Lake Sammamish Trail

Hike Length: 12 miles
Elevation Gain: 0'
Hike Difficulty: Strenuous
Map: King County BikeMap, Thomas Guide street map
hike overview map


A new trail, just opened! This is a long level hike along the east shore of Lake Sammamish. The trail has a foot friendly gravel surface, and is located away from roads much of its length. Because of the high mileage, this hike is best for fast walkers or joggers.

Getting There:

From Seattle, ride the ST 554 bus to Issaquah Park and Ride. Transfer to M 200 or 209, and ride to the start of the Lake Sammamish Trail, on Gilman Blvd just west of the Front Street intersection [GPS N 47 deg 32 min 22 sec, W 122 deg 02 min 20 sec].

Alternatively, at the Issaquah Park and Ride, hop on the M 271 bus and ride to Lake Sammamish State Park. Walk through the park to its east side and pick up the trail there.

Weekend bus service is available.

The Hike:

The trail is built on the former bed of the Seattle, Lakeshore, and Eastern RR, the same old RR system that the Burke-Gilman trail utilizes. The first two miles of the trail are arrow-straight and uninteresting. Once the lake is reached, however, the trail livens up a bit. Here, the trail follows a curvy route squeezed between the backyards of houses (many quite luxurious and large) and private property along the lakeshore. Unfortunately, there is virtually no access to the lake itself, but at least you get some occasional vistas out over the water.

At NE 65th St, beyond the north end of the lake, you have some choices as how to proceed. As of late 2006 the trail petered out in the vicinity of the 520 freeway, with no clear route into Redmond. To continue, I suggest a 2.5 mile route, following 65th St west into Marymoor Park. Cross all the way through the park to the west entrance. Follow the Sammamish River Trail north to 85th St, where Sound Transit busses can be picked up next to the King County Library (which is a nice place to visit while waiting for your bus).

A alternative route with less walking (one mile) is to follow E Sammamish Parkway where it veers away eastward from the trail at 65th St NE. Cross Redmond Way and continue north on 180th Ave NE and 178 Pl NE to the Bear Creek Park and Ride, a major bus hub.

Getting Back

End the hike at Redmond's King County Library on 85th St NE or Bear Creek Park and Ride. Use ST 545 to get back to Seattle.