The Hiker Mama

Big Rock Park

Distance: There is a little over 1 mile of trails in the park.

Elevation Gain: 70 feet

Seasons: Year-round

Maps: Find a map online at http://sammamishwalks.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/BigRockPark.pdf

Description: This park used to be private property, but it was donated to the City of Sammamish to be a park and natural area. It was named for a giant glacial erratic that sits in the forest, just begging to be climbed on. Recently, the city added some natural play features in the upper area of the park, including tunnels for crawling through, a slide, a giant nest to play in, and a zip line. A stream runs through the meadow, providing hiding places for frogs. Kids will enjoy the gentle trails, and will find birds and fungi while exploring. There is still a private home that is in the park, and it is off-limits to the public.

Directions: From I-90, take Exit 15 in Issaquah, SR 900 E/17th Ave NW. Turn left at the exit. Continue on to the right on NW Sammamish Rd. Turn left onto E Lake Sammamish Parkway SE. At the traffic circle, stay in the inner lane, and take the second exit to continue on E Lake Sammamish Parkway SE. Turn right onto 212th Way SE. Turn right onto SE 8th St. You’ll reach the stop sign at Ave SE. Continue straight through there, and find parking on SE 8th on your right. There is a porta-potty on the site. No permits are needed.

Links: See our trip report of our visit. Read ParentMap‘s review of the park here.