Location: Woodinville Address: 22505 WA-9, Woodinville Acreage: 70 As King County’s population has grown enormously over the past two decades, so has its volume of… well, poop. In 2011, the county opened a new third sewage treatment plant, and it’s spectacular. From high-tech odor control to record-breaking membrane bioreactors, the facility itself is as modern… Continue reading Brightwater Park
Category: eastside
Cottage Lake Park
Location: Woodinville Address: N.E. Woodinville-Duvall Rd. and 188th N.E. Acreage: 22 This perfect little neighborhood park was buzzing on the sunny winter day I visited with young and old enjoying picnics and play time outside. The 22-acre park was a logging site before it became a resort called Norm’s, which was run by Norm and… Continue reading Cottage Lake Park
Paradise Valley Conservation Area
Location: WoodinvilleAddress: 23210 Paradise Lake Rd, WoodinvilleAcreage: 793 This enormous Eastside park was a completely new find for me recently, a tip from a hiking-loving friend. If you are out of ideas for winter hikes in the lowlands, Paradise Valley is a worthy outing. Mostly flat trails–some a bit muddy–are easy on the knees and… Continue reading Paradise Valley Conservation Area
Bellevue Downtown Park
Location: Bellevue Address: 10201 N.E. 4th St., Bellevue Acreage: 21 Bellevue is growing, growing, growing and this newly upgraded park finally gives this community the outdoor living room it deserves. Come for the scenic, European-style walking paths or for the world-class playground that just opened in June. Or take your lunch break outside on a… Continue reading Bellevue Downtown Park
Wilburton Hill Park
Location: Bellevue Address: 12400 Main St., Bellevue Acreage: 105.5 For being one of Bellevue’s biggest parks at more than 100 acres, it’s funny that this park isn’t better known in the region. There are several reasons it should make your “to visit” list, the number one reason being its trails that connect to the Lake… Continue reading Wilburton Hill Park
North Rose Hill Woodlands Park
Location: Kirkland/Eastside Address: N.E. 97th St. and 124th Ave. N.E., Kirkland Acreage: 20.96 Castle-style playgrounds are always a big hit and there are a few popular ones in our region including this one and this one. I wasn’t expecting such a great play area at this neighborhood park that’s just down the road from the… Continue reading North Rose Hill Woodlands Park
Kelsey Creek Park
Location: Bellevue Address: 410 130th Pl. S.E., Bellevue/Crossroads Acreage: 150 Spring is the perfect time of year to escape to the countryside and visit Kelsey Creek Park, an enormous green space with a working farm east of downtown Bellevue. Many kids who grow up on the Eastside remember this park fondly as a popular field… Continue reading Kelsey Creek Park
Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
Location: Renton/Eastside Address: 1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N., Renton Acreage: 57 With its lakefront setting that’s hugely popular for boating and swimming, Gene Coulon Park seems like it would be destined only for summer fame. Don’t be caught in that trap: this is one of the best area parks for winter walks. The park’s long,… Continue reading Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park