With extended daylight hours of the summer months, it’s a great time to get outside and explore the many parks and trails in our area. Whether you’re looking for recreational activities such as ballfields and sport courts, playgrounds for the kids (or kids at heart), trails for walking, running, and biking, or a quiet spot to enjoy nature, these park guides will help you plan your next adventure.
Discover the Beauty of Washington at 130+ State Parks
Did you know that there are more than 130 state parks and recreation areas in Washington? On the Washington State Parks website, you can search by region, specific park, or ADA accessibility to help plan your next adventure.
A day-use pass or annual discover pass is needed for most visits to state recreational areas, but there are several days throughout the year where visits are free.
Parks Close to Home and Work Offer a Convenient Way to Get Outside Each Day
When you’re looking for an adventure a little closer to home, there are dozens of parks and trails to explore right here in South King County!
Auburn
With 33 parks, more than 26 miles of trails and nearly 387 acres of open space for passive and active recreation, there are many places to explore in Auburn. Check out this list showcasing features at each park, including a bird/wildlife viewing tower at Auburn Environmental Park.
Covington
Nearly all of Covington’s 12 parks are ADA-accessible, many with natural areas, hard surface paths, trails and wooded and wetland areas. Covington’s website has an easy grid that shows the recreation area’s amenities, including accessibility. The Covington Community Park includes trails, walking paths and ADA-access inclusive spaces.
Kent
The city of Kent boasts 67 locations for parks, recreation and activity areas. Their interactive map helps you find the recreational amenities you are looking for. One option, the Green River Trail, can be accessed from multiple parks throughout Kent.
Maple Valley
With activities including disc golf and a gnome trail, Maple Valley offers a variety of parks and trails to explore. Lake Wilderness Arboretum is a 40-acre space with multiple gardens and natural areas to engage your senses.
Newcastle
Newcastle features nearly 40 acres of developed parks. Newcastle Trails, an independent nonprofit that works with the city, offers trail finder maps for trails throughout the city.
Renton
Explore the shoreline of Lake Washington at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park in Renton. With 32 parks covering more than 445 acres, the city of Renton offers multiple recreational opportunities, including five parks with water access or water features.
Tukwila
Duwamish Gardens, a 2.34-acre park and salmon habitat restoration site is just one of the many parks that comprise more than 150 acres of parks, trails and recreational spaces in Tukwila.
Do you have a favorite park or trail? Share in the comments below!
Additional Resources to Search for Parks and Trails in Washington State:
With Ideas for New Places to See, Get Started on Free, Walk with Ease Program
Now that you’ve got a wide selection of parks to choose from, need a little help getting started on a walking program? The Washington State Department of Health released a free, new walking program designed to help people manage and prevent chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and arthritis. The program, called Walk with Ease, is a self-directed walking program available in English and Spanish that aims to improve people’s health.
The program aims to help people:
- Develop a walking plan that meets personal needs.
- Stay motivated.
- Manage pain.
- Learn to exercise safely no matter what the starting point may be.
Learn more and get started on your walking program!
