By Steven Schauer, Deputy Executive Director

Every June, communities across the United States and the world celebrate National Rivers Month. This is a time dedicated to recognizing the importance of rivers and waterways to our environment, economy, and quality of life. The month-long observance highlights the essential role rivers play in providing clean drinking water, supporting fish and wildlife habitat, sustaining agriculture and industry, offering recreation opportunities, and helping communities adapt to the impacts of climate change.

National Rivers Month also serves as a reminder that rivers need our care and protection. Pollution, habitat loss, flooding, and climate change continue to place pressure on waterways around the world. By learning about our local rivers and taking steps to protect them, we can help ensure healthy waterways for future generations.

Here in King County, rivers are woven into the identity of our communities. From the glacier-fed White River to the free-flowing South Fork Skykomish River, these waterways shape our landscapes, support salmon and wildlife, provide recreation opportunities, and connect communities throughout the region.

King County’s Major River Watersheds

King County is home to six major river watersheds, each with unique characteristics and vital contributions to the region.

Cedar River

The Cedar River begins in the Cascade foothills and flows into Lake Washington in the city of Renton. The watershed is a critical source of drinking water for more than a million residents in the greater Seattle area.

The Cedar River also supports important salmon recovery efforts, flood risk reduction infrastructure, water quality monitoring, and watershed stewardship programs. Protected forest lands in the upper watershed help maintain clean water and healthy ecosystems throughout the basin.

Green & Duwamish Rivers

The Green River begins in the Cascade Mountains and flows through southeast King County before becoming the Duwamish River in Tukwila and eventually reaching Puget Sound at Elliott Bay in Seattle.

The Green and Duwamish river system is one of the most important economic corridors in Washington State, supporting homes, businesses, farms, transportation infrastructure, and critical regional industries. The watershed is also central to salmon recovery, flood risk reduction planning, and environmental restoration efforts.

The Duwamish River, Seattle’s only river, has faced decades of industrial pollution and remains an EPA Superfund cleanup site. Ongoing cleanup and habitat restoration efforts are helping improve the health of the river for both people and wildlife.

Sammamish River

The Sammamish River watershed includes Lake Sammamish, Bear Creek, Issaquah Creek, and the Sammamish River itself, which flows north into Lake Washington at Kenmore.

This highly urbanized watershed supports diverse wildlife, recreational opportunities, and growing communities including Issaquah, Sammamish, Redmond, Woodinville, Bothell, and Kenmore. Flood risk reduction infrastructure, water quality monitoring, and salmon conservation efforts all play important roles in maintaining the health of the watershed.

Snoqualmie River

The Snoqualmie River watershed covers much of rural eastern King County and is renowned for its natural beauty, agricultural lands, and iconic Snoqualmie Falls.

The watershed includes the North, Middle, and South Forks of the Snoqualmie River and supports farming, recreation, habitat restoration, and salmon recovery efforts. The Snoqualmie Valley is also one of the most flood-prone areas in King County, making floodplain management and flood risk reduction critical priorities for local communities.

South Fork Skykomish River

Located in the far northeast corner of King County, the South Fork Skykomish River is a relatively free-flowing and unpolluted river corridor surrounded by forested mountains and scenic landscapes.

The river flows through the communities of Skykomish, Grotto, and Baring before continuing into Snohomish County. Portions of the river are designated as scenic waterways by the State of Washington, reflecting their environmental and recreational value.

White River

The White River originates from glacier melt on Mount Rainier, giving the river its distinctive milky-white appearance caused by suspended glacial sediment.

The river supports multiple salmon species as well as diverse wildlife, including elk, bears, and eagles. It also plays a critical role in flood risk management for communities in both King and Pierce counties. Within King County, the river flows through the Muckleshoot Reservation and the cities of Auburn and Pacific before continuing into Pierce County.

Enjoying and Protecting King County Rivers

National Rivers Month is an opportunity to reconnect with the rivers that sustain our communities and explore ways to protect them year-round. Here are a few ways King County residents can help:

Explore Local Rivers Responsibly

• Visit river parks, trails, and public access areas such as the Green River Trail, Snoqualmie Valley Trail, or Marymoor Park.
• Practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out trash and respecting wildlife habitat.
• Follow river safety guidance, especially during periods of high water or fast-moving currents.

Reduce Pollution

• Properly dispose of hazardous household waste, oils, and chemicals.
• Pick up pet waste and minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides that can wash into waterways.
• Wash vehicles at commercial car washes when possible to reduce polluted runoff entering storm drains.

Support Healthy Habitat

• Participate in community river cleanups and native planting events.
• Protect trees and vegetation along streams and rivers, which help improve water quality and reduce erosion.
• Support local salmon habitat restoration and floodplain reconnection projects.

Learn and Get Involved

• Attend community events, educational programs, or watershed tours to learn more about local rivers.
• Follow local river conditions and flood safety information.
• Support organizations and public agencies working to improve water quality, restore habitat, and reduce flood risks.

King County’s rivers are essential to our environment, economy, recreation, and way of life. During National Rivers Month, we celebrate these remarkable waterways and recommit ourselves to protecting them for generations to come.