By Steven Schauer, Deputy Executive Director
Near the confluence of the Snoqualmie River’s three forks lies an opportunity to let nature do what it does best — flow freely.
The North Fork Snoqualmie River Confluence Revetment Removal Project, located in Three Forks Natural Area between the cities of Snoqualmie and North Bend, is a forward-looking effort by the King County Flood Control District (KCFCD) to restore natural river processes, reconnect floodplains, and improve habitat for native wildlife — all while being smart stewards of public resources.
What’s a revetment, and why are we removing one?
A revetment is a structure typically made of rock, wood, or other materials built along a riverbank to prevent erosion. The Scott Revetment, constructed around 1960, once protected a privately owned agricultural property used for livestock grazing. But times have changed.
Today, the land behind the revetment is part of the Three Forks Natural Area, a natural park managed by King County Parks. The Scott Revetment no longer protects any homes, roads, or farmland — yet public resources are still being spent by the KCFCD and King County on inspecting and maintaining it. That’s where this project comes in.
A Win for Rivers, Wildlife, and the Community
The KCFCD authorized the project in October 2023 and selected alternative to remove the Scott Revetment in October 2024. This project will eliminate approximately 570 feet of obsolete riverbank armoring along the North Fork Snoqualmie River — enhancing the surrounding ecosystem and saving taxpayer dollars on unnecessary maintenance. King County, as service provider to the KCFCD, is implementing project and construction management to accomplish the revetment removal.
And the benefits ripple out:
- Reconnects floodplains and restores natural river flows
- Improves habitat for fish and wildlife
- Reduces long-term maintenance and monitoring costs
- Provides a safer and more scenic experience for recreational users
- Supports local tribal priorities for a resilient and healthy watershed
Additionally, this project is a companion to the recently completed Mason Thorson Ells Levee Rehabilitation Project, just 1.5 miles upstream on the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River. While that levee project focused on repairs, the Scott Revetment removal offers meaningful environmental restoration in a nearby location.
“The removal of the Scott Revetment is a smart, forward-thinking investment in the health of our rivers and the resilience of our environment,” said Supervisor Sarah Perry, Vice Chair, King County Flood Control District. “By restoring natural river processes and reconnecting vital floodplains, we’re not only protecting fish and wildlife habitat, but we’re also being good stewards of public resources. I’m proud to support a project that reflects our commitment to sustainability, tribal collaboration, and long-term community benefit.”
Community Collaboration and Tribal Partnership
The project area is consistent with the Snoqualmie Tribe’s June 2022 Upper Snoqualmie Resilient River Corridor Management Plan, which calls for removing unnecessary bank armoring and restoring natural river processes in this stretch of the river. The KCFCD and King County are actively collaborating with the Snoqualmie Tribe to refine the design and ensure the project supports shared goals.
Selecting the Right Approach: Letting Nature Lead
Two alternatives were considered for the removal design. After thoughtful analysis — including how the river might reshape itself, impacts to recreation, tree preservation, and habitat benefits — the KCFCD selected Alternative 1.
This approach emphasizes minimal grading, allowing the river to naturally reestablish the shape of its banks over time. Invasive plants will be removed, native shrubs and trees will be planted, and educational signage will be added in collaboration with King County Parks to help visitors learn more about floodplain restoration.
Looking Ahead
Construction is planned for Summer/Fall 2025, and while access to parts of the natural area may change temporarily during that time, the long-term result will be a healthier, more resilient river system — and a more natural space for wildlife and people alike.
This project is just one piece of the bigger picture. The KCFCD is implementing this project in alignment with King County’s Clean Water Healthy Habitat Initiative, which aims to restore and protect our region’s waterways, forests, and open spaces for generations to come.
🌀 Did You Know? The Scott Revetment may be going away, but what’s coming in its place is far more powerful — a renewed connection between river, land, and life.
Learn more about the North Fork Snoqualmie River Confluence Revetment Removal Project here.