Issaquah Real Estate Area Information &Homes for Sale in King County, WA.

Issaquah

Recreational life in Issaquah is a combination of outdoor enjoyment, community events and cultural pride. Issaquah residents and community organizations strive to maintain the culture and values associated with the town’s early logging and mining days. Community spirit is given structure by the Issaquah Historical Society, Downtown Issaquah Association, Issaquah Chamber and the city. Through events, festivals and downtown beautification projects, these organizations provide a support system for residents and local merchants.

The many recreational sites surrounding Issaquah keep residents entertained throughout the year. Opportunities to explore the gorgeous natural surroundings are available through a local zoo, salmon hatchery, ski resort, public lake and surrounding mountain ranges. Cougar Mountain Zoo, for example, cares for local animals and several endangered species. Visitors can participate in guided tours, lectures and special activities. Tiger Mountain State Forest is popular with hikers and paragliders. About 200 miles of trails have been established on Tiger Mountain by the Issaquah Alps Trail Club; these range in difficulty from moderate to more advanced. Venturesome paragliders use a 1,800-foot cliff on the west side of the mountain as their launching point.

Other popular destinations are Lake Sammamish State Park and Snoqualmie Pass. In the warmer months, the lake and surrounding parklands can be used for swimming, kayaking, scuba diving, team sports, boating and fishing. Winter months bring out the snowmobiles, cross country skiers and dog sleds. Snoqualmie Pass, known primarily for its downhill skiing, also offers year-round activities. When the skiers and snowboarders retire in the warmer months, hikers and backpackers take their place.

In town, Issaquah’s Gilman Village is a local treasure. Historic buildings and boardwalks create a charming environment for exploring eclectic shops or enjoying a nice meal. The turn-of-the-century buildings were relocated from their original location to avoid demolition. Today, they house antique shops and clothing retailers, as well as a variety of restaurants.

Community celebrations in Issaquah include an event dedicated to chocolate, wine and jazz, plus art walks, car shows, Fourth of July celebrations and outdoor concerts. While each of these enjoys a local following, the Salmon Days Festival is the city’s premier event. Held each October, Salmon Days brings in more than 150,000 people to enjoy arts and crafts booths, live entertainment, hatchery tours and children’s play areas.