King County Parks
assessment and mapping
King County Parks
assessment and mapping
King County Parks
assessment and mapping
assessing King County trails
Beneficial Designs has been involved with the assessment and development of signage for 3 parks in King County, Washington.
miles of trail assessed
trails assessed
TAI SignPosts delivered
trail maps delivered
parks assessed
trail signage
click an image to see the trail signage
click an image
to see trail signage
Green River Natural Area
About the Park
The 1,200-acre Green River Natural Area is a wonderful gateway to the middle stretch of the Green River. Composed of steep valley walls and a broad valley floor, the natural area provides trails for hiking and horseback riding as well as access to the most dynamic reach of the Green River in King County. Mixed evergreen and hardwood forests dominate the upper slopes while the mighty black cottonwoods cover much of the river banks. The Green River provides critical spawning and rearing habitat for coho, chum, Chinook salmon and steelhead.
The Green River Natural Area is about seven miles east of Auburn and roughly six miles northwest of Enumclaw. The natural area is comprised of the former Metzler, O’Grady and Green River Waterway parks, which all lie along the Green River. The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks acquired these lands with funds from a variety of sources including Waterways 2000 and Washington State Salmon Recovery Funds, for the purposes of critical salmon habitat protection and preservation.
Island Center Forest
About the Park
Located in the center of Vashon Island, Island Center Forest is a 450-acre working forest and nature preserve that is managed to demonstrate sustainable forest management while protecting and restoring the health of the site’s habitat. The property is owned and managed by King County Parks in collaboration with community partners who make up the Friends of Island Center Forest, a diverse group that includes the Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust, Vashon Forest Stewards, Vashon–Maury Island Audubon, equestrians and outdoor enthusiasts, among many other community members.
Island Center Forest features various forest stands, meadows, and the Mukai Pond and Meadowlake Pond wetlands, and it is home to the headwaters of Judd Creek. Island Center Forest provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, including more than 70 bird species. There are more than nine miles of trails for hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers. The wetlands are popular for bird watching and wildlife photography.
Tolt River-John MacDonald Park
About the Park
Tolt-MacDonald Park in Carnation is a true recreation destination. Located less than one hour from Seattle, the 574 acre park sits at the confluence of the Snoqualmie and Tolt rivers in the beautiful Snoqualmie Valley. A 500-foot-long suspension footbridge across the Snoqualmie River connects the east and west sides of the park and offers terrific views of the Snoqualmie River and Cascade foothills. You can observe spawning salmon in the river below and eagles and osprey soaring above.
Tolt-MacDonald Park offers 12 miles of forested and riverside trails and is a favorite mountain biking destination. The backcountry area of the park is located on the west side of the Snoqualmie River across the suspension bridge. For a bicycle tour of local farms and forests in the valley, head east from the park to access the 27-mile-long Snoqualmie Valley Trail. The park also features six yurts overlooking the river and seasonal camping for RVs and tents, and two group campsites, all with fire pits. There are also two large picnic shelters, one a beautifully restored barn, for company picnics, weddings and other special events.
