By Steven Schauer, Deputy Executive Director

Summer in King County is the perfect time to get outside, soak up the sunshine, and explore our region’s beautiful parks, trails, and rivers. While many people are out enjoying these natural spaces, they may not realize that some of their favorite spots also play a critical role in helping protect communities from flooding. At the King County Flood Control District (KCFCD), we’re proud to support multibenefit flood risk reduction projects that don’t just help safeguard people and property—they also advance equity, restore habitats, and provide opportunities for recreation and connection with nature.

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 protection 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, 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 of the components of our multibenefit approach is creating and enhancing recreation opportunities, where feasible. Parks, trails, and open spaces can be thoughtfully integrated into flood protection projects providing access to nature while maintaining or improving public safety.  When we rebuild or set back levees, for example, we often make space for hike and bike trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic river access.

While we do occasionally fund some recreational features, like trails on top of levee projects, our funds must primarily be utilized for the flood risk reduction aspects of our projects. By leveraging KCFCD dollars through collaboration with other governments and partners, recreational amenities can often be included in our flood reduction projects. These recreational elements help people connect with the rivers that flow through our communities and build a stronger sense of place and stewardship. Plus, they contribute to physical and mental well-being—offering a natural retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

River Adventures Await: Parks and Trails Near Flood Facilities

If you’re looking for summertime adventures that showcase the best of flood risk reduction and outdoor recreation, here are a few spots to add to your list:

Tolt MacDonald Park and Campground

Tolt MacDonald Park offers 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.

Marymoor Park

Marymoor Park, one of the region’s most popular destinations, sits near the Sammamish River and features fields, trails, and open spaces. The Sammamish River, which flows through the park, is considered a flood protection facility as it has been channelized to offer floodplain protection.

Cedar River Trail

Van Doren’s Landing Park

Van Doren’s Landing Park is an award-winning park adjacent to flood protection infrastructure along the Green River and offers trails, picnic shelters, and play areas for families to enjoy. The Lower Russell Levee Setback Project, which is also award-winning, provides ecosystem restoration and is what expanded the available park space for the City of Kent to update and rebuild an improved Van Doren’s Landing Park.

Green River Trail

The Green River Trail stretches for miles along the levees and flood control structures of the Green River, offering a peaceful, paved path for walkers, runners, and cyclists.

White River Trail

The White River trail system provides a great mix of riverfront access, flood safety benefits provided by levees and revetments, and scenic trails that wind through natural landscape along the White River.

Safety Tips for a Fun and Smart Summer

Those are just a few examples of places to get outside and enjoy the rivers of King County. There are numerous other parks and trails along area rivers throughout the county. Get outside this summer and enjoy all the rivers and natural areas available to you!

We want you to be safe though. So, before heading out to your favorite park or river trail, here are a few tips to stay safe:

• Remember: rivers and lakes are still cold. Even when the air is hot, water temperatures can remain dangerously low—especially in snow-fed rivers. Cold water can cause shock and impair swimming ability.
• Stay clear of swift currents. Check conditions before going out and avoid slippery or unstable banks. Be sure your swimming or boating abilities match the river conditions.
• Use designated access points. Avoid entering rivers or streams in areas not designed for recreation. Stick to maintained trails and marked viewpoints.
• Keep kids and pets close. Always supervise young children and pets near water and consider using life jackets if they’re near or in the river.

Come for the Views, Stay for the Purpose

Whether you’re hiking, biking, camping, or simply enjoying a riverside picnic, you’re also benefiting from flood safety work that helps protect King County residents year-round. Many parks and trails along area rivers don’t just provide fun—they’re part of a smarter, more resilient approach to living with our rivers.

So, grab your sunscreen, pack your water bottle, and explore everything the rivers of King County have to offer. Our rivers and flood protection facilities are working hard to help keep you safe—why not return the favor with a little appreciation and a lot of adventure?