is a great pick. Tucked against the western slopes of the Cascades in
, this former mining town has turned into an outdoor playground with small-town charm.
Whether you’re planning a day trip from Seattle or a long weekend, here are
1. Hike the “Issaquah Alps” (Cougar, Squak, and Tiger Mountains)
Locals call the three forested hills around town the
Issaquah Alps—and they really are the city’s backyard adventure zone.
These three mountains give you miles and miles of trails:
- Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park – Waterfalls, old coal mine sites, and mossy forests.
- Squak Mountain State Park – Quieter trails, great for a peaceful walk or trail run.
- Tiger Mountain State Forest – More challenging climbs and big viewpoints.
You’ll find everything from easy, flat trails to steep climbs that will get your legs burning. On a clear day, some viewpoints offer sweeping looks at:
- Lake Sammamish
- Downtown Bellevue
- The Seattle skyline in the distance
If you’re new to hiking around Issaquah,
Cougar Mountain’s Red Town Trailhead is a good place to start. The trails are well-marked, and you can choose hikes from 1 mile to over 8 miles.
2. Visit the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery
Right in downtown Issaquah, you’ll find one of the area’s most unique attractions: the
Issaquah Salmon Hatchery.
From late summer into fall, you can watch
thousands of salmon return from the ocean, swim up Issaquah Creek, and climb the fish ladders. If you’ve never seen huge fish fighting their way upstream, it’s surprisingly emotional and pretty impressive.
Highlights include:
- Glass viewing windows to see salmon underwater
- Educational displays about the salmon life cycle
- Guided tours on certain days (check ahead)
It’s free to visit, making it a perfect family stop. Even in spring and winter, it’s a peaceful little place to stroll and learn about Pacific Northwest wildlife.
3. Explore Historic Downtown Issaquah
Downtown Issaquah is small, but it has a friendly, laid-back vibe that makes it fun to wander. Park once and explore on foot.
Along Front Street you’ll find:
- Local coffee shops to warm up after a hike
- Cozy restaurants and bakeries
- Art galleries and small boutiques
- Colorful murals and historic buildings
Grab a coffee, walk along Issaquah Creek, and imagine what this old mining town looked like 100 years ago. If you like small-town main streets, you’ll feel right at home here.
4. Meet the Paragliders at Poo Poo Point
If you’ve ever wanted to hike to a big view and watch people literally run off a mountain (with a parachute),
Poo Poo Point on Tiger Mountain is the place.
This popular hike near Issaquah leads to a grassy launching area that paragliders use throughout the year. On busy days, you can sit in the grass and watch them:
- Lay out their bright parachutes
- Wait for the right wind
- Sprint forward and lift into the sky
The trail is steep in sections, so bring water and take your time. But the reward—views of Issaquah, Lake Sammamish, and paragliders floating quietly above—is hard to beat.
5. Walk or Bike the Lake Sammamish Trail
Just a short drive from downtown Issaquah sits
Lake Sammamish State Park and the paved
East Lake Sammamish Trail.
This area is perfect if you’re looking for something more relaxed:
- Walk or bike the flat lakeside trail
- Let kids play at the playgrounds
- Enjoy a picnic on the grass or sandy beach
- Rent kayaks or paddleboards in summer (check seasonal rentals)
On a warm day, Lake Sammamish feels like a summer camp for adults and kids alike. Pack a cooler, bring a blanket, and just slow down by the water.
6. Tour the Village Theatre and Catch a Show
If you enjoy performing arts, Issaquah has a surprise for you:
Village Theatre, one of the top regional theaters in the Pacific Northwest.
Located right in downtown Issaquah, this theater is known for:
- Professional-quality musicals and plays
- New works that sometimes move on to bigger stages
- A cozy, intimate setting where you feel close to the action
Pair a show with dinner on Front Street and you’ve got a full date night or evening out without having to drive into Seattle. Be sure to check their schedule and buy tickets ahead of time, especially on weekends.
7. Step Back in Time at the Issaquah Depot Museum
For a deeper look at Issaquah’s history, stop by the
Issaquah Depot Museum, housed in a restored train depot near downtown.
Inside and around the depot, you can:
- See old rail cars and equipment
- Learn about Issaquah’s coal mining and logging past
- Picture what life was like in King County a century ago
It’s a quick, easy stop that adds context to everything else you see around town. Kids who love trains usually enjoy it, and history buffs can happily linger over the photos and stories.
8. Sample Local Flavors at Issaquah’s Breweries and Eateries
After a hike or a long day exploring, Issaquah’s growing food and drink scene hits the spot.
You’ll find:
- Local breweries with Pacific Northwest IPAs and seasonal releases
- Comfort food spots serving burgers, pizza, and hearty pub fare
- Cafés with good pastries and strong coffee (very Seattle area)
- Global flavors, from Asian noodles to Mexican and Mediterranean dishes
If you enjoy trying local beer, check out one of the taprooms around town and ask what they recommend after a long hike. Many places are casual and family-friendly, so you don’t have to dress up or plan anything fancy.
9. Drive Scenic Backroads into the Cascade Foothills
One of the best things about Issaquah’s location in King County is how quickly you can get from town to the mountains.
Consider a short scenic drive:
- Head east toward North Bend for sweeping mountain views.
- Follow backroads along creeks and thick forests.
- Stop at viewpoints or trailheads along the way.
Even if you don’t plan to hike, just taking a slow drive through the
Cascade foothills can be incredibly relaxing. On overcast days—the kind the Pacific Northwest is famous for—the low clouds wrapping around the hills give the whole area a cozy, misty feel.
10. Join a Local Event or Farmers Market
If your trip to Issaquah lands on a weekend or during summer, look for
local events and markets.
Depending on the time of year, you may find:
- Farmers markets with fresh berries, flowers, and baked goods
- Community festivals and outdoor concerts
- Seasonal events tied to salmon season or holidays
These gatherings are a great way to experience the local side of Issaquah. You can chat with farmers, grab street food, and feel less like a tourist and more like a temporary local.
Planning Your Visit to Issaquah, WA
Issaquah sits just off
I‑90, about 20–25 minutes east of Seattle (depending on traffic). That makes it:
- Easy for a quick day trip
- A relaxing base for exploring more of King County
- A good stop on a longer Pacific Northwest road trip
If you love
hiking, lakes, small-town charm, and easy access to Seattle, Issaquah is a smart addition to your Washington travel plans.
What Will You Do First in Issaquah?
Will you head straight for the
Issaquah Alps and chase a summit view? Wander downtown with a coffee in hand? Or maybe time your visit to see the salmon run?
Whatever you choose, Issaquah offers a nice mix of nature, history, and local flavor without the crowds of bigger cities.
If you found this guide helpful:
- Share it with friends or family planning a trip to Washington.
- Comment below with your favorite thing to do in Issaquah—or what you’re most excited to try.
Your tips and experiences can help other travelers discover the best of Issaquah, Washington.
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