In Issaquah, Washington, there are lots of enjoyable activities to participate in with your family, kids, and friends.
Issaquah is a stunning city in King County, Washington, nestled in a valley between the Sammamish Plateau and the Issaquah Alps.
The Issaquah Hatchery and the Cougar Mountain Zoo are some attractions that make this city a popular tourist destination.
This guide provides a well-researched list of the best and most fun things to do in Issaquah, WA.
Things To Do In Issaquah
1. Explore Lake Sammamish State Park
The Lake Sammamish State Park is surrounding Lake Sammamish and it has a 6,858-foot waterfront and a land area of 531 acres.
The park has two lakefront beaches, and hiking trails that wind through untamed woodlands and wetlands, and is a perfect place to relax.
You can enjoy yourself watching various animals or birds, such as the great blue heron and the salmon-bearing brook.
You can bring your kids and watch them play in their first-rate playground area while you have fun relaxing.
2. Explore Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park
Cougar Mountain Regional Park covers 3,115 acres and was established in 1983 to protect a large portion of Cougar Mountain.
There are over 38 miles of hiking trails at this destination, and there are 12 miles of horseback riding trails.
The trails at Cougar Mountain Park wind through a variety of habitats, including streams, caves, cliffs, and mature second-growth forests.
3. Explore Squak Mountain State Park
Squak Mountain State Park is a 1,591-acre forested park that has 13 miles of hiking trails and a six-mile horseback riding trail.
It is a popular destination for equestrians and hikers from this area who enjoy strolling through the forest, old cold creeks, and old trees that drop lichen and mossy rocks.
Through the Bullitt Fireplace Trail, you will be able to see the remnants of the 1952 Bullitt House’s stone fireplace.
4. Explore Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park
The Duthie Hill Mountain Bike is a popular mountain biking attraction, occupying 120 acres of landmass and perched on the Sammamish Plateau.
It has a 2.5-acre clearing in the middle of a six-mile sloping single-track route in the shape of a clove.
The Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park hosts a large festival, The Evergreen Mountain Bike Festival which you’ll have fun attending.
5. Explore Confluence Park
The Confluence Park was dedicated in 2013 and features a playground and a passer-by bridge built in response to community requests.
Other features of this park include an 1896 sawmill picnic shade and tables made from local wood.
6. Visit Seattle Paragliding
Seattle Paragliding is a popular place where locals and guests can receive paragliding and kiteboarding instruction.
This location offers a variety of opportunities, including the chance to watch movies on a big screen, complete restrooms, and good sound.
The area is well lit at night thanks to stadium lights and outdoor speakers that play fantastic music to create a dazzling and lovely ambiance.
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7. Hike On Tiger Mountain
Tiger Mountain is located in the central Issaquah Alps of Washington State, and it is comprised of six mountain peaks located between Cougar Mountain, Rattlesnake Ridge, Squak Mountain, and the Mc Donald and Taylor Mountains.
The Issaquah Plateau, located on Tiger Mountain’s northwest side, is well-maintained by the West Tiger Mountain Natural Resources Conservation.
The most famous attraction for hikers is the West Tiger number 3 mountain peak, which can be reached via a 6.2-mile steep round-trip trail with a 2,000-foot elevation change.
The Poo Poo, a West Tiger Mountain mountain range and an exciting launch area for paragliding and hang gliding, is another famous attraction.
8. Visit Issaquah Salmon Hatchery
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife operates this well-known hatchery, Salmon Hatchery.
One of its primary goals is to help people understand the significance of the Pacific Northwest salmon headcount by conducting educational programs in the form of tours and providing a one-of-a-kind online curriculum.
You can visit to see an adult salmon reproducing in the creek, a hatchery with ponds in the fall, indigenous plant gardens, wetlands exhibitions, and a fish pond,
9. Visit Issaquah Alps Trails Club
Alps Trails Club is a hiking club that has created the Conservation Area, Tiger Mountain State Forest, West Tiger Natural Resources Conservation, county and state forests, numerous parks, and open spaces.
The hiking club’s two strategies for involving the community in issues affecting public lands are community education and hiking.
The Issaquah Alps Trails Club’s parks, trails, and outdoor areas are ideal for recreation and you can make reservations with them to tour the outdoor attractions in Issaquah.
10. Visit Issaquah Depot Museum
Issaquah Depot Museum was built in 1889 as a public station for the Lakeshore and Eastern Railway, a passenger station for Seattle, and a freight warehouse.
After many years, the Issaquah Depot Museum was renovated, and the previous station was opened to the public as a museum.
Exhibits at the Museum highlight the industrial revolution, the early days of Issaquah, travel, and communication.
11 Visit Gilman Town Hall Museum and Jail
You should visit the Gilman Town Hall Museum, which is housed in the Town Hall and dates back to 1886.
The Gilman Town Hall was recognized in 2018 for its historical significance because it is one of the oldest buildings in downtown Issaquah.
The structure also includes a hands-on kitchen exhibit two cells, and a concrete jail used by the town between 1914 and 1930.
The Story of Our Town exhibit is a permanent exhibit that uses artifacts, photographs, and interactive elements to showcase various aspects of Issaquah’s history.
12. Shop For Chocolates At Boehm’s Candies
Bernard Garbusjuk has been running and operating Boehm’s Candies for more than 35 years.
This candy shop employs professionals who create over 150 different types of chocolate which include peanut brittle, English toffee, caramels, and European foods.
13. Visit Fox Hollow Farm
During the summer, you can ride the kid-sized ATVs, look at the fruits and vegetables in the garden, and visit the Farmhouse Village and the friendly farm animals.
It also has a Beach Party, which includes a playground with massive balls and a splash area.
The Fox Hollow Farm hosts the Egg Hunt, the Pumpkin Patch, Fall Festival, and Olde Time Christmas, which includes Christmas musicals, light displays, and delectable hot chocolate.
14 Visit Cougar Mountain Zoo
The Cougar Mountain Zoo is on the north side of Cougar Mountain and is a quiet spot with a stunning view of Lake Sammamish.
The zoo was founded in 1972, and its goals are to educate people while also caring for extinct animals.
If you want to learn more about these animals, pay a visit and learn about how they are raised and born.
You’ll see various animals such as reindeer, tigers, and black panther kittens.
15. Visit ArtByFire
During your vacation, you should visit this glass school and retail gallery, ArtByFire, which has been in operation since 1997.
You can take part in a fascinating glassblowing experience and learn how to make glass beads and other glass items as part of their unique programs.
You can also participate in other programs such as their glasswork mini-classes and instructions by visiting their website.
16. Take Lessons At Chopin School of Music
The Chopin School of Music, which offers top-notch music lessons in piano, violin, and flute, is an ideal place to be and enjoy quality lessons in these instruments.
You can inquire about the various programs available, such as music seminars, ear training, and piano lessons.
Here, each instructor creates a unique curriculum for each student based on their unique goals, timing, and preferences.
17. Visit Village Theater
The Village Theater has grown to become the most prominent in this part of the country, with approximately 18000 subscribers regularly.
The theater has published over 150 original musicals, making it a prominent leader in new musical production.
18. Eat At Flat Iron Grill Restaurant and Bar
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The Flat Iron Grill Restaurant and Bar is located on-farm and in old mining buildings in the iconic Gilman Village shopping center.
It has many Gagnon welding metal works, bright red ceilings, beautifully painted walls, and black and white photographs by indigenous artists.
Their foods are prepared from farm to table, and part of their goal is to combine incredible Northwest dishes with traditional South American fare.
The bar has a large selection of American Whiskies, local beers on tap, and a classic wine menu.
19. Eat Seafood At Fins Bistro
Fins Bistro is a seafood restaurant with lovely dark blue tablecloths and a green ceiling covering.
Their menu focuses on seafood, fresh fish, local fish, and other delicious dishes like soups, fresh pasta, tasty steam in all its forms, fresh pasta, and desserts.
The bar serves excellent cocktails with a large wine selection and there’s a lovely patio available for warm summer nights.
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20. Drink Tea At The Tea Shop
There are numerous types of tea, including oolong, green, pu’erh, black, and those derived from the plant species Camellia sinensis.
The Tea Shop educates people about the history of tea, and its science, and provides an unforgettable tea experience.
The Tea Shop has been serving quality tea and you can learn this craft during your stay.
21. Visit Triple XXX Rootbeer Drive-in
Triple XXX Rootbeer Drive-in serves root beer mugs, bending shakes, and burgers to visitors.
It also has miniature jukeboxes on the tables that play the 1950s and 1960s pop music, as well as creamy white booths and Cheery-red walls.
Except for a few additions such as the 1950s and 1960s historical items such as license plates, movie stars such as Jose Enciso, rock ‘n’ roll posters, vintage radios, and soft drink bottles, this destination has retained its appearance.
22. Drink Wine At Capri Cellar
Capri Cellar serves many delicious wines in addition to quality wine collections from various parts of the country and the Pacific Northwest.
Their wine collections are primarily from Washington, Oregon, and other parts of the world. It also has a rotating wine bar and a mini restaurant serving foreign and locally sourced foods.
23. Explore Murals and Public Art
This city has numerous unique arts and murals that you can explore such as the And Mithra Danced sculpture by James Kesley and the A Century of Dairying in Issaquah mural by Larry Kangas.
Larry Kongas’ Forest Carvings and Mill Street Logging Scene murals can be found along Sunset Way.
There are also sculptures of Linda Ruehle Bench and Reaching Home providing an ideal backdrop for beautiful photographs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top attractions to visit in Issaquah?
Tiger Mountain
Lake Sammamish State Park
Friends of Issaquah Salmon Hatchery
Cougar Mountain Zoo
Poo Poo Point – Chirico Trail
What are the most popular things to do in Issaquah with kids?
Lake Sammamish State Park
Friends of Issaquah Salmon Hatchery
Cougar Mountain Zoo
Seattle Paragliding
Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park
What are some highly rated fun things to do near Issaquah, WA?
Issaquah Valley Trolley
Ashley Muse Personal Trainer
Air Squared Paragliding
Code Ninjas
Positive Ally Learning Center – Issaquah
Is Issaquah worth visiting?
A great place to spend the day with kids any time of year, Issaquah boasts great parks, restaurants, shopping, and even its own zoo.
What is Issaquah WA known for?
Since 1956, Issaquah, WA has been home to the famous Boehm’s Candies & Chocolates.
Why Is Front Street in Issaquah closed?
Issaquah recently piloted the closing of Front Street in their historic downtown area to vehicle traffic in order to provide local restaurants additional space for outdoor dining.
Is Issaquah a nice area?
Living in Issaquah offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents own their homes.
How big is Issaquah WA?
Issaquah WA is 34.14 km² big.
What does the name Issaquah mean?
Issaquah means the sound of birds.
What is being built in Issaquah?
Issaquah plans to build a new 640,000-square-foot building that will have a parking garage across the street.
Visit Issaquah!
Issaquah, Washington is popular for its numerous outdoor and indoor activities, historical attractions, and natural wonders making it an ideal vacation destination.
You can start planning your next family vacation to Issaquah and consult this guide on the best and most fun things to do in Issaquah, WA.
Have a great day.
