Issaquah WA​, WA

Nestled at the base of the Cascade Mountains, Issaquah, Washington is a small city with big personality. Just 17 miles east of Seattle, it blends outdoor adventure, rich history, and quirky charm in a unique way. Here are 10 fun facts that make Issaquah a place worth knowing — and visiting!

1. Salmon Are the Stars – Every fall, thousands of salmon return to Issaquah Creek to spawn. You can watch this amazing natural event up close at the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery.
2. Home of Costco’s Headquarters – The global retail giant Costco is headquartered in Issaquah. While the original warehouse opened in Seattle, the company moved its corporate base here in 1996.
3. Surrounded by “The Alps” – Issaquah is bordered by Cougar, Squak, and Tiger Mountains. Locals proudly call them the “Issaquah Alps.” Together, they provide over 80 miles of hiking trails.
4. Once a Coal Mining Town – In the late 1800s, Issaquah was a busy coal mining hub. You can still visit historic sites and old mine entrances in the area.
5. Village Theatre Fame – The award‑winning Village Theatre in downtown Issaquah has helped develop new musicals that later made it to Broadway stages.
6. Historic Downtown Charm – Front Street in downtown Issaquah looks like a movie set. Many of its buildings date back to the early 1900s and are carefully preserved.
7. Gateway to Outdoor Adventure – Issaquah is a dream for outdoor lovers. Within minutes, you can hike, mountain bike, kayak, or even paragliding off Tiger Mountain.
8. Wine Country Neighbor – Issaquah sits near the Woodinville Wine Country, giving residents easy access to dozens of popular Washington wineries.
9. Issaquah’s Name Has Meaning – The name “Issaquah” is believed to come from a Native American word meaning “sound of birds” or “snake,” reflecting the area’s deep Indigenous roots.
10. Festival Central – From the lively Salmon Days Festival (one of the largest two-day festivals in Washington) to summer concerts and art walks, Issaquah knows how to celebrate its community.

Issaquah may be small compared to Seattle, but it delivers big experiences. With its mountain views, rich history, and strong community spirit, it’s a city that beautifully blends nature and neighborhood life.

Issaquah, WA, nestled in the Cascade foothills, is a vibrant and rapidly growing area with strong sectors in technology, healthcare, and education. Here are some of the most sought-after jobs in Issaquah.

Top 5 Jobs in Issaquah, WA

When it comes to top-quality education, Issaquah, Washington, offers some excellent high schools. These institutions prepare students for success in college and beyond, with a focus on academics, extracurriculars, and personal growth.

Top Public High Schools In Issaquah

• Issaquah High School – Known for its comprehensive college preparatory curriculum and vibrant community, Issaquah High School offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and extracurricular activities to help students achieve their goals.
• Skyline High School – This school is celebrated for its academic rigor and strong sports programs. Skyline High provides students with diverse learning experiences, including STEM and arts initiatives.
• Liberty High School – With a focus on creating a nurturing environment, Liberty High School promotes student engagement through personalized learning and an array of clubs and organizations.
• Eastlake High School – Eastlake is recognized for its high standard of education and commitment to innovation, supporting students in their pursuit of academic excellence with a mix of traditional and modern learning approaches.
• Gibson Ek High School – As an innovative option, Gibson Ek stands out with its project-based learning model that emphasizes real-world skills and experiences, encouraging students to think creatively and critically.

Top Private High Schools In Issaquah

• The Bear Creek School – Located nearby in Redmond, this private institution offers a classical education with a Christian perspective, providing a close-knit community and challenging curriculum across all grade levels.
• Eastside Catholic School, Sammamish – With a reputation for academic excellence and strong religious values, Eastside Catholic offers an array of AP courses, sports, and service opportunities, fostering a well-rounded education.
• Open Window School, Bellevue – Catering to gifted students from K-8, Open Window sets the stage for a smooth transition into high school by cultivating a love for learning and critical thinking skills.
• Seattle Christian School, SeaTac – This school combines academic rigor with a strong emphasis on faith and character development, offering students a holistic education in a Christian setting.
• Overlake School, Redmond – Known for its individualized approach and commitment to diversity, Overlake prepares students for college and life beyond with a blend of challenging academics and rich extracurricular offerings.

Issaquah, Washington, is recognized for its vibrant community and close proximity to Seattle, which gives residents access to a rich selection of high-quality higher education institutions. While Issaquah itself is a small city, students enjoy a wide range of college choices within a short drive, including leading public and private universities known for excellence in various academic fields.

Top Public Colleges & Universities Near Issaquah, WA

University of Washington (Seattle) – As one of the premier public research universities in the nation, UW offers exceptional programs in engineering, business, computer science, medicine, and the liberal arts. Its beautiful Seattle campus attracts students from around the world.

Bellevue College – Located in neighboring Bellevue, this large community college is highly respected for its transfer degrees, professional technical programs, and bachelor’s degrees in technology, business, and health sciences.

Green River College – Situated in Auburn, Green River College draws students with its strong STEM, aviation, and transfer programs. The campus is especially known for small class sizes and supportive faculty.

Lake Washington Institute of Technology – Based in Kirkland, this public technical college is perfect for those seeking hands-on learning in high-demand career fields like information technology, healthcare, and engineering technology.

Cascadia College – Located in Bothell and sharing a modern campus with UW Bothell, Cascadia College is a standout for its innovative courses and transfer pathways in environmental sciences, business, and digital media.

Top Private Colleges & Universities Near Issaquah, WA

Seattle University – A highly respected private Jesuit university, Seattle U is known for its strong programs in law, nursing, business, engineering, and the social sciences, along with a deep commitment to social justice and community service.

Seattle Pacific University – This private Christian university offers a welcoming environment and top-tier degrees in education, business, counseling, nursing, and the arts, emphasizing academic excellence and service.

Northwest University – Located in Kirkland, just minutes from Issaquah, Northwest University is a private Christian institution with strong programs in business, education, psychology, and ministry leadership.

DigiPen Institute of Technology – In nearby Redmond, DigiPen is world-renowned for its programs in computer science, video game design, digital art, and engineering—ideal for students seeking careers in the booming tech industry.

City University of Seattle – Known for its flexible online and in-person programs, CityU offers high-quality degrees in business, education, leadership, and information systems, perfectly suited for working adults and career changers.

Whether you are seeking a public university with a large, vibrant campus life, or a private college with a personalized approach, the Issaquah area provides a wealth of educational opportunities to help you achieve your career and academic goals.

Issaquah, Washington is a beautiful and active city located just 20 minutes east of Seattle. While Issaquah itself does not have any major professional sports teams based within the city limits, residents are lucky to be part of the greater Seattle sports market. That means easy access to some of the most exciting and successful professional teams in the Pacific Northwest.

Here’s a look at the professional sports teams that Issaquah residents proudly support:

Football – Seattle Seahawks (NFL)

• Seattle Seahawks – One of the most popular teams in the NFL, the Seahawks won Super Bowl XLVIII (2013 season) in dominant fashion. Known for their legendary “Legion of Boom” defense and passionate “12th Man” fan base, the team plays at Lumen Field in Seattle. Stars over the years have included Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch, Richard Sherman, and DK Metcalf.

Baseball – Seattle Mariners (MLB)

• Seattle Mariners – Established in 1977, the Mariners play at T-Mobile Park. While the team is still chasing its first World Series title, it has featured Hall of Fame and superstar players like Ken Griffey Jr., Ichiro Suzuki, Edgar Martínez, and Félix Hernández. The Mariners remain a strong presence in the American League and have built an exciting young core in recent seasons.

Soccer – Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)

• Seattle Sounders FC – One of the most successful MLS clubs, the Sounders have won two MLS Cups (2016, 2019) and the historic CONCACAF Champions League in 2022, becoming the first MLS team to win the tournament in the modern format. The team enjoys tremendous fan support and consistently ranks among league attendance leaders.

Hockey – Seattle Kraken (NHL)

• Seattle Kraken – Founded in 2021, the Kraken are the NHL’s newest expansion team. They play at Climate Pledge Arena and quickly built a competitive roster, making the playoffs in just their second season (2022–23). The team has energized the region and expanded Washington’s professional sports footprint.

Women’s Basketball – Seattle Storm (WNBA)

• Seattle Storm – One of the most successful franchises in WNBA history, the Storm have won four WNBA championships (2004, 2010, 2018, 2020). The team has featured legendary players like Sue Bird, Lauren Jackson, Breanna Stewart, and Jewell Loyd. The Storm continue to be a source of pride for the entire region.

Minor League & Nearby Sports

• Issaquah is also within driving distance of minor league teams like the Tacoma Rainiers (Triple-A Baseball) and the Everett AquaSox (High-A Baseball), offering affordable and family-friendly sports experiences.

While Issaquah may not host a professional team of its own, its location gives residents the best of both worlds — a peaceful mountain setting with access to top-tier professional sports. Whether you love football Sundays, summer baseball nights, playoff hockey energy, or championship-level women’s basketball, Issaquah fans are never far from the action.

Issaquah, WA, might not be as bustling as Seattle, but it offers a unique charm with plenty of places where students can unwind, have fun, and recharge. Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, Issaquah is surrounded by nature and filled with community-driven spots perfect for making memories.

Issaquah Coffee Company – Just a stone's throw from many colleges, this cozy café is perfect for grabbing a coffee, getting some study done, or simply relaxing. They have comfy seating and a warm atmosphere that feels like a home away from home.

Issaquah Salmon Hatchery – Witness the incredible salmon run every fall or take a leisurely stroll along the paths. It’s an educational yet peaceful place to connect with nature and enjoy some downtime.

Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park – Ideal for those who need a break from the books to stretch their legs. Hike any of the numerous trails and take in the breathtaking views and fresh air the park has to offer.

Village Theatre – Heads up, theater enthusiasts! Catch a live performance, whether it’s a musical, drama, or comedy. Shows here are professionally executed and provide a cultural touch to your time in Issaquah.

Boehm's Candies & Chocolate – Satisfy your sweet tooth by visiting this historic chocolatier. Take a tour, learn about the chocolate-making process, and, most importantly, enjoy some delicious samples!

Gilman Village – A charming collection of shops and restaurants housed in vintage buildings. Whether you’re craving food, shopping, or just a scenic stroll, Gilman Village is the spot to relax and unwind.

Lakeside at Lake Sammamish State Park – Spend a sunny day by the water with friends. You can relax on the beach, have a picnic, or even try kayaking or paddleboarding. It’s a fantastic spot to soak up the sun and enjoy nature.

Flatiron Park – If you’re looking for a quiet place to read or gather thoughts, this small, tranquil park with its lush grass and serene surroundings is the perfect go-to.

Whether you're keen on nature, arts, or simply sipping your favorite coffee, Issaquah offers a plethora of spots for students to chill. Embrace the calm and vibrant community feel of Issaquah and discover the best way to balance student life with leisure.