Seattle, Washington, one of the best urban paddling destinations in the country, is home to Lake Union and other major bodies of water. However, the Emerald City’s metropolitan area has additional lakeside escapes that are a little more off the beaten path. Enter Maple Valley, a suburb tucked in the Cascade foothills, about a 35 minute drive away from downtown Seattle. There’s no shortage of natural beauty in this small, peaceful, city, previously named one of Washington’s safest cities and one of the most affordable places to retire in the country. For decades, Maple Valley’s Lake Wilderness and its eponymous park has been drawing visitors to the area. This 117-acre site features scenic trails that await your exploration.
At Lake Wilderness Park, you can hike a segment of the Green to Cedar Rivers Trail. This paved path was once a railroad route that connected Maple Valley to nearby Renton. Now, nature enthusiasts can enjoy the Green to Cedar Rivers Trail’s verdant landscapes and waterfront views. Cyclists are allowed on the path; for your safety, make sure to watch for riders. As suggested by AllTrails, you can begin your hike near the Maple Valley Historical Society Museum, located adjacent to Lake Wilderness Park. From here, you can take the trail all the way down near Four Corner Square, a shopping center that’s around 2 miles away, and back.
Keep in mind that the trail does continue beyond this. Thus, it’s up to you on how much of it you want to traverse. If you prefer to stay within Lake Wilderness Park, explore the 42-acre Lake Wilderness Arboretum, its walking paths, and gardens. This includes the Tribal Life Trail, showcasing flora significant to Washington’s indigenous populations.
Discover Maple Valley’s whimsical Gnome Trail
In addition to hiking Lake Wilderness Park’s trails, visitors can swim in this idyllic body of water, and take advantage of amenities like pickleball courts, a boat launch, and more. Lake Wilderness Park and its free arboretum are open year-round and are pet-friendly. Parking is available. While this is arguably Maple Valley’s most popular green space, there is another place in the city that is just as magical or perhaps even more so. The Legacy Site is located a few minutes away from Lake Wilderness Park and is where you’ll discover the Gnome Trail…