With wildfire and smoke season in the rearview mirror, it’s time to get out on the trails for some clean air and fresh perspective. Here are some of our favorite vantage points from a few of King County’s parks and trails.
Pinnacle Peak is a 335-acre volcanic cone located one mile southeast of downtown Enumclaw. The park is surrounded on all sides by farmland and the White River. Known locally as Mt. Peak, or Mt. Pete, Pinnacle Peak is one of the most popular hikes for people living in south King County. In 2022, a historically accurate replica of a fire lookout tower was installed at the site. When you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Buckley and Enumclaw.
For more information, photos, and recent trip reports, check out the Pinnacle Peak page on Washington Trails Association’s website.
Spring Lake-Lake Desire Park, Echo Mountain
East of Renton near Fairwood, Spring Lake-Lake Desire Park is a 396-acre forested site. The park features a bald rocky outcrop and three miles of family-friendly trails that offers views of two lakes and the Cascade foothills. A bog along the west shore of Spring Lake is home to unique plants like Labrador tea. This site is connected to more than 1,000 acres of open space which also includes Wetland 14 Natural Area, McGarvey Park Open Space (popular with mountain bikers), Petrovitsky Park, and nearby Peterson Lake Natural Area and Lake Youngs Park.
For more information, photos, and recent trip reports, check out the Echo Mountain page on Washington Trails Association’s website.
Cougar/Squak Corridor Park, Margaret’s Way
Located on the west side of Squak Mountain, Margaret’s Way trail is a forested 2.5-mile hike that begins at the Squak Mountain Lodge and terminates with a stunning view of Mt. Rainier from Debbie’s View lookout point. Along this moderate-grade hike, you’ll encounter moss-covered bigleaf maple, cedar, western hemlock, and Douglas fir. Near the top of the park, Margaret’s Way connects to Chybinski Loop Trail, Debbie’s View Trail, and other trails connecting to Squak Mountain State Park.
For more information, photos, and recent trip reports, check out the Margaret’s Way page on Washington Trails Association’s website.
