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Visiting Tibbetts Beach | Lake Sammamish

Tibbetts Beach is one of the popular beaches on the south shore of Lake Sammamish. It is a wonderful place for swimming and relaxing with a view.


Tibbetts Beach in King County, Washington, is a popular site along the 7-mile Lake Sammamish. It is also quite close to the popular Sunset Beach, also on the south shore of Lake Sammamish State Park. Both beaches are often visited as swim areas and are popular with families. There is very convenient parking as well as restrooms.

Tibbetts Beach

Lake Sammamish is one of the most popular lakes near Seattle. Make sure to check out Traverse the Pacific Northwest's list of 8 Gorgeous Lakes Near Bend, Oregon.


Where is Tibbetts Beach?

Tibbets Beach is a shoreline swim area around Lake Sammamish. It's home to the Issaquah Paddle Sports Shop that offers rentals and the Lake Sammamish State Park playground. It's also just across from Sövde Landing, where you can enjoy more fantastic lake views.

Lake Sammamish at Sunset
Lake Sammamish is particularly beautiful at sunset.

Getting to the Beach

Tibbetts Beach is on the south side of Lake Sammamish, close to Newport and Issaquah. It's also very close to Highway 90. Use the map below to get directions to Tibbetts Beach.


Distance from

  • From Seattle: 22 minutes

  • From Olympia: 1.5 hours

  • From Everett: 45 minutes


Need to Know

  • Parking Pass: A Discover Pass is needed

  • Fishing License? Yes, a recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at this state park and all Washington State Park.

  • Rentals? Yes. The beach is near Issaquah Paddle Sports Shop, which offers rentals.

  • Family Friendly? Yes!

  • Dogs allowed?

  • Parking: Parking is just south of the beach (47.554630920008755, -122.06892647817027).

  • Facilities? Restrooms, rentals, parking, state park office, sports fields.


Best Time to Visit Tibbetts Beach

The best time to visit is in the summer when the cold, rainy days of spring are passed, and the water has had enough time to warm up. Like most large lakes in Washington (think Lake Wenatchee!) the water is quite cold throughout much of the year.

View of Lake Sammamish at Sunset
View of Lake Sammamish at Sunset

What to Do at Tibbetts Beach?

If you're visiting Lake Sammamish and Tibbetts Beach for a day, a weekend, or a whole week, you won't be disappointed by the beautiful views and many different activities to engage in. The beach is popular for:

  • Paddling

  • Kayaking

  • Swimming

  • Fishing

  • Boating

  • Relaxing on the beach

  • Birdwatch

  • Hunt for seashells

  • Other water activities

  • Enjoy multi-use walking and biking paths

  • Volleyball

  • Play on the playground.


Fishing at Tibbetts Beach

If you want to fish at Tibbetts Beach, you'll need to acquire a recreational fishing license. The same is true for any Washington State Park you visit! These licenses range in price:

  • Net fishing: $50.00

  • Fishing from a boat: $40.00

If you have a license, some of the many types of fish you might find in Lake Sammamish include wild cutthroat trout, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish, kokanee, and coho salmon.


Keep in mind! Two-pole fishing is not allowed at the lake.


About Lake Sammamish

Lake Sammamish is a large lake that's part of a 532-acre state park in western Washington. It includes nearly 7,000 feet of waterfront. The lake is frequented by families and those hoping to get in some swimming or paddling. There are several popular beaches, including Tibbetts Beach.

Lake Sammamish
A view of Lake Sammamish from above

The lake is 7 miles long and nearly 2 miles wide. The average depth is around 60 feet, with the maximum depth nearly double that. The surface elevation is only 30ft above sea level. The lake is fed from Issaquah Creek and flows through the Sammamish River.


The state park includes 1.5 miles of biking trails and 1.5 miles of hiking trails, and a local cafe--the Sunset Beach Cafe.


Other Lakes in Washington

Lake Sammamish is one of the most popular lakes near Seattle. But, there are many other large lakes that you might be interested in spending time at. They include:


Lake Wenatchee
Lake Wenatchee is a popular lake near Leavenworth.

A large lake near Leavenworth, Washington, that's popular with paddleboarders and kayakers. Its cold glacier waters are only explored by the bravest swimmers until the summer really heats up.


Lake Chelan

Lake Chelan
Lake Chelan is one of the largest lakes in the country.

Another glacier-fed lake that's over 50 miles. It's surrounded by gorgeous mountains and small towns that are charming as they are beautiful. The lake is fed by the Stehekin River and Railroad Creek. The former shares its name with a small community on the banks of Lake Chelan that's only accessible via boat, plane, or walking.


Did you know? The word "Chelan" means "Deep Water" in Salish.

Diablo Lake

Diablo Lake
Diablo Lake is located along Highway 20 in North Cascades National Park

A lake along Highway 20 is known for its bright blue waters. It's the starting point for many hikes in the North Cascades and is close to the popular Pyramid Lake Trail to Snowfield Peak. The lake is a wonderful place to visit year-round (as long as Highway 20 is open!). Diablo Lake is home to several fish species, including rainbow and brook trout.


The lake is also close to another popular lake hike, Wing and Lewis Lakes from the Rainy Pass Trailhead.


Lake Washington

Lake Washington
Lake Washington is a very large lake that's close to Seattle.

Another large lake that's close to Seattle. It reaches a relatively impressive depth of 214 feet and is the second-largest natural lake in the state (second only to Lake Chelan!). It is known as a ribbon lake due to its elongated shape. The main inflowing rivers are the Sammamish and the Cedar Rivers.


FAQs

Is Tibbetts Beach worth visiting?

Yes! It's one of the most popular areas to spend time along the shore of Sammamish Lake. It has a large beach area, grass areas, and a designated swimming area. You can also rent gear nearby.


Where is Tibbetts Beach?

Tibbetts Beach is 20 minutes from Seattle on the south shore of Lake Sammamish. It's popular throughout the warmer months with locals and tourists.


Is Tibbetts Beach open?

Yes, Tibbetts Beach is open! You can visit the beach along the shores of Lake Sammamish.


Is Lake Sammamish good for fishing?

Yes! Lake Sammamish is good for fishing. You can find a wide variety of fish species in the lake, and it is particularly good for bass, trout, salmon, and perch.


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