Issaquah, WA is located in the Seattle Metropolitan area 17 miles east of Seattle on Interstate-90. Issaquah lies at the base of the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Only 36 miles to the east on I-90 is Snoqualmie Pass with its ski area. The pass is a gateway to Eastern Washington and points east.

Issaquah faces the south shore of Lake Sammamish. It has a historic downtown area that has kept its small town charm.

History

Inhabited by the Snoqualmie tribe for centuries, the first white families began settling here in the mid 1800’s. They were drawn to the flat and fertile ground for farming. Hops were the major crop then, grown for Seattle breweries to make beer. In the 1880’s the Seattle Pacific and Lakeshore Railroads extended into Squak mountain. The Seattle Coal and Iron Company formed and coal mining brought a large influx of people to the area. Logging became another popular industry. Coal mining began to dwindle in the 20’s while logging continued until the depression. Issaquah’s population stayed at around 1,000 until 1940 when the first floating bridge was built over Lake Washington bringing Seattle into a commuter’s distance. Business really began to boom in the 1970’s when Interstate 90 opened.

Issaquah has two museums that offer more information on the history of Issaquah.

The Gilman Town Hall Museum that depicts pioneer life and houses pioneer memorabilia, photos and family heirlooms.

The Issaquah Depot Museum sits in an 1889 railroad depot. Inside is an old caboose and vintage army rail car that visitors can tour.

For more information on either of these museums visit the Issaquah historical Society’s Website.

http://issaquahhistory.org/

The Outdoors

Issaquah sits on the southern shore of Lake Sammamish. Nestled in the foothills of Mount Rainer known as the “Issaquah Alps”. Cougar, Tiger and Squak Mountains offer great occasions for outdoor sports.

Lake Sammamish State Park, a 512- acre day use park filled with outdoor activities. The park has 6,858 feet of waterfront for swimming, fishing or boating. Including kayak rentals in the summer. There are paved and compact dirt roads through the nature areas for hiking and biking. Two children’s play areas, volleyball courts, three baseball fields, and nine soccer fields. It is located on the edge of the city off I-90 Exit 15.

Visit the park's web site.

Family Fun

Illusionz

If you are looking for family fun Issaquah is home to the one-stop-shop of fun. This amazing 40,000 square foot facility houses all the family favorites including laser tag, miniature golf, bowling, a computerized climbing wall, a roller coaster simulator, over 100 arcade/video games, a toddler play area and more.

Illusionz Magical Entertainment Center

1025 NW Gilman Blvd, Issaquah, WA 98027

For more information visit their website

http://www.illusionz.com/index.htm

Visiting with Wildlife

Cougar Mountain Zoo

This unique little zoo focused on endangered species and education was founded in 1972. They offer a warm, relaxed environment with special attention to each visitor. From rescued cougar cubs, to cheetahs, lemurs and Cockatoos, this animal sanctuary offers a fun and educational experience.

http://www.cougarmountainzoo.org/

Issaquah Salmon Hatchery

Located on Issaquah Creek, the Issaquah Hatchery has been open since 1936. In 1992 budget cuts threatened to close the hatchery but the people of Issaquah united together with local businesses to form Friends of Issaquah Hatchery (FISH). Instead of closing renovations were made including a glass enclosed viewing pond and fish ladder, and the educational Watershed Science Center. It is the most visited hatchery in the state of Washington. The facility teaches visitors about Pacific salmon, protecting the watershed, and hatchery operations.

http://www.issaquahfish.org/

City of Issaquah

For More information visit the City of Issaquah Website.

http://www.ci.issaquah.wa.us/index.asp

The Issaquah Chamber of Commerce

has a great web site.

http://www.issaquahchamber.com

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