When I arrived at Southwest County Park this morning, about 7:40 a.m. on Thursday 18 May 2023,…read morethere were already two cars in the parking area on Olympic View Drive. By the parking area is a main sign with park information and a map of the trail system, which includes an inner and an outer loop, with a marker for where the sign is located "You are here" on the lower left. The sunlight was a little more golden/yellow than normal due to wildfire smoke haze. The air was warm and birds sang throughout out my walk around the outer loop. They flitted from branch to branch and rustled about in the brush on the ground. I encountered juncos, song sparrows, rufous-sided towhees, a rufous hummingbird, and a gray squirrel while walking. Wildflowers were in bloom and salmonberry plants bore both blooms and not yet ripe fruit. For the outer trail, I found the path to be relatively flat and easy to traverse. I paid attention to road positioning as I walked as I could glimpse it through the trees at different points on the trail. It started on my right (I went counterclockwise around the outer loop), so I knew I was nearing full-circle when it switched back to being on my right again. I missed the parking area by one side trail and ended up coming out at the end of the lot instead of the main trailhead. Fun park to enjoy the wilderness.

This is an interesting little area just off the road. You can do a few little loops or take the…read moreadventurous route and go off the map (but still on clearly used trails) and get a bit more distance in. I lost reception so my phone stopped tracking me accurately, but I got 3 miles or so in with the looping shown below. So, check it out if you are driving by and want a quick dose of greenery. Bottom line: This is not a destination to add to your nature bucket list, but it is worth pulling over for to get some fresh air and a few calories burned if on your way to or from Mel and Mia's.

Steve and I were in Monroe and were trying to find something to do. We were waiting for some people…read moreto meet at the fairgrounds in town and had some time to kill so we picked this park for a small excursion. It's beautiful being so close to the river and at the time there was fog present which for me I often enjoy as it adds layers and atmosphere at certain times and it did so here. There were also sand bars near the river we went on. The path we used started at another park, right next to Al Borlin and then led us back to Al Borlin. We wouldn't have known the difference between the two parks if it wasn't for the signs posted. We got some beautiful views of the mountains (which I think were the Enchantments) and of the river again from a different vantage point. This park would be great to come to during any of the four seasons as you are bound to get some beauty each time along with the seasonal aspect at work.

We live in the apartments by this park. Every time my 5 year old and I would go, bums everywhere…read more They built a little compound under a beautiful old tree by the creek. At night you can see lighters flicking on and off. Our apartment faces the creek and I hear people screaming at all hours of the night. I would never go there alone. It's sad because it's so beautiful but not safe. unfortunately, the police cant do anything unless they are committing a crime.

This is suppose to be a waterfront public park in the city of Lake Forest Park but the town has…read moredone NOTHING to maintain the property and you can't even see the Lyon Creek because it's totally grown over by weeds and invasive brambles. The existing trees that aren't dead, are way overgrown and very little of park is accessible because of this. The beach sedimentation has built us so much along the entire shoreline and they don't want anyone swimming here at a Waterfront park. What kind of waterfront park says NO to everything. The benches on the property are all facing weeds so can't see beyond to see all of the water. Please call the City of Lake Forest Park to ask them to get this park cleaned up including dredging the shoreline!!! So sad to see what a mess this place has become. City Hall: 360-368-5440

Secluded small park off the Burke-Gilman, right next to the Sheridan Beach Club. Perfect for a…read morerest while running/biking/walking/rollerblading through Lake Forest Park. The park is small, but serene. Most of the space follows Lyon Creek under overhanging foliage, with a bench and boardwalk to enjoy. Where the creek meets the lake, there is a small dock and bench to frequent. Have not seen any salmon running up the creek as of yet, but that would make my day. Overall, it is small but extraordinarily peaceful and well restored. Good vibes only.

Whispering Willow Park is a peaceful oasis. Grab a coffee or yogurt from nearby Starbucks or Swirl,…read morethen unwind in this charming park. Enjoy the creek's gentle flow, watch ducks forage, or simply sit on a bench. A small but lovely spot near Town Center at Lake Forest Park. Tips: There are currently six parking spaces with two designated as Disabled Parking.

I really enjoyed myself at this park/trail. My favorite part was the hidden offleash dog park. Make…read moresure you know your dog because this place is kind of maze ish. Worth the adventure. I was able to take a few photos of the plants and scenery along the way. My dog also enjoyed his visit. Parking is relatively easy here. I didn't need my discover pass. But I brought it anyways. The first part of the park is tour standard neighborhood park. Very small at first glance i almost wanted to turn around and leave. There is a covered area, a jungle gym like structure, and Picnic areas for family bbqs. So glad they also had a public restroom as we needed to use It on the way out. If you venture deeper into the woods and follow the trails you will begin a maze like adventure full of winding trails. There are streams and bridges and views of the valleys. So nice. Multiple entrances/exits and paths to choose from. Very easy to get lost or turned around. Thankfully that have maps. We forsure got mixed up and had to rely on the maps. We had fun. It was worth the drive. Be sure to check out the photos for a visual experience.

This park is good for a quick week night play with young kids. There is a small playground that is…read morefully fenced in. Across the street is Animal Acres Park, which has a big grass field to run around.

This park is so lovely! It's walking distance from downtown and right on the river. I stopped by…read moreduring an errands day with the dogs to let them go potty and was actually so stunned by how nice it was. We went on a fall day and the colors were magnificent! There are paved paths and clear routes to trails and the beach. We ended up walking them down to the river, which had a lovely sandy beach, which was such a surprise! There were benches and tables down there, which I am sure are very coveted in the summer season. For a nice fall day, this was the perfect spot! I would love to come back here with some takeout and enjoy a lovely meal on the river. Very dog friendly, great views, and awesome amenities (water fountain, showers, trails, easy signage, bathroom). What more could you want!

This is a great park close to all the stores in Duvall, on the banks of the Snoqualmie River. What…read moresurprised us was the sandy beach on the banks of the river. It's a great park with lots of space to picnic, either on the grass or on the tables. We haven't explored the trail next to the park much yet, we will be back soon for that.

Wallace Falls definitely deserves enough time to complete all the way through, 3 hours minimum!! Do…read morenot underestimate the time you think you'll take, especially if you love stopping for photos lol. Right from the start of the hike, I appreciated that there were signs showing the latest time you should be back by (8:40 pm closing time), along with phone numbers to call if you ever needed help. I also liked how about every half mile to mile, there were mile markers or detailed maps showing where you were and what else to expect depending on how far you planned to go. And honestly... there were just SO MANY beautiful nature sights with every step. The river flowing alongside most of the trail, the moss-covered trees, the little wildflowers and mushrooms popping up here and there! Everything was just so pretty!! It felt like we couldn't walk more than a few steps without stopping to take photos because we were in constant awe haha. Although we weren't able to make it all the way up to the Upper Falls due to the sun setting, getting to see both the Lower and Middle Falls was still such a gorgeous and accomplishing experience. I especially loved how from the Lower Falls, you can also see the Middle Falls in the distance! And the Middle Falls itself, absolutely awe-striking!! Overall, such a memorable and beautiful hike! I'll definitely have to come back and complete it all the way to the top next time lol

Very great dog friendly hike. My dog is a big fluff ball and loved wading in the river towards the…read morelast part of the trail. Well maintained. Even though the parking lot was full, there were moments where there was no one else close to us on the trailhead. Personally the middle falls had the best view though a bit obstructed for photos. I completed the upper falls back in 2016 and remembered not being as impressed so I opted out and stopped at the middle falls. My dog was also likely to resist as he was pretty tired by the middle falls. Needs discover pass. The entrance has a small water fountain but definitely bring water. There are no trash areas along the way so make a plan if you have a dog.

They've added to this place since I came here with my dogs last summer. There are now benches…read morescattered throughout the trail so that you can sit and enjoy the beauty of nature. It's a nice place to get your hiking fix. Before this place was only about .5 miles long, now it's more than doubled in size. There's some steep climbs, but nothing overwhelming. They still haven't added much for views of the wetlands or creek running through, aside from the small little bit you get at the head of the trail. My dogs loved it here. They provide waste bags and there's trash and recycle also at the head of the trail.

Beware of coyotes. We have seen very "healthy" ones this year. Parking and restroom for a few cars.read more