Consider the Sammamish River. It winds its way through King County. This river is more than just a waterway. It is a place rich in history and teeming with life.
The Sammamish River stretches for about 14 miles. It drains Lake Sammamish into Lake Washington. Along its route, the Sammamish River meanders through Redmond, Woodinville, Bothell, and Kenmore. The river derives its name from the native people. They once lived along its entire length.
The Sammamish River begins its journey. It starts as an outlet from the north shore of Lake Sammamish. Several creeks feed into Lake Sammamish. They form the headwaters of the Sammamish River basin. Issaquah Creek is the most important of these.
The river flows north from the lake. It passes through Redmond. Bear Creek joins the Sammamish from the east. This creek also carries water from Evans Creek and Cottage Lake Creek. The Sammamish then enters Woodinville. Here, it turns northwest and then west. Little Bear Creek joins the Sammamish at this turning point from the north. The river bends westward. North Creek joins it in Bothell. This is near the University of Washington. Finally, Swamp Creek joins in Kenmore. The Sammamish River empties into Lake Washington. This happens on the west side of Kenmore.
The Sammamish River basin covers a large area. It stretches from Everett in the north to May Valley in the south. It is part of the Lake Washington-Cedar River drainage. The total basin drainage area is approximately 626 square kilometers. This includes the surface of Lake Sammamish. Big Bear Creek is the largest tributary. Little Bear Creek, North Creek, and Swamp Creek follow.
The Sammamish River has seen significant changes. These modifications address navigation, agriculture, and flood control. Before a new channel was dug around 1936, the river was different. It was wider and deeper. The flow was slower. The elevation difference between Lake Sammamish and Lake Washington was smaller. Back then, the river was known as Squak Slough. Shallow-draft steamers navigated it. Logs and coal barges floated from Lake Sammamish to Lake Washington. The river’s mouth was east of its current location.
Two major projects reshaped the river. The first involved lowering Lake Washington’s water level in 1916. This was part of the Lake Washington Ship Canal development. The flow rate of the river increased. The mouth of the river shifted westward. The second project was dredging and straightening the channel. This was completed in 1964. It included a weir at the Lake Sammamish source. Flooding in the Sammamish River valley decreased.
The Sammamish River supports runs of salmon and trout. Chinook, coho, sockeye, kokanee, steelhead, and coastal cutthroat trout are all found here. King County is working to restore fish habitat.
Birds and mammals thrive along the river. Canada geese, ducks, and great blue herons are plentiful. Bald eagles and beavers are common sights. You might also spot river otters, weasels, voles, and even the occasional coyote along the banks.
The Sammamish River Trail runs along the river. This paved trail is perfect for walking and biking. It stretches from Marymoor Park in Redmond to Bothell. Here, it connects to the Burke-Gilman Trail to Seattle. The trail passes near wineries in Woodinville.
The Sammamish River also impacts the valley’s ecosystem. It includes steep bluff hillsides and upland plateaus. The valley’s fertile soils support local produce. However, urban development poses a threat. Impervious surfaces contaminate the river with runoff. This harms fish and wildlife.
So, remember the Sammamish River. It is a vital part of the region’s history and environment. It offers recreation and sustains diverse wildlife. Yet it faces challenges from human development. Preserving this treasure requires careful stewardship.