King County encompasses the greater Seattle area and extends north to the waterfront community of Shoreline, south to Federal Way and east well into the Cascade Mountains. Puget Sound delineates the western border of the county and, along with lakes, streams, rivers and islands, provides a bounty of recreational opportunities. Within the boundaries of King County, active residents and visitors can enjoy 180 parks covering 25,000 acres and featuring 175 miles of trails.
Mountain Biking
As you leave the urban areas of King County and travel east toward the Cascade Mountain, several parks offer ideal conditions for mountain biking. Tolt River-John MacDonald Park in the town of Carnation has a rural feeling and the biking trail winds past the Snoqualmie and Tolt rivers and over a 500-foot suspension bridge. Just east of Issaquah and Lake Sammamish, Soaring Eagle Regional Park and Grand Ridge Park have extensive mountain biking trails. To the south, Taylor Mountain Forest is a county-maintained park with 20 miles of trails.
Boating Access
Boaters can access King County's lakes and waterways via several boat launches available at county parks. Dockton Park on Vashon Island has a boat ramp and moorage area as well as an entry point for non-motorized vessels. To the east, Auburn's Whitney Bridge Park has a boat launch to access the Green River and, to the south, Federal Way's Lake Geneva Park features access points for boats with or without motors.
Picnic Areas and Playgrounds
Stop by one of the county's outdoor farmers' markets or natural food stores and pack a nutritious picnic lunch to have at one of many parks with picnic table areas and shelters. Cottage Lake Park near Woodinville has picnic areas and a playground overlooking the lake and a fishing pier gives anglers the chance to cast a line. Steve Cox Memorial Park is an 11-acre urban oasis in Seattle with picnic and play areas, while Five Mile Lake Park has 32 acres of picnic tables and play areas located beneath old growth trees and overlooking a lake.
Walking and Jogging Trails
Several King County parks feature trails designed for distance walking or jogging enthusiasts. Two of the most extensive are the Burke-Gilman and Snoqualmie Valley trails. The 18-mile Burke-Gilman Trail (BGT) begins on the shores of Puget Sound in Shilshole Bay and follows the ship canal through Lake Union and on to the coastline of Lake Washington. BGT is off-road and paved, making it a favorite for cyclists, walkers, joggers and parents pushing strollers. Following former railroad tracks, the Snoqualmie Valley Trail covers 31 miles of rural farm land and serves as a connector trail to other county paths.
Marymoor Park
Over 3 million people visit 640-acre Marymoor Park annually, according to the county's web site, which earns it the title of King County's most popular park. Located in Redmond at the north end of Lake Sammamish, the park has the state's only bicycle racing velodrome and hosts well-attended summer concerts. A 40-acre off leash dog park welcomes the county's furry residents and visitors and a pet garden honors animal companions. Community Blue Bikes are free to borrow for a spin around Marymoor Park with registration required at the park's office.
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