Outdoor Adventures

Thrill Seeker Experiences

From the shores of Lake Sammamish to the highest peaks of the Issaquah Alps, outdoor adventures await, no matter your preferred level of adrenaline rush.

Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park is a regional park in King County, Washington, near the towns of Bellevue and Issaquah. The park was established in June 1983 to protect the central core of Cougar Mountain, the park covers 3,115 acres with 38 miles of hiking trails and 12 miles of equestrian trails.

The Creekside Angling Company is a full-service fly-fishing outfitter. Shop their full range of fly fishing gear and accessories, get advice from their helpful and knowledgeable staff, or sign up for one of their guided trips.

A world-renowned destination and over 120 acres of single-track mountain bike trails. Located among lush evergreen forests this premier mountain bike park hosts monthly events in education and trail maintenance. Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park provides an exceptional riding experience for riders of all ages, styles, and skill levels.

East Lake Sammamish Trail

Great for beginners. The trail offers connections to Marymoor Park, intersects with the Issaquah-Preston Trail, and includes lots of scenic waterfront views.

Kayak Academy rents kayaks, SUPs (stand-up paddle boards), and related gear. New to kayaking and paddling? They also offer kayak and SUP lessons and training camps.

Issaquah Sportsmen’s Club

This club has been serving sportsmen since 1920. The firing range provides a safe place for both the public and members to shoot. The range is a place where sports enthusiasts can hone their skills while observing safe firearms handling and shooting. There is also an archery range available for members only and their guests.

Witness the gorgeous drive from Issaquah, WA through the Cascade Mountains to the hidden mountain town of Leavenworth. Wander through snowy forest trails with a guided morning hike or snowshoe trek near Snoqualmie Pass. Explore the iconic Bavarian history of Leavenworth. Find a local cafe to fill up on brats and a stein of beer for lunch (or another local cuisine of your choice). Pop in the quaint shops filled with the holiday spirit at all times of year. Find some treasures to bring home for yourself or loved ones. Bask in the glow of the world famous holiday light display that takes over the town as it turns on each evening.

Issaquah-Preston Trail

The trail offers paved, gravel, and some dirt paths that can be uneven and muddy depending on the time of year, but is a generally pleasant ride as part of the Mountains to Sound Greenways. Beginners should prepare for one short steep section (don't be ashamed to walk your bike if you need to!).

Northwest Paragliding – Tandem Ride

Northwest Paragliding’s team of fully certified USHPA tandem pilots will help you experience the thrill of flight at one of the most beautiful flying locations in the USA. There is NO experience necessary. Tandem flights are available from April 1st – October 1st and can be enjoyed by anyone over the age of 16 and under 260 pounds. (Minors must be accompanied by an adult).

On the day of your reservation, they bring the jet skis, life vests, and any other rented equipment to you at the designated drop-off spot (typically the boat launch area). They will double-check all paperwork with you, and pass out/help you to fill temporary boaters cards (free!). A staff member will then give you a thorough walk-through of the operational and safety procedures of the equipment, and answer any questions you may have. They will launch the jet skis at the boat launch and get you on your way. Ohana Kai will return at the end of your rental period to pull the jet skis out of the water and do a post-rental inspection.

Take PaddleFlow/SUP Yoga and PaddleFit classes at Lake Sammamish with a certified instructor and safety rescue trainer Lindsay Lambert. They have a fleet of boards available for rentals and lessons.

Inspired by the sound of logging steam whistles, the Poo Poo Point - Chirico Trail is a trail with a view of Issaquah, Squak Mountain, Cougar Mountain, and Lake Sammamish. Poo Poo is an adaptation of Native American sounds for the steam whistle. It is one of the area's most sought-after vistas where Seattle Paragliding Outfitters soar like birds and land at the trailhead.

Experience outdoor bliss. Join REI for an outdoor class, guided day trip or virtual event.

REI Snoqualmie Pass Rentals

Trailside snowshoe and sled rentals - Discover the beauty, serenity, and solitude of a snowshoe hike this winter. In the heart of Snoqualmie Pass, you can rent kids and adult snowshoes (and sleds!) by the hour from REI’s Snoqualmie Pass Snowshoe Rentals Outpost.

Ride Bicycles can set you and your family up with a bike rental matched to their fitness and ability levels. Then head right out from the bike shop on the Rainer or East Lake Sammamish Trails. These trails are flat, paved, and mostly away from streets and automobile traffic. It is a GREAT way to explore Issaquah, Lake Sammamish State Park, the downtown historic district and so much more.

If you're visiting our beautiful region and want to hit the slopes, or you live here and want to rent for the season, you're in luck. Gerk's Ski and Cycle has an excellent selection of high-quality, well-maintained skis, snowboards, boots, and poles - all ready for you to rent.

Seattle Paraglide – Tandem Ride

Come paraglide and experience free flight in its purest form! No minimum age requirements. Seattle Paraglide has flown passengers from 5 to 94 years young. You can fly tandem with an instructor pilot who provides everything you need and helps you with every step.

Squak Mountain is the second most westerly mountain of the Issaquah Alps mountain chain in Washington state. It is situated between Cougar Mountain to the west and Tiger Mountain to the east. Interstate 90 parallels the base of the north side of the mountain.

Summit at Snoqualmie Tubing Park

Snow tubing is a fun-filled, carefree way for family and friends to enjoy the exhilaration of sliding on snow. With over 20 tubing lanes during the peak of the season and a covered lift to take you back to the top, it's easy to get your winter thrills!

Swamp Monster Trail

Take your young hikers out on a half-mile trail through the swampy area north of Tradition Lake. It could even be their first hike! The trail is solidly constructed, with good footing, no mud and it's almost all level.

The Tradition Lake Loop is a popular 3-mile loop that offers views of lakes and wildflowers and can be reached by bus from Issaquah.

Outdoor Adventures

Adventure is calling outdoor recreation enthusiasts and thrill-seekers to visit Issaquah!

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Event Calendar

Calendar of events in Issaquah

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