wildflowers along the trail

Parking & Access

  • Small gravel lot off W Lake Sammamish Parkway SE
  • Parking is limited — 10–12 spots max — and fills quickly on weekends
  • No overflow or street parking nearby, so plan accordingly
  • Entrance is signed but easy to miss if you’re driving too fast

Good to Know

  • No bathrooms — plan ahead
  • No playgrounds, picnic shelters, or amenities — this is a nature park, not a rec area
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Can be muddy in winter or after heavy rain — stick to main trails
  • Not ADA accessible — trails include uneven terrain and stairs
  • Best For
  • Lake access without the crowds
  • Solo walkers or quiet conversation
  • Nature lovers and birdwatchers
  • Bringing a paddleboard (if you’re okay carrying it down a trail)
  • Sammamish locals who know to park early and pack light

Final Thoughts

Timberlake Park is one of those rare Sammamish spots that still feels a little wild. If you’re looking for a peaceful walk in the trees that ends at the water — and you don’t need frills — this is one of the best-kept secrets in town.

It’s not built for events or groups. It’s built for space. For stillness. For a patch of sunlight on a lakeside bench with nothing else going on. And that’s exactly what makes it special.