City Launches ‘IssaQuest’ Sustainability Geocaching Tour
By Windley Knowlton, City of Issaquah Office of Sustainability
The City of Issaquah strives to continuously reaffirm its reputation as a true leader in local, measurable climate action. A key part of this effort is outdoor adventuring, which plays a central role in the City’s Year of Climate Action—an exciting initiative launched by Mayor Mary Lou Pauly that highlights unique sustainability programs and themes for each month of 2025. May is Explore the Outdoors month. As community members embrace the longer days and warmer temperatures, the City is inviting people of all ages to participate in a brand-new geocaching tour: IssaQuest.
Photo courtesy of City of Issaquah.
Since 2000, people around the world have been hiding “geocache” containers for others to find using GPS coordinates. More than just a treasure hunt, the geocaching community also promotes environmental responsibility through Cache-In Trash-Out (CITO) events and other efforts that support clean-up work and leave-no-trace principles. IssaQuest builds on that tradition by encouraging Issaquah families and visitors from across the globe to get outside and visit local sites connected to the Issaquah Climate Action Plan. Through this interactive experience, the City weaves together stories of local pride, history, and creativity to deepen public understanding of climate change and the threats it poses at the local, regional, and global levels.
Photo courtesy of City of Issaquah.
The tour’s creators hope players will immerse themselves in the fuller story—recognizing that Issaquah’s trails, natural lands, and parks are not accidental features, but the result of deliberate planning and decades of advocacy. While IssaQuest offers fun for all ages, it also delivers meaningful lessons about the urgency of environmental action and the importance of civic engagement.
Photo courtesy of City of Issaquah.
To kick off the new initiative, on April 10, dozens of community members, youth, and local geocachers gathered under a drizzling sky to celebrate the launch of IssaQuest. In just the first week, more than 30 players completed the full tour and claimed their unique GeoCoin prize. The tour takes players to a variety of forested, urban, and artistic landmarks throughout Issaquah—such as the Harvey Manning statue along Rainier Trail, the zHome net-zero housing development, the public fruit-foraging trees in Gilman Village, and several trailheads. Each location is presented in the context of the Climate Action Plan, giving players a richer understanding of both the region’s environmental history and its sustainable future.
Photo courtesy of City of Issaquah.
The City plans to keep this geotour open for several years, allowing players of all ages to continue exploring Issaquah’s trails, parks, and neighborhoods—while gaining a deeper appreciation for the efforts that keep them thriving.
Visit IssaQuest Sustainability GeoTour to learn more and try the tour yourself!