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City Trails
City of Issaquah Trail System
"Issaquah Walks" and "Issaquah Family Forest Walks" maps: The City has published, in cooperation with Public Health-Seattle and King County, two walking maps. The "Issaquah Walks" map depicts the City's multiple use trail system within the it's historic downtown area. The "Issaquah Family Forest Walks" map shows walks that are fun for the whole family within the Tradition Plateau/West Tiger Mountain Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA).
Pickering Trail through Emily Darst Park
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The maps can either be downloaded from the Trails webpage (previous page) or you can pick up a copy of one or both of the maps at the following locations:
"Issaquah Walks" Map: The following route descriptions are also included on the "Issaquah Walks" map.
NOTE: Except for the Gilman Blvd. Edible Landscape Tour, all the City's trails are multiple use trails, where walking, running, bicycling, and rollerblading are allowable uses. Please share the trails responsibly.
Gilman Blvd. Edible Landscape Tour: The Gilman Blvd. Edible Landscape Tour begins at the Issaquah Visitor Information Center and continues to the west along Gilman Blvd. to the Town and Country, and Meadows Shopping Centers. It takes about an hour to walk this level one-mile route (two miles walking out and back). There are 25 varieties of edible plants, which in the different seasons provide produce from apples to nuts. Feel free to help yourself to a sampling of the fruit and nuts, but please leave enough to share with everyone else.
Rainier Multiple Use Trail: The Rainier Trail is an approximately two and half (2 1/2) mile long route through the City's downtown area. The trail follows the former railroad corridor through the historic Issaquah downtown. The route extends from Gilman Blvd. to Second Ave. and then circles back to E. Sunset Way/Sunset Interchange where a person can connect to the King County Issaquah-Preston Regional Trail.
This north-south route encompasses some of the city's many historic buildings and recreational opportunities, including the Chamber's Issaquah Visitor Information Center, the Issaquah Depot, Memorial Park, Issaquah Senior Center, Art-in-the-Park, Issaquah Community Center, and provides a connection to trails leading up to the Tradition Plateau/West Tiger Mountain Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA). The Rainier Trail will link, on its northern end, to the East Lake Sammamish Regional Trail when King County opens the Issaquah section of the trail in late Winter 2004.
Maple-Juniper Multiple Use Trail: The Maple-Juniper Trail provides an east-west trail connection from SR 900/17th Ave. NW to the City's historic downtown area. This one-mile route also provides a level, walking and bicycle route that connects the downtown commercial districts and residential neighborhoods.
The Newport Way Multiple Use Trail: The Newport Way Trail parallels Newport Way on its north side. The trail extends from the Maple - Juniper Trail/Issaquah Commons Shopping District to West Sunset Way.
The Sammamish Multiple Use Trail: The Sammamish Trail is located on the north side of NW Sammamish Road. The trail provides walking and bicycle access to Lake Sammamish State Park and links to the Pickering Trail. The little more than one-mile route is level and also provides a connection to the walking trails located within the state park.
The Pickering Multiple Use Trail: The Pickering Trail connects to the Sammamish Trail on the north and extends approximately 3/4 of a mile south where it links to the King County East Lake Sammamish Regional Trail (Issaquah section). The Pickering Trail parallels and bridges Issaquah Creek and provides a wonderful opportunity to view the creek and its riparian corridor. The trail also skirts the Pickering Farm, where on Saturdays from spring until fall, the City hosts the Issaquah Public Market. One can pick up fresh produce and other knick-knacks at the market (see the webpage for the Issaquah Public Market for more information).
King County Regional Trail System: As noted on the "Issaquah Walks" map, the City's trail system connects to the greater county or regional trail system. These trails provide non-motorized trail routes to the north, east and west of the City, respectively: East Lake Sammamish Regional Trail; Issaquah-Preston Regional Trail; and the I-90 Trail into the Seattle area. King County publishes the Regional Trails map, which depicts all the regional trails within the county. You may wish to contact King County Dept. of Natural Resources and Parks for a copy of the map.
"Issaquah Family Forest Walks" map: These family friendly walks are located within the Tradition Plateau/West Tiger Mountain Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA). The route extends from Gilman Blvd. to Second Ave. and circles back toward E. Sunset Way. High Point Trailhead, off of the I-90/High Point Interchange (Exit #20), provides the main access point to the NRCA trail system. The following provides a brief description of each of these enjoyable family walks:
Bus Trail - Tradition Plateau NRCA
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Swamp Trail: This route follows a boardwalk through a forested wetland, which is the setting for the family interpretive story, "Zoe and the Swamp Monster." The story and illustrations were written and drawn by a 5th grade class in order to explain the benefits of wetlands. This is a fun hike for a family with young children.
Ruth Kees' Big Tree Trail: The Ruth Kees' Big Tree Trail links with the Swamp Trail. The Big Tree is a landmark tree - one of the largest Douglas fir trees located on Tiger Mountain.
Brink Trail: The Brink Trail parallels the Ruth Kees' Big Tree Trail to the north. The trail follows the edge of Tradition Plateau and overlooks the I-90 corridor below.
Around the Lake Trail: For about half its distance, the Around the Lake Trail is an accessible trail, built to ADA standards. There are two viewing platforms above Tradition Lake in order to view wildlife on or around the lake. Additionally, to interest children, look for the "wild animal tracks" along the route: raccoons, deer and others.
Bus Trail: The Bus Trail links to the Around the Lake Trail to make an accessible trail loop from the High Point Trailhead. The Bus Trail is named for an old derelict Greyhound bus - no one knows for sure how this bus ended up in the forest.
Wetlands Trail: The Wetlands Trail winds past Round Lake and a small viewing area. Stop, look and listen to the mergansers, buffleheads, and mallard ducks quietly paddling along the lake's shoreline. This small, intermittent lake was created in the early 1900's as part of the old homestead and sawmill that was located in the area.
Adventure Trail: The Adventure Trail, climbing over a small ridge between the High School Trail and BPA powerline corridor, is a little more challenging than some of the other family walking trails. There is almost a 200 ft. elevation gain.
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