By Steven Schauer, Deputy Executive Director
July is National Picnic Month, making it the perfect time to pack a lunch, gather family and friends, and explore the many parks, trails, and natural areas that line the rivers of King County. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful riverside picnic spot, a scenic trail for a summer walk, or a place to connect with nature, King County’s river corridors offer countless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
Many of these parks and trails are located alongside flood risk reduction facilities and floodplain restoration projects supported by the King County Flood Control District (KCFCD). While residents are enjoying these spaces, they may not realize that the same rivers, levees, revetments, and restored floodplains helping create beautiful recreational destinations are also working year-round to reduce flood risk and improve community resilience.
A Commitment to Multibenefit Floodplain Management
The KCFCD is deeply committed to integrated floodplain management. That means we look at the whole picture when planning and implementing projects, including people, the environment, and our local economy. We’re not just building levees and revetments; we’re reimagining how these facilities can offer multiple benefits to our communities.
Our adopted multibenefit policy, Motion FCD20-07, recognizes that the best flood mitigation efforts are those that recognize the interconnectedness of flood risk reduction, equity, environmental justice, and environmental stewardship.
Our multibenefit policy prioritizes projects that go beyond reducing flood risk. We aim to protect tribal treaty rights, provide equitable access to safe and vibrant public spaces, restore river ecosystems, support agriculture, and enhance clean water, among other benefits. By designing projects with these values in mind, we help build resilient communities and healthy ecosystems across King County.
Connecting People to Nature Through Recreation
One component of our multibenefit approach is creating and enhancing recreation opportunities where feasible. Parks, trails, and open spaces can be thoughtfully integrated into flood risk reduction projects, providing access to nature while maintaining or improving public safety.
While KCFCD funding must primarily be used for flood risk reduction, partnerships with cities, counties, state agencies, tribes, and community organizations often allow recreational amenities to be incorporated into larger projects. Trails atop levees, riverside viewpoints, picnic areas, restored natural areas, and public access points all help residents connect with the rivers that flow through their communities.
These recreational spaces encourage physical activity, support mental well-being, and help build appreciation for the rivers and floodplains that make King County such a special place to live.
Parks and Trails by River Basin
The following list of riverside parks, natural areas, and trails is by no means a comprehensive look at all the opportunities to recreate along a river in King County, nor is every location on this list supported by a flood risk reduction facility. Many of them are located on or near flood facilities. More importantly for the purpose of this blog, we want to provide a thorough list of river recreation locations so you can go outside this summer and enjoy National Picnic Month along the rivers of King County.
Cedar River Basin
The Cedar River basin offers a combination of protected natural landscapes and recreational opportunities.
Landsburg Reach Natural Area and Big Bend Natural Area preserve important floodplain and salmon habitat along one of the region’s most ecologically significant river corridors. These protected natural areas provide opportunities to experience the Cedar River’s natural character while supporting long-term ecosystem health.
Liberty Park is along the Cedar River and is Renton’s oldest park facility.
The Cedar River Trail follows the Cedar River through Renton and Maple Valley, offering a scenic route for walkers, runners, and cyclists. Key segments pass near restored floodplain areas that support salmon habitat while providing beautiful views of the river. Levees and revetments along portions of the Cedar River help protect communities, critical infrastructure, and the trail itself.
Duwamish River Basin
The Duwamish River connects communities to the river while highlighting ongoing environmental restoration and public access efforts.
Codiga Park in Tukwila provides riverfront access opportunities along the Duwamish River and a picnic shelter, picnic tables, and walking path.
Cecil Moses Memorial Park offers parking, picnic tables, and restrooms along with access to the Green River Trail.
Duwamish River People’s Park reconnects communities with the river through habitat restoration, shoreline access, a public pier and view point, and educational opportunities.
Duwamish Waterway Park is a South Park neighborhood park, offering a play area with climbing and spinning play equipment, zipline, accessible pathways, interpretive art, benches, a BBQ pit, and picnic tables along with access and views of the Duwamish River.
həʔapus Village Park and Shoreline Habitat combines public access, environmental education, and habitat restoration while honoring the cultural significance of the Duwamish River to Indigenous Coast Salish communities.
Green River Basin
The Green River basin contains some of the county’s most extensive networks of parks, trails, and flood protection infrastructure.
Kanaskat-Palmer State Park offers river access, camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, and opportunities to experience the upper Green River.
Flaming Geyser State Park is a popular destination for picnicking, hiking, fishing, and river recreation along the Green River.
Green River Natural Area protects valuable floodplain habitat and provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and quiet recreation.
In Auburn, residents can enjoy active recreation at Brannan Park and passive recreation at Isaac Evans Park. Both parks are along the Green River with Brannan Park having a trail on top of the levee and Isaac Evans Park offering river access to the Green River.
Further downstream, Foster Park, Riverview Park, and Briscoe Park in Kent provide access to the Green River corridor and offer opportunities for walking, picnicking, and enjoying riverside scenery.
Van Doren’s Landing Park is an award-winning park adjacent to flood protection infrastructure along the Green River. The Lower Russell Levee Setback Project expanded available park space and helped create the modern park visitors enjoy today, complete with trails, picnic shelters, and family-friendly amenities.
In Tukwila, Bicentennial Park and Tukwila Park provide additional opportunities to experience the Green River and enjoy outdoor recreation.
The Green River Trail stretches for miles along the levees and flood control structures of the Green River, providing a peaceful paved route for walkers, runners, and cyclists while showcasing the important flood protection facilities that help protect communities throughout the valley.
Sammamish River Basin
The Sammamish River basin features one of the region’s most popular trail systems and several destination parks.
Marymoor Park, one of the region’s most visited parks, sits near the Sammamish River and offers sports fields, trails, open spaces, concerts, and recreation opportunities. The channelized Sammamish River flowing through the area serves an important flood protection function.
In Woodinville, Woodin Creek Park and Wilmot Gateway Park provide attractive gathering spaces and access to the river corridor.
The Park at Bothell Landing celebrates the area’s river heritage while providing river access and community gathering space. Nearby Blyth Park offers open lawns, picnic areas, and recreational opportunities along the river.
In Kenmore, Rhododendron Park provides shoreline access and opportunities to enjoy the river’s natural beauty.
The Sammamish River Trail follows the river for more than 10 miles, connecting communities and providing one of the region’s premier paved trails for walking, running, and cycling.
Snoqualmie River Basin
The Snoqualmie River Basin, including the upper South, Middle, and North forks, provides numerous opportunities to explore and enjoy one of the most beautiful agricultural valleys in the region.
South Fork Snoqualmie River
Olallie State Park features spectacular waterfalls, hiking trails, and opportunities to experience the upper watershed that feeds the Snoqualmie River system.
Riverfront Park in North Bend provides community gathering space and scenic access to the South Fork Snoqualmie River.
Middle Fork Snoqualmie River
The Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trailhead serves as a gateway to some of the most scenic river and forest landscapes in the Pacific Northwest, providing access to hiking trails, river views, and recreational opportunities throughout the valley.
North Fork Snoqualmie River
Three Forks Natural Area preserves important habitat at the confluence of the river system while offering trails, viewpoints, and opportunities to connect with nature.
Snoqualmie River
Sandy Cove Park provides direct river access and opportunities for picnicking and riverside recreation.
In Fall City, Fall City Community Park and Olive Taylor Quigley Park offer family-friendly recreational amenities near the river.
Tolt MacDonald Park and Campground provides camping, trails, river access, and sweeping views where the Snoqualmie and Tolt rivers meet. The park also benefits from levees and revetments along both rivers within the park boundary.
Chinook Bend Natural Area protects floodplain habitat while providing opportunities to experience a more natural river environment.
In Duvall, McCormick Park and Taylor’s Landing Park provide access to the Snoqualmie River and opportunities for picnicking, walking, and community recreation.
The Snoqualmie Valley Trail follows a former railroad corridor through the scenic Snoqualmie Valley, connecting communities and providing exceptional views of the river, farmland, forests, and surrounding landscape.
White River Basin
The White River Basin offers a variety of parks and trails that connect residents to one of King County’s most dynamic river systems.
In Auburn, Game Farm Park provides sports fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, and access to the river corridor.
Adjacent Game Farm Wilderness Park offers a more natural setting with trails, wildlife habitat, and opportunities to experience the river’s natural environment.
Roegner Park provides recreational amenities, open space, and access to nearby river corridors.
The White River Trail system offers a mix of riverfront access, scenic views, and connections to communities along the river. Levees and revetments help protect nearby neighborhoods while allowing residents to enjoy the river’s natural beauty.
Safety Tips for a Fun and Smart Summer
The rivers throughout King County provide wonderful opportunities for recreation, but safety should always come first.
Before heading out to your favorite park, trail, or picnic destination, remember these important tips:
- Rivers and lakes remain cold even during hot summer weather. Cold water can quickly lead to shock and impair swimming ability.
- Stay clear of swift currents and unstable riverbanks. Check conditions before recreating near the water.
- Use designated access points and remain on maintained trails whenever possible.
- Keep children and pets close to you near the water and consider using life jackets when appropriate.
- Pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and sun protection for summer outings.
Come for the Picnic, Stay for the Purpose
Whether you’re enjoying a family picnic, taking a scenic bike ride, exploring a natural area, or simply relaxing by the river, you’re also benefiting from flood risk reduction projects that help keep King County communities safe year-round.
Many of these parks and trails exist alongside levees, revetments, other flood facilities, and floodplain restoration projects that are part of a smarter, more resilient approach to living with our rivers.
This National Picnic Month, grab a blanket, pack your favorite meal, and discover the incredible parks and trails located along King County’s rivers.
To learn more about the investments in flood risk reduction projects throughout the county, visit the KCFCD’s Investments and Projects webpage.
To learn how you can Be Flood Ready before the next flood season, visit the KCFCD’s Be Flood Ready webpage.