Disabled Hikers | Snoqualmie Tribe Ancestral Lands Movement (STALM) Community Gathering

About the event:  Disabled Hikers (DH) and the Snoqualmie Tribe Ancestral Lands Movement (STALM) are collaborating on an event to bring together people in Lake Sammamish Park. We will spend time hanging out in community, stroll and roll paved paths together, see a great blue heron or bald eagle (or maybe just some crows – we’re not picky), and enjoy the sun or sit in the shade. This event is open to all Disabled/chronically ill/neurodivergent people, LGBTQ+ people, Black, Indigenous, and people of color, and other community members. Supportive family, friends, and caregivers are also welcome. It is required that you wear a mask (unless your disability prevents it). There are playgrounds for kids to play in as well throughout the park.

Full event details, including meeting location, will be emailed to you. 

Trail Description:

We will st(roll) between 0.5 and 1.5 miles of paved trails and enjoy time along the beach. The route is wheelchair accessible and chosen to avoid roots and cracks. The Native Plant Interpretive Trail features interpretive signs about native plants in Lushootseed, and there are views of wetlands, forests, and the lake. The group hikes together; we adapt the hike to match the needs of everyone present, rest when needed, and make decisions about when to turn back as a group. You are not required to complete the entire hike.

We will also have time for socializing and hanging out at the picnic area. The Snoqualmie Tribe Ancestral Lands Movement will share information about the park and the importance of mindful and accessible recreation. Free swag from STALM and DH!

Amenities: Accessible toilets with running water are located near the parking lot and the building where we will start the group hike. There are picnic benches at the meeting location - we recommend bringing a collapsible chair if you will need to sit throughout. Please also bring water bottles.

Pets: Service animals are always welcome. Pets are discouraged to reduce potential conflicts and accessibility issues.

Parking: Paved parking with over a dozen ADA accessible parking spots, including van access.

Transit: The 271 Metro Bus will take you from the Issaquah Transit Center to the NW Sammamish RD & 15th Pl NW bust stop right outside the park. There is a .5 mile walk from the entrance into the park to the meet up area. We may be able to provide transportation from the bus stop if needed - please select that option when registering.

Cost: Free. A Discover Pass is required to park in Lake Sammamish Park. Disabled Hikers will have Discover Passes available for anyone who needs one.

About Snoqualmie Tribe Ancestral Lands Movement:

The Ancestral Lands Movement seeks to spread awareness of the Snoqualmie people who have lived in the southern Salish Sea region since time immemorial. The Ancestral Lands Movement shares the significance of these lands to the Snoqualmie and provides information and accessible opportunities for all individuals to help the Tribe in respecting, restoring, and protecting these lands.

Disabled Hikers supports and upholds the Tribe’s urging to engage with their ancestral lands in a reciprocal, rather than consumptive, manner. It is important that participants take time to learn more about the space in which we are gathering, so that we may be present in that space in a mindful and respective manner. We invite you to integrate land acknowledgement and respect for the Snoqualmie Tribe into their recreational practices and experiences.

In the traditional Snoqualmie sdukʷalbixʷ Lushootseed language, the place name for Lake Sammamish is sqʷawx̌ x̌ačuʔ You can listen to a recording and hear the pronunciation on our website.

Learn more on the @Snoqualmie Tribe Ancestral Lands Movement Facebook page or website.