I walked along both the Sammamish River and Lake Sammamish River over the weekend, enjoying nature and other hikers and dog walkers. I have walked the length of the Sammamish River trail from its entry into Lake Washington to its source at Lake Sammamish, on weekends over a period of a few months. The trail is very well maintained and there are beautiful sights all along the way, as well as scenic trails diverging from the main trail. And there is also a nice coffee shop – Riverside Roasters (Redmond)- where you can warm up on a cold day, just a few a couple blocks off the main trail.

Yesterday I finished the last stretch of the river trail and then cut across to join the East Lake Sammamish Trail which heads down to Issaquah. I came to Sammamish Landing and found some interesting signage regarding fishing and the restoration of natural habitat. The area is very built up, so people need reminders of how to aid in nature restoration. There is fishing allowed but with guidelines.

There is a sign (above) talking about the preservation of a native salmon species and it lists ways to protect, reconnect, and restore the salmon’s native habitat. I love that it lists specific actions in bullet point form. We often want to help but are confused about how. This sign gives specifics.

The sign also instructs fishermen, with graphics, on their responsibilities. Which type of fish they can keep and which type do they need to throw back? There was a fisherman active on one of the park piers while I was there.

And out on the pier, there was a sign about and receptacle for recycling used fishing line. I had not seen a sign like that before, but I think it is a good idea. I’ve only gone fishing twice in my life – both times unsuccessfully – so I just gaze out on the lake from the pier.

Another time I plan to drive to the landing – a small parking lot across the main drag so will need to get there early – and hike further down the lakeside to see what other sites I may see. For now, I saw plenty of birds also enjoying the lake – as the group below. It may be winter, but there are still plenty of snow-free sights to see.:)