Washington State Parks News Releases

News Release 11-004

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
1111 Israel Road S.W., P.O. Box 42650, Olympia, WA 98504-2650, (360) 902-8500
Don Hoch, Director

Lake Sammamish State Park offers kayak nature tours

OLYMPIA – Jan. 27, 2011 – Calendar announcement

EVENT: Issaquah Paddle Sports is now taking registrations for its annual spring nature tour along the shores of Lake Sammamish. A professional kayak guide leads the two-hour tour along the shores of Lake Sammamish and up a portion of Issaquah Creek. During the tour, a state park ranger will present an on-the-water program about the Great Blue Heron. In addition to the herons, participants frequently see a variety of waterfowl and raptors such as bald eagles and red-tailed hawks. Spotting scopes will be available for land-based bird viewing, but participants are encouraged to bring their own binoculars to view birds from the water.

WHEN: March 12, 9 a.m. to noon or 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
March 13, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. WHERE: Lake Sammamish State Park, 2000 N.W. Sammamish Road, Issaquah

WHO'S INVITED: Individuals, couples and families interested in viewing wildlife from a different perspective.

HISTORY OF PARK: Lake Sammamish State Park hosts one of the largest heronries in the greater Seattle area with 80 to 100 Great Blue Heron nesting pairs.

COST: Registration fee: $6 per person

Kayak rentals
Single, sit-on-top kayak: $10
Double or triple, sit-on-top kayak: $15

Free dry suits and life vests will be provided to all participants to use on the tour. Dress for the weather and wear footwear that can get wet.

Pre-registration is required. Call Issaquah Paddle Sports at (206) 527-1825 or toll free at (866) 306-1825. More information is available at www.kayakacademy.com.