The best walks and hikes around Sammamish
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4,136
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Hikes around Sammamish navigate a landscape of lush forests, wetlands, and lakes characteristic of the Pacific Northwest. The area's terrain is generally composed of low hills and flat preserves, with trails winding through mature forests and open meadows. Some routes feature boardwalks over sensitive wetland areas, offering varied scenery.
Best hiking trails around Sammamish
- The most popular hiking route is Soaring Eagle Regional Park outer loop, a 5.0 mile (8.1 km) trail that takes about 2 hours 10 minutes to complete. This route follows a wide path through a mature forest with minimal elevation change.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Evans Creek Preserve loop via Sahalee Way — Evans Creek Preserve, an easy 2.5 mile (4.1 km) path. The trail combines hillside forests with open meadows and includes a boardwalk section.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Hazel Wolf Wetlands Preserve from Beaver Lake Preserve loop — Soaring Eagle Regional Park, a 2.6 mile (4.2 km) trail leading through forested areas and wetlands, often completed in about 1 hour 5 minutes.
- Hiking around Sammamish is defined by forested preserves, lakeside paths, and wetland boardwalks. The trail network provides numerous easy walking trails suitable for all ability levels.
- The routes in Sammamish are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from more than 70 reviews. More than 900 hikers have used komoot to explore Sammamish's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
12
hikers
2.51km
00:39
10m
10m
The Yellow Lake Loop offers a wonderfully tranquil escape into nature, even though it's nestled near Issaquah and Sammamish. You'll stroll along a wide, well-graveled path that hugs the peaceful shores of Yellow Lake, where you can spot its distinctive yellow water lilies. The trail winds through quiet woods, with filtered sunlight dappling through tall evergreens and even some surprising original growth trees, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for a relaxing walk.
This accessible route is an easy 1.6-mile (2.5 km) hike with minimal elevation gain of just 36 feet (11 metres), making it suitable for nearly everyone. You can comfortably complete the loop in about 38 minutes. Located within Klahanie Park, it's easy to find, and dogs are welcome to join you on a leash, making it a great family-friendly option for a quick outdoor adventure.
What truly sets the Yellow Lake Loop apart is its role as an urban wildlife sanctuary. Despite being surrounded by residential areas, the lake and its forested buffer provide vital habitat for a variety of creatures. It's an excellent spot for birdwatching, with ducks, mallards, wood ducks, and Northern Shovelers frequently seen, alongside other wildlife like Douglas squirrels and hairy woodpeckers. This makes the Yellow Lake Loop a notable natural feature and a rewarding beginner hike for nature lovers.
1
hikers
14.2km
03:48
170m
150m
Hike the 8.8-mile Duthie Mountain Bike Park Loop, a moderate trail through dense evergreen forests, sharing paths with mountain bikers.
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1.83km
00:29
10m
20m
Hike the easy 1.1-mile Beaver Lake Park Trail in Sammamish, Washington, through a moist forest to the scenic Beaver Lake.
5.0
(3)
28
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4.08km
01:12
120m
120m
Hike an easy 2.5-mile loop through Evans Creek Preserve, exploring diverse wetlands, meadows, and forests with 399 feet of elevation gain.
5.0
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12
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8.10km
02:10
90m
90m
If you're seeking a tranquil forest experience near Sammamish, the Soaring Eagle Outer Loop delivers a rewarding hike. This moderate 5.0-mile (8.1 km) route, with a gentle 284 feet (86 metres) of elevation gain, winds through mature forests and wetlands, offering a true escape. You'll navigate primarily hard-packed dirt trails, encountering rooty and rocky sections alongside smoother paths, all while enjoying the ample tree coverage and the chance to spot local wildlife.
Getting to the Soaring Eagle Outer Loop is easy, with clear signage and maps at every major intersection within Soaring Eagle Regional Park, ensuring you won't lose your way. The trail is accessible year-round, but be prepared for potential mud and puddles, especially on the Iron Gate Trail, during wetter months. Parking is available at the trailhead, though it's wise to arrive early on popular days to secure a spot.
What makes this trail stand out is its ability to provide a forested sanctuary within a suburban setting, making it a popular destination that feels far from the crowds of other regional trails. The park's diverse habitats support a variety of wildlife, and its historical significance as a travel corridor for the lower Snoqualmie peoples adds another layer to your experience. It's a fantastic option for a 2-hour and 9-minute outing, offering a refreshing dose of nature.
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Tips from the Community
Yellow Lake is in the Klahanie community and gets its name from the yellow water lilies that grow in it. The trail that encircles the lake is a big draw for those seeking a bit of outdoor time.
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Yellow Lake is the crown jewel of Klahanie Park and has a viewing platform on its west-west side. There is a plethora of wildlife that calls Yellow Lake home, but visitors will almost always see ducks here. It's important to note not to feed the ducks, and there are a few signs around the park reminding visitors not to.
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Klahanie Park features Yellow Lake and offers a children's play area and a community vibe. It has a 1.25-mile jogging and cycling track with wide gravel trails, accessible from multiple entry points.
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This marker is one of several throughout the park. Each has a map of the park with nearby available paths and beautiful spots to stop and enjoy taking some photos.
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This upper parking lot trailhead is open from dawn to dusk. It leads to more trail elevation changes than the alternative access point on 224th Ave. The trail leads down into beautiful wildflower meadows and wetlands, forested uplands and a diverse collection of wildlife. There are deer, black bears, beavers, hawks, songbirds and butterflies throughout the park, with several viewpoints to enjoy the area. You may even see Washington Butterfly Association members in this beautiful park surveying the area, checking for species.
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In the middle of the park are information kiosks, benches and a picnic shelter –a great location to socialize.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there easy, family-friendly walking trails in Sammamish?
Yes, Sammamish is well-suited for family outings. Many trails are relatively flat and short. For a gentle walk with a 'wild' feel, consider the Big Rock Park loop. Another excellent option is Beaver Lake Park, which offers pleasant walking paths and a playground.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails?
Most parks and trails in the Sammamish area are dog-friendly, provided your dog is on a leash. Popular spots like Soaring Eagle Regional Park and Evans Creek Preserve are great for walking with your canine companion. Always check the specific park regulations before you go, as some sensitive areas like wetlands may have restrictions.
What is the typical terrain like on Sammamish trails?
The trails around Sammamish generally feature gentle hills and flat sections through lush forests and wetlands. You'll encounter a mix of wide, well-maintained paths, smaller winding forest trails, and some boardwalks over marshy areas. Most routes have minimal elevation change, making them accessible for casual hiking.
Where can I find hikes with varied scenery like meadows and wetlands?
For a mix of landscapes, head to Evans Creek Preserve. This popular spot features trails that wind through hillside forests, open meadows vibrant with wildflowers in early summer, and across wetlands on a long boardwalk. It offers a wonderful contrast to the denser forests found in other local parks.
What kind of wildlife might I see while hiking?
The natural areas around Sammamish are rich with wildlife. Keep an eye out for deer, songbirds, and squirrels. In wetland areas like Hazel Wolf Wetlands and Lake Sammamish State Park, you might spot great blue herons, bald eagles, and various frogs. While less common, be aware that black bears and bobcats also inhabit the region's larger forests.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible trails in the area?
Yes, some trails are designed for accessibility. Parts of Evans Creek Preserve, including its 375-foot boardwalk, are ADA-accessible, offering great views of the meadows. Additionally, the Sammamish River Trail is a paved, multi-use path that is suitable for wheelchairs, stretching from Marymoor Park towards Bothell.
Is parking generally available at the trailheads?
Most of the main parks, such as Soaring Eagle Regional Park, Lake Sammamish State Park, and Evans Creek Preserve, have dedicated parking lots. These can fill up quickly, especially on sunny weekends, so arriving earlier in the day is recommended. Some smaller trail access points may have limited street-side parking.
Are there hikes that go near lakes or through wetlands?
Absolutely. For a tranquil walk through wetlands and forests, the Hazel Wolf Wetlands Preserve from Beaver Lake Preserve loop is a great choice. Lake Sammamish State Park also offers 1.5 miles of hiking trails that traverse wetlands and provide opportunities to enjoy the lakefront.
How many hiking trails are available around Sammamish?
There are over 25 designated hiking routes in and around Sammamish. The network includes everything from short, easy loops within city parks to longer trails connecting different preserves, offering plenty of options for hikers of all abilities.
What do other hikers enjoy about the trails in Sammamish?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained and clearly marked trail systems, the peaceful atmosphere of the mature forests, and the variety of scenery that includes wetlands, meadows, and lakeside views. The abundance of easy, shaded trails is particularly appreciated during warmer months.
Are there any longer, more challenging hikes available?
While most trails within Sammamish are easy to moderate, you can find longer routes by combining trails. The Soaring Eagle Regional Park outer loop is a moderate 5-mile hike. For a longer day, consider the Marymoor Park Trail loop, which covers over 6 miles on relatively flat terrain.
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