Squak Valley Park Creekside Restoration

Our Work / Riparian Protection / Squak Valley Park Creekside Restoration

Category Overview

Conserving land along our waterways protects important habitat and helps keep our rivers healthy, clean, and more resilient to drought. Riparian Protection projects conserve and restore fresh and saltwater habitat while protecting fish habitat. In doing so, the grants help provide our families, farms, and fisheries with clean water across the state.

Project Highlights

The City of Issaquah purchased four undeveloped parcels covering 1.87 acres and one conservation easements on another 0.21 acres on the west bank of Issaquah Creek to protect an important riparian corridor from residential development. This land, adjacent to the City’s Squak Valley Park North which is located on the east bank, was included in a habitat restoration project that included habitat improvements along 1350 feet of Issaquah Creek, connection of the creek with its historical floodplain by removing parts of a levee that runs parallel to the east bank, and riparian restoration area of approximately 8 acres. Restoration work improved habitat values in riparian areas and in the stream channel, benefiting Chinook salmon and other fish and wildlife species. The project also included development of a trail system in Squak Valley Park North through the newly restored Riparian Protection area.

Quick Facts

WWRP Applicant: Issaquah City of Category: Riparian Protection WWRP Grant: $450,000.00 Applicant Match: $962,000.00 Project Type: Acq & Dev & Restore County: King Legislative District: 5 Status: Closed Completed RCO Project # 08-1848

Location Details

From I-90 in Issaquah take Front Street exit. Drive south through downtown, past Sunset Way, to the south part of the city. The road now becomes Issaquah-Hobart Road. After the traffic signal at 2nd Ave SE be prepared to take a left at SE 96th Street. (Note: one can access this point from the south via Highway 18 and Issaquah-Hobart Road). Park at the dirt pull-out a short distance in. Walk back across Issaquah Hobart Road into the backyard of the last resident before the large field (Squak Valley Park North) and cross the small foot bridge over a small creek. Squak Valley Park North lies before you, and the properties to be acquired are across the stream (seen from the top of the levee). Viewing of these properties can be seen by walking south along the levee. Several of the properties to be acquired can also be access via Sycamore Drive, which comes off Front Street a short distance to the north. Continue into Sycamroe Drive, cross Issaquah Creek, and take the next left onto SE Sycamore Lane. The vacant parcels are at the end of the street, with access between house numbers 480 and 505.

What is the WWRP

The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) is a state grant program that creates and conserves local and state parks, wildlife habitat and working farms. The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office administers WWRP grants, and the legislature funds the program.