Marymoor Park Paddling – Slough Exploration and Wildlife …

Marymoor Park sits at the north tip of Lake Sammamish in Redmond, where the lake narrows into the Sammamish River. The paddle here is not a big-water lake route — it is a slough exploration, moving slowly through a marshy river corridor with wildlife at close range. Great blue herons stand motionless in the shallows. Osprey hunt overhead. Beavers have dammed several of the side channels. It is the closest thing to wilderness paddling you will find 20 minutes from downtown Bellevue.

The Launch

Marymoor Park has multiple launch options. The main boat launch at the south end of the park puts you directly on the north end of Lake Sammamish. A second access point near the park’s wetland trails puts you into the river slough more directly. The slough access is the better choice for wildlife paddling — the lake is bigger and more exposed.

Address: 6046 W Lake Sammamish Pkwy NE, Redmond, WA 98052

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Parking: Large free lots throughout the park. King County operates the park and it rarely runs out of parking — it is one of the larger regional parks in the county.

The Slough Route

Paddle east from the main launch and look for the river channel entering the lake from the northeast — this is the Sammamish River where it exits the lake (or enters, depending on your perspective — the river drains north from the lake to eventually join the Lake Washington Ship Canal in Bothell). Follow the river north and the water narrows, the vegetation closes in, and the wildlife gets thicker.

The slough areas off the main channel are the best for herons and beavers. Beaver lodges are visible from the water. Move slowly and keep noise down — the wildlife here is tolerant of quiet paddlers but will flush quickly at sudden movement or sound.

Wildlife You Will Actually See

• Great blue herons: Abundant. Stand still in the shallows and you will pass within 10 feet of them regularly.
• Osprey: Hunt over the open water in warmer months. Watch for them hovering then diving feet-first.
• Beavers: Most active at dawn and dusk. Lodge structures are visible throughout the slough.
• River otters: Less common but present — most often seen in early morning.
• Waterfowl: Year-round ducks and geese; migratory species in spring and fall.

Practical Notes

• Best time: Early morning for wildlife, any time for the slough paddle. Avoid busy summer afternoons when the park fills with soccer games and events.
• Water depth: The slough is shallow in late summer — some sections may require dragging your board in dry years. Spring through early summer is the best water level window.
• Connecting to the Sammamish River Trail: The multi-use trail runs alongside the river — you can coordinate a land-and-water day combining paddling with a trail walk or bike ride.