Location: Maury/Vashon Island
Address: 5900 S.W. 248th St.
Acreage: 320
This park is a very special place. But you’ll have to exert some energy to fully enjoy these 300 acres of preserved land.
The least energy-intensive way to visit is to park near the viewpoint on S.W. 248th St. at the very top of the park. Here you’ll find a wooden platform to take in panoramic views of the Puget Sound, Cascade Mountains and Mount Rainier (definitely best to come on a sunny day.).
Continue on to see the best of the park by descending on a steep hillside trail. Stay to the left to reach the water (although there is a nice short loop off to the right that’s worth the side trip). As you descend you’ll have mostly unobstructed views, as the trees are sparse in this former gravel mine. The trees that do stand out here are Pacific madrones.
At the shoreline, which has more than a mile of public access, enjoy the rocky shoreline. Except porta-potties, a few picnic tables and a picnic shelter, it’s mostly about nature here. Many species of fish can be found right off shore, providing a valuable food source for our resident Orcas.
Consider making your visit an overnighter. Several walk-in campsites are reservable right on the water.
The walk back is a tough climb, but you’ll likely have the trail mostly to yourself. An alternate route into the park is from a small parking lot off S.W. 244th St. The walk from that end is less spectacular and less steep but about the same length at 3/4 of a mile.
The park is managed by King County, and its brochure has a great map.
#503 (Visited 5/16/20)