Lake Sammamish State Park
Issaquah, Washington · on Issaquah Creek · Lake Sammamish
Verified · 3 independent sources
- WATER
- lake
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- $45
- SEASON
- Best in summer
About Lake Sammamish State Park
Lake Sammamish State Park is a 512-acre Washington State Parks day-use area at the south end of Lake Sammamish, near Issaquah, where Issaquah Creek enters the lake. The park operates two official swimming beaches, Sunset Beach and Tibbetts Beach, with buoy-marked swim zones. For anyone after a lake to swim in near Issaquah, these two beaches are the park's designated swimming hole options.
The park sits at the southern tip of Lake Sammamish in King County, with about 6,858 feet of lake waterfront and the mouth of Issaquah Creek within its boundaries. It combines open lawn and beach areas with athletic fields (including seven full-size soccer fields) and forested park land near Issaquah.
Swimming at Lake Sammamish State Park
Swimming takes place at two sandy, designated lake beaches (Sunset Beach and Tibbetts Beach) marked off by buoys for aquatic recreation. The lake is used for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, pedal boating, and waterskiing; water temperatures run roughly 50-55°F in winter up to about 70-75°F in summer, and the park's own safety messaging warns that cold water can still trigger dangerous gasp reflexes even on hot days, so life jackets are recommended.
How to get to this swimming hole
Reachable via Interstate 90 at exit 15 near Issaquah, or via King County Metro Transit routes 200, 216, 217, and 927.
Parking: About 250 parking spaces, sized to accommodate vehicles with trailers.
The hike in
- Time on foot
- Under 5 minutes on foot from nearest parking
Sunset Beach and Tibbetts Beach are both reached directly from the park's main parking areas via short paved/gravel walkways (well under 5 minutes); no trail hike is needed to reach the water. The park's Homestead Trail is a separate hiking path elsewhere in the park (currently closed due to washout) and does not lead to either swim beach.
Two creek bridges (over Issaquah Creek and Tibbetts Creek) are also currently closed for erosion repair, per the park's official regulations page, but these are unrelated to beach access.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
Two designated, buoy-marked swim beaches (Sunset Beach and Tibbetts Beach) with sandy areas are set up for families, but the park's own posted safety messaging warns that cold-water gasp reflex can cause drowning within seconds even on hot days and specifically urges life jackets for kids entering slowly; no lifeguard service is mentioned anywhere on the official park page.
Parking
Paid, Washington Discover Pass required ($45/year or $10/day); no separate beach entry fee
About 250 parking spaces sized to accommodate vehicles with boat trailers (per prior enrichment dossier); a separate $7/day watercraft launch fee applies at the boat ramp.
Restrooms
Yes
Accessible restrooms are listed among park amenities, including facilities at the boat-launch area near Tibbetts Beach.
Hours
6:30 a.m. to dusk, year-round
On the water
The park has a boat ramp with trailer parking; a $7/day watercraft launch fee applies there. Wikipedia describes the lake as a popular waterskiing and boating destination, indicating motorboats are permitted, though no source specifies a no-wake zone or horsepower limit near the swim beaches. Private hand-carried kayaks/SUPs can also be brought in; no canoe-specific rule was found.
Rentals nearby
Single/double/triple kayaks, fishing kayak, single pedal kayak, Fiesta 4-seat pedal boat, stand-up paddleboards (single, XL 15'x4.5", and Giant 15'x6"), plus guided tours
Prices: Single kayak $27/hr, $44 half-day, $54 full-day; double kayak $35/hr, $55/$75; triple kayak $50/hr, $75/$85; single SUP $27/hr, $52/$72; XL SUP $55/hr, $110 half-day; Giant SUP $75/hr, $140 half-day; pedal kayak $32/hr, $49/$59; fishing kayak $27/hr, $49/$59 (current promo: rent 1 hour, get 2nd hour free)
Tibbetts Beach, Lake Sammamish State Park, 2000 NW Sammamish Rd., Issaquah, WA 98027 (on-site at the park) · May 22-Sept 7: daily 10am-sunset; Sept 8-Oct 25: weekends only 10am-sunset; Apr 3-30: weekends 12pm-sunset; May 1-21: weekends 10am-sunset; closed late Oct-early Apr; last rental 1 hour before close, weather permitting
Backstory
The park was established in 1950 and is administered by Washington State Parks. The area has a long indigenous history, with descendants of the Snoqualmie, Sammamish, and Duwamish peoples having used the region for centuries.
Lake Sammamish State Park: FAQ
Does Lake Sammamish State Park charge a fee?
Washington Discover Pass required for parking ($45 annual or $10 one-day); watercraft launch fee $7/day; trailer dump station $5/use.
Is Lake Sammamish State Park kid friendly?
Two designated, buoy-marked swim beaches (Sunset Beach and Tibbetts Beach) with sandy areas are set up for families, but the park's own posted safety messaging warns that cold-water gasp reflex can cause drowning within seconds even on hot days and specifically urges life jackets for kids entering slowly; no lifeguard service is mentioned anywhere on the official park page.
Do I need to hike to reach Lake Sammamish State Park?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Lake Sammamish State Park?
About 250 parking spaces sized to accommodate vehicles with boat trailers (per prior enrichment dossier); a separate $7/day watercraft launch fee applies at the boat ramp.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Lake Sammamish State Park?
The park has a boat ramp with trailer parking; a $7/day watercraft launch fee applies there. Wikipedia describes the lake as a popular waterskiing and boating destination, indicating motorboats are permitted, though no source specifies a no-wake zone or horsepower limit near the swim beaches. Private hand-carried kayaks/SUPs can also be brought in; no canoe-specific rule was found.
When is the best time to visit Lake Sammamish State Park?
Summer, when lake water temperatures reach roughly 70-75°F; the park's own health messaging notes water is much colder in winter (about 50-55°F).
What are the rules at Lake Sammamish State Park?
Day-use only, no overnight camping for individuals; dogs must be leashed and are prohibited in the designated swim areas; campfires only in designated fire areas (a Level 1 burn ban was in effect through October 15, 2026, at last check); the Homestead Trail is closed due to washout and two creek bridges are closed for erosion repairs.
What water body is Lake Sammamish State Park on?
Lake Sammamish State Park is on Issaquah Creek, a natural lake verified in USGS hydrography data.
