Lake Sammamish State Park
Park State park on Lake Sammamish with waterfront trails
On the east shore of Lake Sammamish near Bellevue, this state park provides a large swimming beach, boat launches, trails and picnic facilities for day use.
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Lake Sammamish State Park is a Washington state park located on the eastern shore of Lake Sammamish in King County, serving suburban communities east of Seattle. It is a major local park providing lake access, swimming areas and multi-use trails.
Park highlights include a long waterfront day-use area with a designated swimming beach, picnic facilities, a boat launch and shoreline used for paddling and fishing. Several miles of paved and unpaved trails run through the park and connect to regional trail networks.
The park was developed and is managed by Washington State Parks to provide public access to Lake Sammamish and to protect shoreline open space for recreation. Improvements over time have focused on visitor facilities and trail connections.
The park sits on the eastern shore of Lake Sammamish between the cities of Bellevue and Issaquah in King County, adjacent to suburban residential areas and within commuting distance of Seattle.
- Regional recreation hub: The park occupies the eastern shore of Lake Sammamish and serves as a major local recreation area for the Seattle metropolitan region, with large day-use and swimming areas.
- Main activities: Year-round trails and a boat launch make the park popular for walking, cycling, picnicking, swimming and paddle sports, with busiest months in summer.
How to Get to Lake Sammamish State Park #
From Seattle: drive east on I-90 to Exit 13 (Mercer Island/NE 8th). Follow surface streets across or around Mercer Island, then take West Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE south; park entrances are signed. From Bellevue, follow 405 to SE 8th St and head east to West Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE. Transit: King County Metro routes serve nearby Bellevue and Issaquah; last mile requires a bike, rideshare, or a ~1-2 mile walk depending on which lot is used.
Tips for Visiting Lake Sammamish State Park #
- Arrive early on summer weekends to find boat launch slips and picnic spots before they fill.
- Use the North parking lot near the playground to access the swimming beach and paved 5.2-mile trailhead.
- Bring a windbreaker if paddling in the afternoon-breezes off the Cascades pick up fast.
- If biking the paved trail, watch for narrow stretches and pedestrians; lock bikes at the park entrance if exploring the picnic meadows.
Best Time to Visit Lake Sammamish State Park #
Best visited in late spring through early fall for water access and calmer weather.
Weather & Climate near Lake Sammamish State Park #
Lake Sammamish State Park's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 25°C. Abundant rainfall (1120 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
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July
July is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (164 mm).
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December
December is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (167 mm).
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