If I had to pick the busiest spot on the Eastside this weekend, I would choose downtown Issaquah without hesitation. The Issaquah Salmon Festival is happening on October 3rd and 4th.

Every year I go, I end up unprepared and just circling the parking lot. So this year, I made sure to check the official information step by step before going.

This is the 57th year of the festival. According to the official festival site, it runs both days from 10 AM to 6 PM, and there is no admission fee.

The event is hosted by the Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce, and the location is centered around Sunset Way in downtown.

On Saturday, the 3rd, the parade kicks off at 10 AM. It starts at Confluence Park and goes along Rainier Boulevard North, Dogwood Street, Front Street, and finishes near Gilman Boulevard.

This year's parade theme is Stars, Stripes and Salmon, honoring military service members.

In addition, there will be over 75 food booths and more than 200 craft and author booths. There will also be a children's play area, a dock diving event for dogs, and live performances.

Honestly, the reason I love this festival is more about the salmon than the booths. True to its name, real salmon swim upstream in the creek right next to the festival.

The first prime spot is undoubtedly the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery. The address is 125 W. Sunset Way, right in the middle of the festival area.

The hatchery is open every day from sunrise to sunset, and admission is free. From the observation bridge over Issaquah Creek, you can see the salmon fighting against the current.

In addition to the bridge, there is a glass fish ladder where you can see the salmon jumping up the stepped waterway up close. Kids tend to be mesmerized here.

However, the indoor facilities have separate operating hours. The restrooms, aquarium, and theater are open only from 8:30 AM to 4 PM.

During the festival, this bridge gets packed with people. If it were me, I would visit the hatchery first thing in the morning and check out the booths later.

The timing is usually good. According to the hatchery, Chinook salmon start arriving at the end of August and spawn until mid-October, while Coho salmon come in from late September to November.

This means there's a chance to see both types during the festival weekend. Of course, salmon don't follow a calendar, so depending on the water conditions that day, you might see a lot or just a few.

The second popular spot often recommended is Lake Sammamish State Park. Since Issaquah Creek flows into the lake, you can walk along the wetland boardwalk to see the salmon.

The city government's guide also states that early October is the best time to see salmon here. So, timing-wise, it's just right.

However, there's something you need to check before going. The state park's official page has announced that the Issaquah Creek Bridge and Tibbetts Creek Bridge are closed due to erosion, and the repair schedule is undecided.

That bridge was a popular spot for salmon viewing, so it's a bit disappointing. It's a good idea to call the park (425-455-7010) to ask about the current access routes before you head out.

To park at the state park, you need a Discover Pass. Starting October 1, 2025, the annual pass will be $45, and the day pass will be $10.

The annual pass has increased from $30 to $45, which is quite a jump. Still, if you go a few times a year, it's worth it, so I think the annual pass is better.

Parking at the festival site is actually the biggest challenge. The organizers recommend parking at the Issaquah Transit Center and taking a shuttle marked Special.

Transit Center parking is free on weekends. Driving into downtown will just waste your time, so it's more convenient to take the shuttle from the start.

If you're with kids, there's a tip that going to the play area after 3 PM means shorter lines. Just remember that the hatchery restrooms close around 4 PM.

To summarize, here's the plan: take the shuttle in the morning, visit the hatchery bridge and fish ladder first, grab lunch at the booths, and then enjoy the performances in the afternoon.

I recommend visiting the Sammamish area on a quieter weekday rather than on the festival day. It's even better if you check the bridge conditions beforehand.

Watching the salmon return to the creek where they were born after traveling from the ocean always strangely calms me, no matter how many times I see it. I love how they keep moving upward without rushing.

This year, I plan to spend a little more time watching the salmon than the people. If you go, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket.