Category: Hiking
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Last Grand Ridge Mining History Hike of 2015
This Saturday, Nov. 7 is the last Grand Ridge Mining History Hike of the year. During this three-mile adventure, you will walk in the foot-steps (literally) of the coal miners who worked in the Issaquah mine. Learn about the grueling days they endured right in your backyard. Issaquah History Museum’s Doug Bristol will lead you…
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Teach Me How to Douggie (Squirrel Style)
On a recent excursion out to Grand Ridge Park in the Issaquah Highlands we ran into our friend: Douggie the Douglas Squirrel! He was kind enough to pose for a photo shoot and show us his favorite dance moves. After a brief conversation (which mostly consisted of high pitched squeaks), he was on his way…
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3 FREEkin’ Awesome Activities at Marymoor Park
Never mind those pricey (but fun) concerts; you can enjoy Marymoor Park for free this summer. Warning: If you drive you’ll have to pay the $1 parking fee, but that’s totally worth these activities! 1) Outdoor Climbing Wall Grab your gear and head out to the Marymoor outdoor climbing wall. The wall stands at around…
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Timber! The First 24
For more pics checkout Flickr
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Timber! Just Days Away
Have your tickets? If so, what are you hitting up first – the river, a hike, mountain biking with REI, kayaking, bubble football, mustache waxing? Don’t really matter, whatever you choose it all coalesces into one crazy-awesome experience. Don’t believe? Check it. Video never lies.
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Day Trip Idea: Maury Island Marine Park
Looking for a mini weekend getaway? Hop on a ferry and spend the day exploring Vashon-Maury Island in the “Heart of the Sound”. With 45 miles of shoreline, Vashon is a gem of the PNW. Visitors should check out the newly renovated Maury Island Marine Park. Thanks to a a $2.1 million effort funded by…
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Summer Hike Idea: Margaret’s Way
On National Trails Day (June 6), King County Parks and the WTA unveiled the new Margaret’s Way hike in the Issaquah Alps. The hike is a short 15 minute drive from Seattle. To access the hike from I-90, take exit 15 signed Lake Sammamish/Renton Highway 900. Turn right onto Highway 900/Renton-Issaquah Road and go south…
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National Trails Day 2015
On Saturday, June 6 King County Parks is teaming up with the American Hiking Society to celebrate the diverse trails that crisscross our world. King County Parks is home to some of the most magnificent flora and fauna ranging from giant Douglas-firs to delicate Rhododendrons. Help us keep our parks vibrant and healthy by participating in volunteer/celebratory events…
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Random photo post: Wildlife in KC Parks
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Random photo post: View from Three Forks
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A day trip to Vashon in King County Parks
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Timber! Outdoor Music Fest 2014
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Squak Mountain celebration
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Morning on Cougar Mountain
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Black Forest [29,930,000 tons] Art Installation Grand Opening
The event is happening this Saturday, come meet the artist, Hans Baumann and walk the site. Art Installation Grand Opening and Artist-Guided Tour Saturday, March 15, 2014 11 A.M. Red Town Trailhead (Lakemont Blvd SE and Newcastle Gold Course Rd) Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park For more information, visit www.theblackforest.org or www.facebook.com/blackforest2014 and find answers…
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Moss Lake Natural Area
Like what you see? Checkout our map of the trails out at Moss http://www.kingcounty.gov/operations/GIS/Maps/VMC/Recreation.aspx#ML
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From Mount Everest to Cougar Mountain
Join King County Executive Dow Constantine and climbing legend Jim Whittaker tomorrow as we unveil the new trail signs at Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park. Thursday, Sept. 26 at 12 noon Wilderness Peak Trailhead 10245 Renton-Issaquah Rd. SE, Issaquah This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Whittaker-Gombu ascent of Mount Everest, when Mr. Whittaker,…
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Kid Hiker is exploring rain or shine!
Meet Kid Hiker! Favorite Place to Hike: Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park Favorite Snack: Carrots dipped in peanut butter Favorite Band: Caspar Babypants Frequently Quoted Saying: “Look what I found!” The fall season is the perfect time to explore ‘your big backyard’ as a family and keep your kid hiker’s motivation ever-growing for a life-long…
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Timber! Outdoor Music Festival, through the eyes of a Parks Monkey
You can see more awesome over at our Flickr feed
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Random photo post: Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park
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If Timber! tickets fall in the woods, do they make a noise?
Looking to experience the Timber! Outdoor Music Festival for free? Who isn’t, tickets are selling fast, so we thought we’d show you some love. Tell us what your favorite memory, or summertime activity is, in one of our parks. This means simply comment on this post (in whichever media you find it in). We will…
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Field Notes: You can dance if you want to…
Last month, our Backcountry Trails Crew finished a brand spankin’ new trail bridge in Spring Lake/Lake Desire Park. The 29-foot bridge replaces an old, deteriorating one and connects the park with McGarvey Park Open Space. Built to US Forest Service standards, the bridge is made from salvaged wood our crew found on site and milled…
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Are you still around?
Are you still around these parts this holiday weekend? Well, the weather forecast looks good, so we here at King County Parks suggest you take a little “staycation” and go tour your big backyard! No shortage of things to explore, just a hop skip and bike pedal away. May we offer some suggestions? Why of…
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Tolt-MacDonald Park owning July
Ain’t no party like a Tolt-MacDonald party. We own the month of July. You are looking at three events that will be taking the park to 11. That’s right: it is so awesome, we installed a knob that goes one further, not to 10, but 11! What, you ask, are these epic events? Well, we…
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Spend National Trails Day, Sat, June 1, in Your Big Backyard
Join us on National Trails Day, Saturday, June 1, to learn more about our growing network of 180 miles of backcountry trails spread across more than 16,000 acres of park lands. Did you know that over our 75 year history, King County Parks has built an impressive legacy of natural lands? You know, the kind…
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New trail at Cedar Creek uncovers Ewok village (we swear!)
This past Saturday, May 11, locals and trail enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the opening of the brand spankin’ new loop trail through Cedar Creek Park, an Ewok-like forest paradise nestled between Covington and Maple Valley in unincorporated King County. Cedar Creek Park is actually 2 parks: King County’s portion, called Cedar Downs, and the City…
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Cougar’s Wilderness Peak Trail goes to new heights to honor local legendary climber Jim Whittaker
On the 50th anniversary of his Mt Everest ascent, local climbing legend Jim Whittaker (REI member number 0001!) is reaching new heights right here in King County. Well, technically, his name will, and that of his climbing partner, Sherpa Nawang Gombu, as we honor their accomplishments by renaming the trails that lead to the highest…
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Saying goodbye is never easy
Mike (a 13 year crew leader for WTA) has played a key role in helping complete some amazing trails within the King County Parks system. You might know him from his roles in: Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, Grand Ridge, Duthie Hill, Taylor Mountain – and as the guy in this photo. The man, and…
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New trail and entrance at Cougar Mountain now open
As if Cougar Mountain Park didn’t have enough superlatives attached to it (our largest park, most popular local hiking spot, best for trail running, shall we continue?), here’s one more: New trail! New access point! In Issaquah! Off Newport Way NW! Did you catch you that? Yep, now there’s one more new way to get…
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Get fit. Have FUN!
Winter hibernation is over. It’s time to get fit and (gasp!) have fun while doing it. You read that right; it’s not as far fetched as you may think. Sure, you still might have to put on a few extra warm layers, but once you’re outside and filling your lungs with fresh and tasty air,…