Issaquah - Encounter the Authentic Face of the Northwest

Situated in the suburbs of Seattle, in the state of Washington, Issaquah is a thriving city and a technological services hub. The city prides itself on the numerous recreational options and outdoor activities that are offered within the community, beckoning you to explore the best of the great authenticity of the Northwest. Issaquah gained popularity as one of the best towns both for residents and guests, maintaining a high standard of living and attracting crowds of visitors with its unforgettable charm.
   
Issaquah is the ideal place for family vacations full of fun, offering a wide array of child-friendly attractions. Cougar Mountain Zoological Park is one of the most popular. The Zoo is tucked on the Cougar Mountain's north slope, surrounded by the scenic panoramas of the Cascade Mountain range and Lake Sammamish. Cougar Mountain Zoological Park supports the ideals of conservation and protecting wildlife with its educational programmes, treating very visitor as an important link in the effort to keep the planet healthy. Established in 1972, the Zoo is a home for many endangered animal species, many of which were born and raised in this favourable environment, getting accustomed to the presence of humans and thus, allowing a closer look into their animal kingdom. Eight zones function within the premises of the Zoo: The World of Reindeer, The World of Cranes, The World of Cougars, The World of Macaws, The World of Antelopes, The World of Ratites, The World of Camelids and The World of Lemurs. Children will fall in love with the revealing mysteries of the life of the creatures.
   
The city is also popular as the “Trailhead City” - the specific location within the Issaquah Alps, formed by the Tiger, Squak and Cougar Mountains, draws the attention of enthusiastic outdoorsmen like para-gliders and hikers, who come to play, surrounded by the natural beauty of the background.
    
Issaquah is also a host for live theatre performances, a Saturday farmers' market and Art Walk.
Among the most celebrated festivals that are annually held during the last weekend of September or the first weekend of October are the salmon hatchery and the renowned Salmon Days festival, attracting more than 150,000 visitors each year.
   
Issaquah is passionately devoted to hometown values, local traditions and a friendly attitude to outsiders. One of the best districts in Washington State is located here. The city also has a bright nightlife, a fascinating downtown, a chocolate factory, a flourishing arts scene and plenty of recreational pursuits.
   
Opinions regarding the origin of the city's name are mixed - there's only one thing that is certain and this is that the term is Native American. The prevailing theory explains that the name is most likely derived from isquoh - a word in Native American, an interjection immitating the sound produced by birds.
   
The city vehemently preserves its historical heritage as a mining center. L.B. Andrews positioned coal exposures near Issaquah Creek in 1862. Over the course of many years, the community became an important farming, mining and lumbering hub. This old legacy is best evident in the historic landmarks and yearly celebrations, scattered throughout the community.
   
Every autumn, the Washington State Salmon Hatchery, situated in the heart of downtown, is crowded with interested visitors who drop by just to watch how salmon returns to Issaquah Creek. It's not hard to imagine that this particular hatchery is the most-visited hatchery in Washington, giving you the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the intriguing cyclic recurrence of the salmon.