Disabled Hikers Group Hike: Lake Sammamish State Park

Disabled Hikers is 7 years old! We're celebrating seven years of building disability community and access in the outdoors with an accessible community gathering and casual stroll n roll along the lake at Lake Sammamish State Park. We will also celebrate the the release of the Disabled Hikers Guide to Washington State Parks, a trailblazing guide featuring five state parks in King County.

We'll have plenty of time to talk, hang out at a picnic site, and appreciate nature. This event is open to people who are disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent, or otherwise have personal lived experience of disability. Your family, friends, and caregivers are welcome!

We will have an electric wheelchair and mobility scooter available if you need it or would like to try using one!

Please read all of the below information. Full details, including directions and meeting location, will be emailed to you after registration.

Trail Description:

We will stroll or roll up to 0.8 mile on paved trails and enjoy time along the beach. The route is wheelchair accessible and chosen to avoid roots and cracks. The Native Plant Interpretive Trail features interpretive signs about native plants in Lushootseed, and there are views of wetlands, forests, and the lake. The group hikes together; we adapt the hike to match the needs of everyone present, rest when needed, and make decisions about when to turn back as a group. You are not required to complete the entire hike. We will also have time for socializing and hanging out at the picnic area.

Amenities: Accessible toilets with running water are located near the parking lot and the building where we will start the group hike. There are picnic benches at the meeting location - we recommend bringing a collapsible chair if you will need to sit throughout. Please also bring water bottles.

Pets: Service animals are always welcome. Pets are discouraged to reduce potential conflicts and accessibility issues.

Parking: Paved parking with over a dozen ADA accessible parking spots, including van access.

Transit: The 271 Metro Bus will take you from the Issaquah Transit Center to the NW Sammamish RD & 15th Pl NW bust stop right outside the park. There is a .5 mile walk from the entrance into the park to the meet up area. We may be able to provide transportation from the bus stop if needed - please select that option when registering.

Cost: Free. A Discover Pass or day use fee is required to park in Lake Sammamish Park, unless you have a disabled parking placard.

Masks required and Scent free

We practice Covid and illness transmission safety at all of our events. We ask everyone to wear a high quality mask unless your disability prevents it, or when you need a break. Please distance from those who do wear a mask when you are not. We also ask that you not wear perfume and other artificial or natural scents to protect community members who are scent-reactive. Masks will be available if you forget.

Interpreters

ASL, Spanish, and other languages interpreters are available on request; please allow 2 weeks to coordinate. If you have a preferred interpreter, please include their contact information when you register!

About Disabled Hikers

Disabled Hikers is an inclusive disability-led and disability-centered organization grounded in principles of disability justice. We welcome anyone who is disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent, or otherwise has lived experience of disability – we define these terms in the broadest way possible. We also welcome supportive friends and family. The group hikes together; we adapt the hike to match the needs of everyone present, rest when needed, and make decisions about when to turn back as a group. All of our events include a moment to honor the land and Indigenous peoples and group introductions. There is never any pressure to share anything.

Other things to keep in mind:

Please read the hike description. Trails are chosen to be as enjoyable as possible for the most folks, but only you can decide if a hike is appropriate for you.

Please do not offer anyone advice or assistance without asking first.

If you have questions at any time, please ask. We’re here for you!