26 Best & Fun Things to Do in Issaquah (WA)

Issaquah is a beautiful city in King County, Washington, situated in a valley amidst Issaquah Alps and the Sammamish Plateau.

The town was initially developed to foster the mining industry that thrived in between these two nearby mountains.

Currently, this city is a huge destination comprising fun parks, an iconic downtown area, an incredible Village theater, the Issaquah Hatchery that aided the revamp of the salmon run on the Issaquah Creek, the Cougar Mountain Zoo that nurtures endangered species, and many more.

There are so many fun things to do in Issaquah, WA, especially if you are planning a fun-filled vacation with friends and loved ones. Lets dive into it!

Things to Do in Issaquah

1. Lake Sammamish State Park

One of the top things to do  in Issaquah is to check out Lake Sammamish State Park. So be sure to have this destination on your checklist.

 The Sammamish State Park operates daily on Lake Sammamish, it occupies a land area of 531 acres, and it has a waterfront with a distance of 6,858 feet.

The economic role of this beach to the community is vast as it attracts myriads of people from different parts of the country to enjoy its scintillating environment.

You can have a good time birdwatching, including the great-blue-heron and the salmon-bearing brook, or observing different animals. The park has hiking trails spread through the rugged woodlands and wetlands and two lakefront beaches, making it an ideal place to escape the busy city lifestyle.

You might be opportune to have the great blue heron or the park’s bald eagles join you as you picnic. Be sure to use the light-dappled routes if you have a GPS tracker or device for geocaching.

You can bring your kids along to play in their top-notch playground area as you relax and watch them play.

Address: 2000 NW Sammamish Rd, Issaquah, WA 98027, United States

2. Seattle Paragliding

Amongst the top things to do in Issaquah, WA is joining Seattle Paragliding. It is an institution that provides locals and visitors with paragliding instructions.

Kiteboarding is also an activity to be involved in if the weather condition is perfect. Most of the tutors to find here can only be seen at certain hours of the day as these tutors do not have access to these facilities.

This destination provides visitors with different opportunities like seeing your favorite movie on a large screen, complete restrooms, good sound, other technical equipment, etc.

Nighttime is well illuminated as there are stadium lights and outdoor speakers that give out excellent tunes to make the atmosphere scintillating and Lovely. There are harness simulators in the barn that allow visitors to sit inside and try it out before purchasing or even have a flight with it.

Address: 11206 Issaquah-Hobart Road Southeast, Issaquah, WA 98027, United States

3. Tiger Mountain

The Tiger Mountain is perched in central Issaquah Alps, Washington State; this destination consists of six Mountain peaks situated in between Cougar Mountain, Rattlesnake Ridge, Squak Mountain, and Mc Donald and Taylor Mountains.

The State Forest has been in full operation since its establishment in 1981. On the northwest side of Tiger Mountain, visitors can find the Issaquah Plateau, which is appropriately maintained by the West Tiger Mountain Natural Resources Conservation.

 Visitors can easily access the trailhead situated at exit 20 via 1-90. However, the most famous attraction for hikers is the mountain peak of West Tiger number 3, which can be accessed through a 6.2 miles steep round trip trail with a height change of 2,000 feet.

This incredible hike provides visitors with beautiful views of Seattle. Identical views can be seen from closeby summits like the West Tiger number 1 and West Tiger number 2. The next attraction is the Poo Poo, a West Tiger Mountain mountain range and an exciting launch area for paragliding and hang gliding.

Address: 125 W Sunset Way, Issaquah, WA 98027

4. Issaquah Salmon Hatchery

A visit to Salmon Hatchery is one of the top things to do in Issaquah, WA. It is a well-known hatchery operated by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Part of its goal is to ensure that the youths know the significance of watershed management and motivate them to ensure their water areas linked with salmon are well cared for.

A part of its primary goal is to help people understand the significance of the Pacific Northwest salmon headcount by carrying out educational programs in the form of tours in its inaction facility and offering a unique online curriculum for everyone to follow.

Visitors will be able to see an adult salmon reproducing in the creek, a hatchery having ponds in fall, and a fish ladder. You can also check out and see indigenous plant gardens and wetlands exhibitions. There is always something new to learn when you think you have known It all.

Address: 125 W Sunset Way, Issaquah, WA 98027, United States

5. Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park

The Cougar Mountain Regional Park is situated in King County, Washington, close to the towns of Bellevue and Issaquah. The park has a land area of 3,115 acres and was built in 1983 to protect a vast area of the Cougar Mountain.

This destination has over 38 miles of trails for hiking, and visitors can go horseback riding on the 12mm miles of horseback riding trails. The park takes care of more than 5,000 acres of land, also known as the Issaquah Alps.

The park is perched within 1,000 to 1,600 feet high above water level. The Cougar Mountain Park trails spread across habitats such as streams, caves, cliffs, and matured second-growth forests.

Address: 18201 SE Cougar Mountain Dr, Renton, WA 98059,

6. Issaquah Depot Museum

This destination was formerly used as a railway station in Issaquah, Washington. It was constructed as a station for the general public in 1889 as a lakeshore and Eastern Railway, a passenger station for Seattle, and a freight warehouse.

The railway station was previously known as Gilman, Washington, which later got a new name Issaquah. The Depot was once used as a station for passengers until the 1940s, when the structure was deserted. The city took ownership in 1984.

The Issaquah Depot Museum got revamped after many years, and the previous station was open to the general public as a museum. The Museum provides visitors with exhibits that showcase the industrial revolution, the early days of Issaquah, travel, and communication.

This depot oversees the activities of the Issaquah Valley Trolley, which occupies the museum as Gilman Boulevard.

Address: 78 1st Ave NE, Issaquah, WA 98027, United States

7. Boehm’s Candies

Get your kids entertained, and the one place to do that is to check out Boehm’s Candies. This destination has been running and operating under the care of Bernard Garbusjuk for more than 35 years. This historical feat was achieved by going in the direction of Julius Boehm.

The candy shop houses professionals that produce over 150 varieties of chocolate items. These items range from peanut brittle to English toffee, caramels, and European foods.

Here is an incredible attraction to visit, especially for lovers of chocolate; you can check out the Olympic Mountains foothill to get a feel of the beauty of Edelweiss Chalet.

Address: 255 NE Gilman Blvd, Issaquah, WA 98027, United States

8. Fox Hollow Farm

The Fox Hollow Farm is a perfect destination for families to have a fun-filled time in this part of the country. During summertime, visitors can have a ride on the kiddies-sized ATVs, check out the fruits and vegetables in the garden, and visit the Farmhouse Village and the friendly farm animals.

It also has a Beach Party, consisting of a playground with gigantic balls and a splash area. Egg Hunt activity is done during Spring, whereas the Pumpkin Patch and Fall Festival are done during the Fall.

The Fox Hollow Farm organizes the Olde Time Christmas featuring Christmas musicals, light displays, delicious hot chocolate, and many more.

Address: 12123 Issaquah-Hobart Road SE, Issaquah, WA

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9. Squak Mountain State Park

Another essential item on this list of fun things to do in Issaquah, WA is visiting the Squak Mountain State Park; it is a forested park that occupies a landmass of 1,591 acres.

It has hiking trails of about 13 miles and a horseback riding trail of six miles. It is a loved attraction by so many, especially equestrians and hikers from this region who enjoy the activity of strolling the forest, old cold creeks, and old trees that drop lichen and mossy rocks.

You will get to see the remnants of the 1952 Bullitt House’s stone fireplace through the trail of Bullitt Fireplace. If you want something even more challenging, you can hike the 2024-foot-high Squak Mountain.

There are six picnic tables at the park’s trailhead and one at the Bullitt Fireplace area. Water cannot be seen at the Squak Mountain, and fires are not allowed.

Nature lovers should add a visit to Squak Mountain State Park to their list of fun things to do in Issaquah, WA.

Address: 201430 SE May Valley Rd, Issaquah, WA 98027,

10. Flat Iron Grill Restaurant and Bar

The Flat Iron Grill Restaurant and Bar is situated in the iconic Gilman Village shopping center on-farm and old mining buildings. It has many countryside eateries that feature metal works from Gagnon welding, bright red ceilings, beautifully painted walls, and black and white photographs by indigenous artists.

Their foods are prepared from farm to table, and part of its goal is centered on incredible Northwest dishes with the regular South American

 The food is made from scratch, with a classic wine menu that focuses on creative Northwest dishes with the occasional South American twist and the owner Sean Quinn’s non-traditional take on a steak and seafood

 The bar offers an extensive collection of American Whiskies, local beers on tap, and a classic wine menu that allows guests to enjoy a great bottle with their meal without breaking the bank. Flat Iron Grill’s large deck is a perfect spot for an alfresco meal on a warm summer day.

317 NW Gilman Blvd #28, Issaquah, WA 98027,

11. Fins Bistro

The Fins Bistro is situated close to the Village Theater in Issaquah, Washington. This destination is a seafood restaurant with delightful dark blue tablecloth colors and a green ceiling covering. The environment is lovely and cozy, and it serves top-notch foods.

Their food menu is centered on seafood and fresh fish, local fish, and others. Visitors can find other delicious foods such as soups, fresh pasta, tasty steam in all its forms, fresh pasta, and desserts.

Their bar produces delicious cocktails and has a wide selection of wine lists. It has a great patio if you intend to have a good time. The bar makes excellent cocktails and has an extensive wine list. There is a lovely patio for warm summer nights. Fins Bistro is a perfect spot for a pre-theatre meal or a few drinks.

Address: 301 Front St N, Issaquah, WA 98027,

12. The Cougar Mountain Zoo

One of the best things to do in Issaquah, WA is to check out the Cougar Mountain zoo. Here is a must-see for children, so bring them along during your trip.

The north side of the Cougar mountain is a secluded area with a beautiful view of Lake Sammamish. The zoo was established in 1972, and its objectives are centered on educating people and taking care of extinct animals.

If you want to have a broader knowledge of these animals, visit and get to know how these animals are reared and given birth to. Animals to find here included reindeer, tigers, and kittens of the black panther.

Address: 19525 SE 54th St, Issaquah, WA 98027, United States

13. Glassblowing with ArtByFire

Do something even better by visiting this glass school and retail gallery named ArtByFire, in operation since 1997.

This destination was cofounded in 1997 by

Lenoard Whitfield and Renée Robbins Pound have been the directors of this establishment since it started operations.

These individuals started a studio and gallery in their own houses to assist students and budding artists alike. They moved to Issaquah from their initial Ballard site as years passed.

 Have a fascinating glassblowing experience with your friends and family and be part of their unique programs where you learn how to make glass beads and other glass items. You can also join their glasswork mini-classes and instructions via their website.

This destination also organizes business gatherings, birthday events for kids, and private parties.

If you are in the city with kids, do add a visit to Glassblowing with ArtByFire to your list of fun things to do in Issaquah, WA.

Address: 195 Front St N, Issaquah, WA 98027, United States

14. Chopin School of Music

If you are a lover of music, one of the best things to do in Issaquah, WA is to check out the Chopin School of Music, and it should be on your checklist.

A perfect place to be and enjoy quality lessons in piano, violin, and flute is the Chopin Academy which provides its visitors with top-notch classes in music.

You can get yourself conversant even on the first day by learning how to play piano, violin, and flute or even get ready for music shortly.

It also provides visitors with top-notch violin, flute, and piano classes in an ideal environment. Visitors who choose to be part of the Chopin Academy of Music can ask about the different programs such as music seminars, ear and theory training, private violin or piano training, and many more.

 Ideally, each instructor forms a specific curriculum for every student based on individual goals, timing, and preferences.

Address: 58 Front St N #200, Issaquah, WA 98027, United States

15. The Village Theater

For theatre lovers, a visit to the Village Theater is worth adding to your list of fun things to do in Issaquah, WA.

This destination was established in Issaquah, Washington, and carries out its operations in Everett, Washington. This is one of the best musical theaters in this region.

Since its establishment in 1979, the theater has become the most prominent theater you can find in this part of the country and has about 18000 subscribers periodically.

During each season, it garners a crowd of about 220,000. The theater has published over 150 original musicals, thus becoming a prominent leader in producing new musicals.

Visitors can check out the Asian Art at Ming’s Zen Gallery. You can also visit downtown Issaquah to see the incredible Far East. Ming’s Zen Gallery draws a lot of Art admirers. The museum was erected in honor of Asian culture, history, and tradition for 5,000 years.

Ming’s Zen Gallery is an indigenous owned and operated by the third generation of a prominent historian family, qualified art examiners, and direct importers.

The artistic items to see here are the Tibetan singing bowls, bronze and alabaster statues of Buddha, rare maps and manuscripts, Peking glass, netsuke, cloisonné antique paintings, Japanese tansu, original snuff bottles, and woodblock prints.

It also has vintage furniture, antiques, and arts. It features rare pendants, the ancient jade amulets, and exotic beads used in producing jewelry that oozes this gallery’s unique and incredible identity.

Address: 303 Front St N, Issaquah, WA 98027, United States

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16. Experience Tea

Despite tea being the second most preferred beverage yet, many people are yet to know that there are numerous kinds of tea, such as oolong, green, pu’erh, black, and which emanates from the plant species Camellia sinensis.

Its owner, Roberta, started the Tea shop to help people know the origin of tea and its science, but this is just a tip of its goals.

The owner is a professional in operating small-scale businesses while giving locals and visitors an incredible tea experience.

The Tea shop relocated to a larger building on Front Street in 15, and it has been in the business of providing quality tea since October 2011. If you intend to learn this craft, here is the right place to be without traveling to Japan or China.

Address: 195 Front St N, Issaquah, WA 98027, United States

17. Triple XXX Rootbeer Drive-in

Another essential site to visit in Issaquah is the XXX Rootbeer Drive-in; it is part of the two Triple XXX drive-ins in full functionality in this part of the country.

The Triple XXX on Gilman Boulevard next to Front Street is popular amongst fans of Drive-in. It provides visitors with root beer mugs, bending shakes, and burgers.

It also has miniature jukeboxes on the tables that play pop music of the 1950s and 1960s and the creamy white booths and Cheery-red.

In 1930, a local of Renton, Archie Rutheford, established the first-ever Triple XXX Root Beer shop. With the aid of his sons by name Jerry and Joel, Archie was able to develop a chain of restaurants throughout the entire Pacific Northwest.

This destination has retained its looks, except for a few additions such as the 1950s and 1960s historical items, including license plates, movie stars like Jose Enciso, rock ‘n’ roll posters, vintage radios, and soft drink bottles.

Address: 98 NE Gilman Blvd, Issaquah, WA 98027, United States

18. Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park

The Duthie Hill Mountain Bike is a popular mountain biking attraction in Issaquah, occupying 120 acres of landmass, having an evergreen forest, and is perched on the Sammamish Plateau.

The Duthie Hill Park’s mountain biking routes are enjoyable to ride on; if you’re still an amateur rider, you can improve yourself here. The bike park is perfect for cyclists of all skill abilities, ages, and styles.

It has a 2.5 acre midway clearing at the central point of a six-mile sloping single-track route with the shape of a clove. Each separate cloverleaf has a web of downhill consisting only of trails that have berms, free riders drop-offs, and jumps.

The Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park organizes a large festival that draws myriads of people from different parts of the county, known as the Evergreen Mountain Bike Festival. This destination is less than 45 minutes from Grand Ridge Park, which leads to the south, and just a few distances away from Soaring Eagle Park.

Address: 26100-26156 SE Issaquah-Fall City Rd, Issaquah, WA 98029, United States

19. Capri Cellar

If you love good wine, one of the best things to do in Issaquah, WA is to check out the Capri Cellar; this destination comprises a restaurant, wine shop, and bar and should be a primary item on your checklist.

Aside from the quality wine collections from different parts of the country and the Pacific Northwest, it also has many delicious wines.

What to find in their wine collections are primarily from Washington, Oregon, and various parts of the world. It also has a rotating wine bar in its wine bar and a mini restaurant that offers foreign and locally sourced foods.

Address: 88 Front St S, Issaquah, WA 98027, United States

20. Gilman Town Hall Museum and Jail

The Gilman Town Hall Museum is accommodated in the Town Hall and has a history stretching back to 1886; it also houses the “In this Valley.”

There’s an exhibit known as the Story of our Town, and It is a permanent exhibit that makes use of artifacts, photographs, and interactive elements to showcase the different areas of Issaquah’s history.

The building also features a hands-on kitchen exhibit. What makes up the backyard of the museum ground is two cells and a concrete jail used in 1914 and 1930 by the town. The Gilman Town hall was acknowledged in 2018 for its historical significance as it is believed to be part of the oldest buildings in downtown Issaquah.

Address: 165 SE Andrews St, Issaquah, WA 98027

21. Visit Confluence Park

The Issaquah Creek Park was initially a 20-century hop farm, and this destination is made up of other merged parks. One of the things to look out for when you visit is the Cybil-Madeline Green.

The Confluence Park was commissioned for operation in 2013, done with community jubilation. The park’s construction started in the early 2010s.

Due to additions needed by the community, a playground and a passer-by bridge were constructed in 2017. Other amenities to find in the garden are an 1896 sawmill picnic shade and tables produced using wood from the area.

Address: 655 Rainier Blvd N, Issaquah, WA 98027, United States

22. Murals and Public Art

This city has numerous unique arts and murals that spread throughout the city for visitors and locals to see.

The city is situated beside t Street, and you can find the “And Mithra Danced” sculpture by James Kesley and the mural by Larry Kangas known as “A century of Dairying in Issaquah.”

Along Sunset Way, visitors can find the “Forest Carvings ” and the “Mill Street Logging Scene” mural done by Larry Kongas. You can also find ” Reaching Home,” sculptures of “Linda Ruehle Bench.” and others. This destination makes up for an ideal background to take lovely photos.

Address: Issaquah, WA, United States

23. Issaquah Alps Trails Club

Issaquah Alps Trails Club has been doing more than just a hiking club since it was founded.

Since its emergence, the hiking club has established the Conservation Area, Tiger Mountain State Forest, West Tiger Natural Resources Conservation, county and state forests, numerous parks, and open spaces.

Community education and hiking are the two strategies implored by the hiking club to involve the community in issues that affect the public lands.

You can enjoy yourself at the trails, parks, and outdoor areas of the Issaquah Alps. You can make reservations with them to be able to tour Issaquah’s outdoor attractions.

Address: 175 Rainier Blvd S, Issaquah, WA 98027, United States

24. Salmon Run Nature Park

Salmon Run Nature Park is a 2.31 natural park popular for its open grassy area with beautiful creeks views and salmon preserve.

The Nature Park is situated at the back of Gilman Village and is next to Berntsen Park. The park is part of the natural open spaces and growing Salmon habitat beside Issaquah Creek.

There are new gravel trails for visitors to enjoy a beautiful walk along Issaquah Creek, where they will see the Coho and Chinook salmon as they swim back to the river for their yearly “salmon run” to reproduce, which brought about the name of the park.

Salmon Run Nature Park truly reflects the city’s long-time dedication to ensuring the community has access to open natural spaces. It also aims to develop a healthy environment for salmon to thrive by tackling flooding.

For many years, numerous Greenway volunteers from the community have actively been involved in carrying out this scheme.

The city of Issaquah partnered with the Greenway Trust and Watershed Company to revamp 450 feet of the park’s natural environment.

Address: 872-944 5th Ave NW, Issaquah, WA 98027, USA

25. Rainer Trail

If you are searching for the perfect escape from the busy city and mundane activities that emanate from work, then your best bet is the Rainier Trail in Issaquah, WA.

It is a 2.5 mile out and back route just off Issaquah, WA. The trail takes approximately 56 miniatures to finish and is an easy hike.

Popular activities on these trails include walking, road biking, and running. You can bring your kids with you to be part of this adventure. The ideal period to check out this trail is from March to October.

Rainer Trail is paved, perfect for everyone, and features several points of interest as you go down the trail. It is also dog-friendly, but visitors are to make sure their dogs are always on their leashes at all times. The tracks are stroller-friendly as well.

Address: The Rainier Trail, Issaquah, WA 98027, USA

26. Grand Ridge Plaza

Encompassing approximately 2,300 acres, Issaquah Islands is widely known for its urban village design, compliance with green-building standards, and protection of its natural surroundings.

Grand Ridge Plaza is one of the most outstanding planned communities in Issaquah Highlands. If you happen to be around town, spare some time to explore the many exciting features of this place.

This attraction contributes earnestly to establishing a lively environment where residents and visitors can reside, shop, have fun and dine.

Grand Ridge Plaza offers more than 325,000 square feet of shopping space. It houses famous retail stores, such as Safeway, Marshalls, Home Goods, BevMo, Ulta, and Regal Cinemas, including local and regional restaurants, restrooms, and others.

Address: 1451 Highlands Dr. NE, Issaquah, WA 98029, United States

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Plan Your Trip to Issaquah

This destination is known for its numerous outdoor and indoor opportunities. Its incredible historical attractions and natural wonders make it an ideal place to visit.

Start planning to visit this beautiful city; pin this article as a guide to easily fall back to while making your checklist of things to do in Issaquah, WA.