I’m in the picturesque city of Issaquah, just minutes east of Bellevue, it’s surrounded by what’s known as the Issaquah Alps making it one of the most beautiful places to live in Washington State. This coming weekend, October seventh and eighth, the city celebrates one of its greatest treasures, the annual return of the Salmon, and the Issaquah Salmon Days where over three hundred artisans, fifty-plus food vendors, two stages of live entertainment, and two beer gardens will delight festival goers all initiated by a parade down front street. I’m standing at the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery which was built back in 1937; it’s the most visited hatchery in Washington state, raising both Chinook and Coho Salmon in Issaquah Creek until they are around five inches in length when they are then released into the ocean. They are out in the Pacific for over three years before following their nose back to Issaquah Creek which is about a forty-five-mile journey through freshwater passage. It’s a delightful and educational experience to learn more about the salmon here at the hatchery. Issaquah has so many more things to do and see, including the award-winning Village Street Theater with live performances, the shores of Lake Sammamish, Pickering Farm, the site of the Seasonal Farmer’s market, and you’ll also find Costco’s world headquarters here. This is a very desirable place to call home; currently, you can find the lowest price of $398,900 for a one-bedroom bath condo along West Lake Sammamish and the highest price of $7,825,000, a beautiful 11,412 square foot home on 10 acres on the south side of Squak Mountains with majestic views.
