The Northwest Paddling Festival brings paddle sports retailers, manufacturers and athletes together in one location May 9-10 on Lake Sammamish.
More than 60 paddle sports businesses offer canoes, kayaks, stand up paddleboards, paddling equipment, accessories and gear. Enthusiasts can shop, compare and browse paddle sports brands side-by-side, enjoy a guided kayak tour around the lake or test your skills in First Time SUPin’
The event is free. Canoe, kayak and SUP demos from the beach is $7 for the day.
The Northwest Paddling Challenge is a spectator-friendly race on the shores of Lake Sammamish State Park. This six-mile course will host kayakers, stand up paddleboarders, and outriggers in a three-lap race along the shores. There will also be a two-mile course (one lap) for those interested in a shorter run or just new to racing.
Sea Kayak Tours
Lake Sammamish is over seven miles long and offers a wide variety of scenery. For those seeking a change of pace from the city, paddling along the shore of Lake Sammamish State Park offers an opportunity to get close to nature and get a glimpse of the historic homeland of the Snoqualmie Tribe.
Your kayak guide will lead you to one of the biggest heronry’s in the state and explore the mouth of Issaquah Creek. If you keep your eyes directed up into the big trees, there’s a good chance of seeing Bald Eagles and Great Blue Herons!
Many of the natural areas have recently been restored through the longtime Adopt-a-Park Agreement with the Mountain to Sound Greenway Trust. Your guide will lead you along the shore where Greenway Volunteers have spent countless hours restoring neglected shoreline. Acres of invasive plants were removed and replaced with healthy native plants.
While you are heading out on your tour or returning you won’t be able to miss the panoramic view of Issaquah Alps, Sqauk, Cougar and Tiger Mountains. There is coal mining history, hiking and biking trails abound here.
