Hike at Lake Wilderness Park, Maple Valley

Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
Title/Location: Lake Wilderness Park, Maple Valley
Walk Leade John Neorr Contact Information: fieldtrips@southsoundchapterwnps.org 253 225-9284 (text or call)
Departure Times: 10:00am Estimated Return Times: 12:00pm
Departure location: Information kiosk near Arboretum parking lot Number of people: 12
Walk description: According to WTA, Lake Wilderness Arboretum is an approximately 42-acre tract with about half the space as a cultivated arboretum, and the other half as a "wild" nature preserve. There are about 3.5 miles of trails in total. The Green to Cedar River Trail divides the two sections of the arboretum. Among the paths to explore include a 0.5-mile outer loop and a path known as the Tribal Life Trail. Like most arboretums, there are placards identifying the trees and plants throughout, and on the Tribal Life Trail, the placards identify how various native plants were used by local Native American tribes as food, medicine, clothing and other parts of life. Along the north edge of the cultivated section, there are 3 accesses to the Green to Cedar River Trail. That trail is an old railroad grade and maybe 10 feet higher than the surrounding ground. The arboretum property continues beyond the trail as a nature preserve, and trails can be accessed from several locations. There are a number of well-traveled trails crisscrossing here as well.
Any special requirements: Walkers must pre-register with Cyndy Dillon (fieldtrips@southsoundchapterwnps.org), who will send a link to a mandatory liability waiver when you provide your email address. For the walk you will need to email the liability waiver to Cyndy or bring it to the walk. Bring water if you need it, dress for the weather and wear good hiking shoes. Portable restrooms are available near the Kiosk.
Directions: From I-5, take exit 142A to WA-18. On WA-18 take the SE 231st St exit towards Maple Valley / WA-169 South. Turn right on Witte Rd. After 0.8 miles, go 3/4 of the way around the roundabout, and proceed east on SE 244th St. At 0.3 miles, SE 244th St takes a hard right. Proceed straight to enter the park and park in the Arboretum Parking lot