Issaquah

Issaquah is a city in King County, Washington, United States. It lies about 17 miles southeast of Seattle, on the southern end of Lake Sammamish and at the foothills of the Cascade Range. The city has a mix of historic downtown areas and newer neighborhoods and serves as a regional center on the Eastside. The population is around 40,000.

Historically, the Issaquah area was inhabited by the Duwamish and Snoqualmie peoples before European-American settlement. The community developed in the late 19th century as a mining and logging outpost, aided by railroad connections that helped transport timber and ore. Issaquah was incorporated in 1892. A notable landmark from the era is the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery on Issaquah Creek, opened in 1935, which remains a visitor attraction and a symbol of the region’s salmon habitat preservation.

Geographically, Issaquah is near the Issaquah Alps and Tiger Mountain, offering access to hiking and outdoor recreation. Lake Sammamish lies to the west, providing boating and shoreline activities. The city includes the historic downtown, the Issaquah Depot Museum, and the Issaquah Highlands, a master-planned community developed since the early 2000s.

Economy and infrastructure focus on retail, services, and light industry, with transportation access via Interstate 90 and state routes connecting to Seattle and the Eastside. Public services include the Issaquah School District, which serves the community through multiple schools and programs.