Events
Polar Plunge 2026
Make a splash New Year’s Day at Polar Plunge at Lake Sammamish State Park!
Special “Early Bird” pricing only in effect until December 5! Prices will go up after December 5th.
Polar Plunge returns on New Year’s Day 2026. Festivities will begin at 10:30 a.m. with registration, music, and merriment on the shores of Sunset Beach. The crowd will “plunge” at noon.
The first 50 registered participants will receive a Polar Plunge commemorative pin from local company Pins by Design..
Spectators are welcome to come out to cheer on the athletes as they take a dunk in the chilly waters of Lake Sammamish.
Schedule for the Plunge:
Registration and Plunge HQ opens 10:30
First Day Hikes
Yoga
Costume Contest
Plunge at 12:00
Please dress for the weather and bring water shoes and/or socks.
Visitors will not need a Discover Pass to park at Lake Sammamish State Park.
All proceeds from FLSSP events go to support programs, restoration, and activities at Lake Sammamish State Park.
Lakeside Lectures: Secrets of Lake Sammamish Geology
Unlike many regions in the country, the greater Seattle area is constantly reminded of its geologic past, present, and future. Whether it is our landslides, our glacier-carved topography, or our volatile volcanoes, this area’s geologic history is young, dynamic, and accessible. In this talk, I will explain why we can blame California for some of our geo hazards, how coal influenced economic development, and what people were doing along the lake more than 12,500 years.
David B. Williams is an author, naturalist, and tour guide whose award-winning books include Homewaters: A Human and Natural History of Puget Sound and Too High and Too Steep: Reshaping Seattle’s Topography, as well as Seattle Walks: Discovering History and Nature in the City. His newest book, Wild in Seattle: Stories at the Crossroads of People and Nature is a best of collection from his free weekly Substack newsletter, the Street Smart Naturalist.
Light food and beverage will be available for registered guest.
We are looking forward to having you join us for a discussion of art and representation at Lake Sammamish State Park!
Winter Wreath Workshop
Celebrate the winter months with FLSSP by creating festive wreaths using local items!
Join local florist Mary Beth St Pierre, who will instruct you in creating a wreath- and you can take it home at the end!
Indoor Yoga Nov 16
Join us for yoga this fall! We will either be at Sunset Beach or the Meadow Shelter- either way we will be protected from the elements!
No matter the location, we will be protected from the weather while still enjoying the park!
November Restoration Event
FLSSP will be removing invasive species and planting native species at 3 sites around Lake Sammamish State Park this fall, including Bat Box Meadow, the Sunset Beach rain gardens and the boat launch area.
Lakeside Lectures: Your Story of Indigenous Representation through the Lens of Art
Join Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park, UWRP, WA State Parks, Eighth Generation, the Snoqualmie Tribe and local artists Bethany Fackrell, Jessica Towns-Camara, Jennifer Angaiak Wood and moderated by Divya Rajan.
Bethany Fackrell (https://bethanyfackrellart.myportfolio.com/about-me) is a Snoqualmie tribal member and is very active in the park- she designed several of the acoustic panels in the Meadow Shelter. She is the owner of a company called Tradish-ish and will also be teaching a fry bread workshop at the park this November.
Jessica Towns-Camara (https://bougiealutiiq.bigcartel.com/) is a local artist of Sugpiaq/Alutiiq, Yup'ik, and Scotch-Irish heritage who comes from us via the Burke Museum, where she has been a speaker and presenter. Jessica creates jewelry and I am very excited to welcome her to the FLSSP community!
Jennifer Angaiak Wood (https://yupikjen.com/) carves masks following the traditions of her family from Tununak, AK, on the coast of the Bering Sea. Using contemporary materials, she uses her art as a way to connect with her Yup'ik heritage and bring a little bit of Yup'ik history into the modern world
Divya Rajan (https://epiphanysutra.com/) is going to serve as our moderator. Divya comes to us via the Issaquah Open Studio tour and is a storyteller and group leader. She has run several large theater workshops in the past, and we are really lucky to have her leading the discussions.
Light food and beverage will be available for registered guest.
We are looking forward to having you join us for a discussion of art and representation at Lake Sammamish State Park!
Salmon Sleuths
Dust off your sleuthing skills because salmon watching season may not be over! While you may be watching the larger population of salmon entering Issaquah creek right now, a smaller population of Kokanee salmon migrate up Laughing Jacob Creek through Lake Sammamish State Park.
Fry Bread Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to connect with our local communities and spread the joy of native food making; all while sharing its history and cultural backgrounds (including ours as Snoqualmie Tribal members).
Make Fall Leaf Art with Robot Mom and FLSSP
Join us for a hands-on class where you’ll create beautiful botanical magnets using native pressed leaves and flowers! Amy Handy, of Robot Mom Creations, will guide you through arranging your pressed botanicals into custom cut wood frames and sealing them in UV resin for a vibrant, lasting finish. Perfect for beginners and nature lovers alike, this project combines creativity and the beauty of the Pacific Northwest!
Yoga Oct 19
Join us for yoga this fall! We will either be at Sunset Beach or the Meadow Shelter- location TBD
Mermaid Lunalee Storytime
Something fishy is swimming our way and it's not salmon! Mermaid Lunalee is splashing her way to Lake Sammamish State Park to read her favorite books about some very important friends and share her adventures around our freshwater watershed! Join Mermaid Lunalee at the Rotunda Shelter at Lake Sammamish State Park on October 18, 2025 for a mystical afternoon!
Lunalee is a mermaid taking up residence in our freshwater lakes, often found exploring different watersheds of Washington State and sharing her findings with friends in her community! Although she originated from the sea she is fascinated with the connections between land and sea, after all, all water is connected!
October Restoration Event
FLSSP will be removing invasive species and planting native species at 3 sites around Lake Sammamish State Park this fall, including Bat Box Meadow, the Sunset Beach rain gardens and the boat launch area.
Find Art While Walking
Join Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park as we learn how to find art while walking…even if you don’t think you’re an artist!
Led by local fiber artist and author Janice King, this easy walk will explore both natural and man-made elements for art images. You will see familiar things in new ways and make new discoveries that will increase your enjoyment of any nature walk.
Suitable for adults and children age 10 and older. No experience required; just bring your curiosity. Capture interesting visuals with your phone camera or a quick sketch (limited sketching supplies available). We won’t have time to finish any art, but a group show and share of inspirations at the walk’s end will help everyone see the range of artistic possibilities.
Walk leader Janice King is a fiber artist whose work focuses on the natural elements of the Pacific Northwest, especially our native trees. She is also author of the local guidebook Eastside Seattle Walks, which covers easy walking routes in each Eastside community that feature nature, history and public art.
Space is limited; reserve your spot now!
EQUINOX SOUND BATH @ SUNSET BEACH
Event Rescheduled!
SOUND BATH @ SUNSET BEACH: A Unique Lakeside Wellness Experience
Collaborating artists Katrina Surdi of Kami Soul Healing and Nate Jorgenson of Om with Nate will guide you through an evening of resonant vibrations, creating a serene space for deep relaxation while overlooking Lake Sammamish. This is a special chance to reconnect with yourself and the profound beauty of nature through an immersive sound experience.
Bring your towel, mat, or chair and simply be present.
Join us at the Sunset Beach area near the concession stand.
Please note: A Discovery Pass is required for park entry. One-day and annual passes are available for purchase at https://store.discoverpass.wa.gov/
September Restoration Event
FLSSP will be removing invasive species and planting native species at 3 sites around Lake Sammamish State Park this fall, including Bat Box Meadow, the Sunset Beach rain gardens and the boat launch area.
Issaquah Open Studio Tour 2025
Join Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park in hosting 3 local artists as part of the Issaquah Open Studio Tour 2025!
FLSSP is hosting 3 local artists as part of the Issaquah Open Studio Tour. Learn more about the larger tour around Issaquah, please visit the site here.
Visit the Meadow Shelter at Lake Sammamish State Park to meet and learn more about the art of:
September 6 Boot Camp Class
Get ready to sweat at Lake Sammamish State Park!
FLSSP is continuing our Healthy Habits Summer Series with boot camp classes being brought to you by Kutting Edge Fitness. We will be preparing our bodies for our next outdoor adventure in a fun and social atmosphere. Never sweat alone!
All fitness levels are welcome as we will adjust the exercises for all levels.
SOUND BATH @ SUNSET BEACH
Event Rescheduled!
SOUND BATH @ SUNSET BEACH: A Unique Lakeside Wellness Experience
Collaborating artists Katrina Surdi of Kami Soul Healing and Nate Jorgenson of Om with Nate will guide you through an evening of resonant vibrations, creating a serene space for deep relaxation while overlooking Lake Sammamish. This is a special chance to reconnect with yourself and the profound beauty of nature through an immersive sound experience.
Bring your towel, mat, or chair and simply be present.
Join us at the Sunset Beach area near the concession stand.
Please note: A Discovery Pass is required for park entry. One-day and annual passes are available for purchase at https://store.discoverpass.wa.gov/
Lakeside Lectures: The Story of Beavers
Join Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park, UWRP, WA State Parks, and Beavers NW to learn about the rodents in our midst!
Beavers are our ecosystems' natural engineers, and possess a unique ability to modify and create their own habitat. In this presentation, we will discuss beavers, their distinctive adaptations, and the behaviors that those adaptations drive them to do. We will introduce the incredible ecological benefits beavers provide, the challenges that can be presented to people living alongside them, and the solutions Beavers Northwest provides to help with these challenges.
Light food and beverage will be available for registered guest.
Glass Blowing Demo with Stillwater Straws and Robert Bank Glass
Come and learn about the art of glass blowing and flameworking from local artist and Spring into Adventure partner, Robert Bank. He will be demonstrating the art of glassblowing / flameworking and will answer questions and explain techniques and learn about his art. . He will be making little glass hearts to give away as well as other items during the event.
SOUND BATH @ SUNSET BEACH: Your Unique Lakeside Wellness Experience
SOUND BATH @ SUNSET BEACH: A Unique Lakeside Wellness Experience
Collaborating artists Katrina Surdi of Kami Soul Healing and Nate Jorgenson of Om with Nate will guide you through an evening of resonant vibrations, creating a serene space for deep relaxation while overlooking Lake Sammamish. This is a special chance to reconnect with yourself and the profound beauty of nature through an immersive sound experience.
Bring your towel, mat, or chair and simply be present.
Join us at the Sunset Beach area near the concession stand.
This free event is generously sponsored by Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park and Issaquah Arts.
Please note: A Discovery Pass is required for park entry. One-day and annual passes are available for purchase at https://store.discoverpass.wa.gov/
ARTdoors July 2025
FLSPS is proud to partner with Happy Time Studio in Issaquah for July’s ARTdoors!!
Camp S'more 2025
We are excited to invite our community to Camp S’more, a Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park signature event. Camp S’more offers kids and their families a unique camping experience under the stars at our local state park and showcases what our public lands have to offer.
Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park is thrilled to partner with our 2025 presenting sponsor Banner Bank! This year, Banner Bank presents Science Night under the Stars at Lake Sammamish State Park! We also want to thank our general sponsors Freelove Orthodontics, Blazing Bagels, and the Issaquah Kiwanis Club.
We will learn about astronomy from the Pacific Science Center’s Science on Wheels Team, as well as test our knowledge with telescopes and a program from the Seattle Astronomical Society. We then gather round the campfire to celebrate the day!
On Sunday morning, we offer family friendly yoga to greet our own star, the sun!
To join us for this fun family night you simply need a tent and bedding.
Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed at Camp S’more.
Come outside for an evening of s’mores, camp stories and making memories with your family at Camp S’more 2025!
Please note: Discover Pass is required for overnight parking
If you are interested in being put on the waitlist, please email operations@flssp.org. Thank you and see you next year!
