Historic Downtown Issaquah

Nestled below the Issaquah Alps - Tiger, Squak, and Cougar Mountains –  downtown Issaquah exudes an abundance of history and charm.  A short walk takes you to the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery where you can learn about salmon’s unique life cycle and sometimes spot them in their different stages.

Home to the Coast Salish Native Americans since time immemorial, white settlers also began arriving in the 1860s to farm the rich land in the valley.  In the late 1800s, coal mining and timber harvesting in the surrounding hills accelerated Issaquah’s growth, furthered still with the establishment of the railroad depot in 1889. 

Check out the huge three-paneled Dairy Mural on the iconic Issaquah Creamery, which became the Darigold Plant in the 1960s.  This site has continuously supported a dairy operation since 1909.  Visit the Gilman Town Hall Museum and the Issaquah Depot Museum to further explore the town’s unique history. (Photo Credits:  Merrill Images for the photos of the dairy mural and the puppy on the railroad ties.)