Trail sections closed for repair as flood damage takes toll on King County trail system

Last week’s heavy rain and widespread flooding left its mark on King County trails, with significant damage and several closures reported on the trail system.

“Whether it’s for recreation, exercise or as a practical commuting option, we know how much our trail system means to King County residents, and as with other flood recovery efforts, we’re working as quickly as possible to repair flood-damaged areas so that they are safe to use,” said Parks Assistant Director Tom Koney.

Parks’ quick response to make repairs and reopen trails is in line with Executive Ron Sims’ directive to all King County departments to repair any storm damage as quickly as possible. Executive Sims signed a declaration of emergency Jan. 8 that allows departments to get materials necessary for making emergency repairs faster than through the traditional county procurement process.

While King County Parks crews have already spent numerous hours to clean debris from several trails for safe use, a few portions of King County’s 175-mile regional trail system remain closed for repairs. Closed trail segments include:

• A quarter-mile-long long section of the Snoqualmie Valley Trail, north of State Route 203, between the Mount Si Golf Course and the Meadowbrook Bridge. Repairs are expected to be completed within one week.
• The Cedar River Trail in Maple Valley, between 196th Avenue Southeast and Southeast Cedar Grove Road. Repairs are under way and may take as long as one week to complete. The trail underpass at 156th Avenue Southeast off State Route 169 is also closed due to standing water.
• The Green-to-Cedar Trail at Lake Forest Estates in Maple Valley is closed and won’t reopen until the ground is stabilized.

Additionally, Tolt-MacDonald Park near Carnation remains closed while crews assess flood damage.

More information about King County’s regional trail system is available online at www.kingcounty.gov/recreation/parks/trails.aspx.

King County Parks – Your Big Backyard - offers more than 25,000 acres of parks and natural lands, including such regional treasures as Marymoor Park and Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, 175 miles of regional trails, plus pools and a world-class aquatic center. By cultivating strong relationships with non-profit, corporate and community partners, King County Parks enhances park amenities while reducing costs. Learn more at www.kingcounty.gov/parks/.

Related Information

Regional Trail System

King County Parks – Your Big Backyard