The Happiness Function

Here’s how to spend one day in Issaquah, Washington. We share the top things to do and the best places to eat. Discover why Issaquah is a great place to visit for a weekend getaway or a day trip from Seattle.

As we drove twenty minutes east of Seattle towards the Issaquah Alps to hike, I couldn’t wait to spend the day in Issaquah.

This Seattle suburb with a little less than 40,000 people boasts numerous trails, a vital salmon hatchery downtown, an international art exhibit, and is world-renowned for its paragliding.

I want to thank Visit Issaquah for hosting me. The town’s charming small-town feel and eye-catching scenery inspired me to write about our experience and share it with others.

Hike through the temperate forest

Once we arrived, I was greeted with postcard-worthy mountainous views and brisk, but humid air. 

We spent the morning hiking five miles through Cougar Mountain’s temperate forest along the Bear Ridge Trail with the Issaquah Alps Trails Club. It was fascinating to see the variety of greenery, mushrooms, and moss. 

Check out the Issaquah Alps Trails Club website for hiking events. Or browse AllTrails to find the best hike for you.

I love visiting communities with trail systems. It gives the people who live there easy access to the outdoors and offers visitors a great way to explore outside for free.

I ended the morning’s hiking adventure at L’Experience Paris, where I got pavlova berries that I’m still dreaming about months later.

Explore the state’s oldest salmon hatchery

After the hike and the delectible dessert, we headed into town to check out the salmon hatchery. Here, I learned it’s the oldest working hatchery in the state and the only one in a historic downtown. 

It was my first time visiting a salmon hatchery, and I didn’t know what to expect. I was taught about the importance of salmon to the environment and that their lifecycle is so critical that human intervention is necessary to ensure their success. 

The visit left me in awe and reminded me how important it is for all of us to take pride in and care for our environment.

Visit an epic international art exhibit

As the day went on, after visiting the salmon hatchery, we walked around Issaquah’s historic but hip downtown and couldn’t help but admire the colorful flower baskets lining the main strip. We went into a tea shop and a glassblowing workshop, and walked by the old Shell gas station.

I embarked on an artistic treasure hunt to discover Jakob Two Trees, a famous troll created by Danish artist and activist Thomas Dambo, whose mission is to promote environmental and cultural awareness.

I was moved by the energy and facial expression on Jakob Two Trees as I stopped to take photos. I’d heard that people come from all over the world to see Dambo’s work, and now I could see why for myself.

Get the local scoop at the history museums

While continuing our adventure around the city on foot, we stopped into the Issaquah History Museums, home to the original train depot built in 1989. Here, I got a download on the area’s history. 

Our tour guide shared that not only are the Issaquah Alps a popular hiking destination, but Poo Poo Point on West Tiger Mountain is also a famous paragliding spot. 

While visiting, our guide shared that Poo Poo Point was named after the train whistle you could hear from miles away, going “Pooooo pooooo” back in the day. I know… I was curious when I first heard the name, too.

Today, people come from all over the world to fly here, and first-timers can enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime tandem adventure with Northwest Paragliding. 

Dinner and drinks at a local favorite

We wrapped up the day window shopping at Gilman Village, followed by dinner at the Well & Table. In this local farm-to-table restaurant, we enjoyed locally sourced Coho salmon, a charcuterie board, and gluten-free dessert. 

The ambiance was inviting and relaxing, the staff was warm and friendly, and the wine paired perfectly with our entrées. The experience was incredible. I left, hoping to visit again someday. I recommend making a reservation in advance.

Every time Pablo and I visit the Pacific Northwest, we marvel at its green spaces, friendly locals, and delicious restaurant options.

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