Issaquah Paddle Sports is now taking registrations for its annual spring nature tour along the shores of Lake Sammamish. A professional kayak guide leads the two-hour tour along the shores of Lake Sammamish and up a portion of Issaquah Creek.

During the tour, a state park ranger will present an on-the-water program about the Great Blue Heron. In addition to the herons, participants frequently see a variety of waterfowl and raptors such as bald eagles and red-tailed hawks. Spotting scopes will be available for land-based bird viewing, but participants are encouraged to bring their own binoculars to view birds from the water.

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon and 1:30-4:30 p.m. on March 12; and 1:30-4:30 p.m. on March 13.

The tour will begin at Lake Sammamish State Park, 2000 N.W. Sammamish Road, Issaquah, and is open to individuals, couples and families interested in viewing wildlife from a different perspective.

Lake Sammamish State Park hosts one of the largest heronries in the greater Seattle area with 80 to 100 Great Blue Heron nesting pairs.

Registration fee for the event is $6 per person. Kayak rentals are $10 for a single, sit-on-top kayak; and $15 for a double or triple, sit-on-top type.

Free dry suits and life vests will be provided to all participants to use on the tour. People should dress for the weather and wear footwear that can get wet.

Pre-registration is required and can be made by calling Issaquah Paddle Sports at 206-527-1825 . More information is available online.