LOCAL ADVENTURES
Mama & Me Adventure Club - Maple Valley has lots of events every week, but if you can't make any of them, we would still like you to be able to get out and have fun with your little ones. We are slowly building this database as we complete our adventures. I am trying to list relevant data, but please always double-check.
Happy browsing!
Andrea
Maple Valley, WA
Legacy Loop Trail | Maple Valley
Little over a mile loop, mostly flat, not really stroller friendly, but you could make it, forest views.
Porta potties, picnic benches are available at the Farmer's Market Parking lot / Legacy Site.
More info: Turn right at the first intersection, then right again (following the legacy loop sign), then keep straight at the next intersection and then left prior to reaching the service road on the other side, follow the gnome trail backwards to the trailhead or follow along for a longer option.
Parking Pass: None
Restaurant: Panera Bread
Lake Wilderness Arboretum | Maple Valley
Gravel trails to explore the arboretum, forest library, games, story walk. Mostly flat, stroller friendly.
Porta potty, covered picnic benches available at the parking lot. Access to Lake Wilderness Park, Green To Cedar River Trail...
More info: https://www.lakewildernessarboretum.org/
Parking Pass: None
Restaurant: QFC deli
Walking paths, mostly flat, stroller friendly, Mt. Rainier & lake views.
Bathrooms, picnic tables, playground, swimming area available close to the beach parking lot. a beautiful arboretum is walking distance, access to "Cedar to Green river" trail.
Parking Pass: None
Restaurant: QFC deli
Iron Brigade Trails | Maple Valley
Trail system behind the Water Tower Park. Quite a bit of elevation gain, not stroller-friendly, forest views.
No bathrooms, but a nice playground and benches available at the trailhead.
Location: Water Tower Park Maple Valley https://maps.app.goo.gl/cUxuaAzZej3JHqMZ7
Parking Pass: None - park along the busy road carefully.
Green to Cedar River Trail
5.56 miles roundtrip (we usually only walk about 2miles), mostly flat, stroller friendly, forest views.
Depending on where you join the trail facilities are available.
More info: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/green-to-cedar-river-trail
Parking Pass: None
Green to Cedar River Trail - LW Arboretum Access
Mostly flat (other than the steep ramp to enter the trail), compacted gravel trail. Forest and Cedar River Views.
Parking Pass: None
Bike to Pizza - Oak Trail
Starts with a super steep road (we pushed our bikes down really quickly) then mostly flat, compacted gravel trail all the way to MOD Pizza. Total of 3.4 miles of biking.
Trailhead: https://goo.gl/maps/A1xNtkKC2gUEjHTm8
Parking: along the road, no pass needed.
Henry's Ridge Open Space | Maple Valley
Lots of trails available for your pleasure. Look at the map on the link below to find your favorite.
Location (we like to park by the skate park along the road and then walk downhill to the trailhead. https://maps.app.goo.gl/BpQfULGzDEyfVEiT9
More info: trailmap
Parking Pass: None
Fred V. Habenicht Rotary Park | Maple Valley
Grassy field by the Cedar river, access for rock throwing and getting your feet wet. A small and steep trail takes you up to the Cedar River Trail.
Beautiful blooming (Dogwood?) trees along the trail in April.
Nice covered picnic shelter and porta potties are available at the gravel parking lot.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6Pp9vuuPC8TiSjSw7
Parking Pass: None
Restaurant: Cascadia Pizza - with outdoor seating!
Pipeline Trail
It is a really long stroller friendly compacted gravel trail for biking, walking or running. We turned towards the Amazon warehouse from the trailhead for a more level walk. If you head towards 4 corners, you will encounter more elevation change and other small trail systems.
Trail info: https://www.trailforks.com/trails/cedar-river-pipeline-road/
Parking Pass: None
Restaurant: Hops'n'Drops
Bike | Pipeline Trail - from SE 244th St & 240 Ave Se corner
Hilly trail, compacted gravel. Forest views.
You can combine it with other trails if you keep an eye out as none of the intersections are marked well (start riding towards 4 Corners from the trailhead):
-Rock Creek Natural Area
- Cedar River Trail
Trailhead: https://goo.gl/maps/HmbNatD3J75798E9A
Parking Pass: None
Danville-Georgetown
Open Space
Ridge Loop: about a 2-mile loop trail with some elevation gain. Forest views, lots of roots, fallen trees and horse poop :).
No facilities by the small dirt parking lot along the road.
More info: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/danville-georgetown-trail-system
Parking Pass: None
Trailhead we used: https://goo.gl/maps/7n8k7kRxvky2yPuXA - trail start on the opposite side of the road, cross with care!
Restaurant: Farelli's Pizza
Oak Trail | Maple Valley
Trail system behind the Lake Wilderness Arboretum and the Green to Cedar River Trail
Nice forest with fun hills and super lush greenery.
Facilities by the arboretum parking lot. We accessed the trails from above though, so no bathrooms or actual parking lot, but plenty of space along the road.
Location: 47.381788, -122.037290 Oak Trail, Maple Valley, WA 98038
https://maps.app.goo.gl/s2X8wtYtp5r1Vxfu5
Parking Pass: None
Summit Park
Trails & Playground
Less than a quarter of a mile trail along the athletic fields and into a little forested corner. Stroller friendly, park and neighborhood views.
Bathrooms, playground and picnic tables are available at Linda Olson Playground within the park.
More info: https://www.maplevalleywa.gov/what-s-happening/current-projects/summit-park-master-plan
Parking Pass: None
Restaurant: Hacienda Del Mar
Cedar Creek Park | Wild Cedars Trail
A little over 1-mile hike with moderate elevation gain. Not stroller friendly, beautiful old growth forest views and tons of berries in the springtime.
No facilities at the trailhead (parking along the road in a cul-de-sac.) Tons of other trails to add on to your route.
More info: https://www.friendsofcedarcreekpark.org/
Parking Pass: None
Restaurant: Sumo Sushi
Rock Creek Natural Area | Maple Valley
Hilly trail, narrow with lots of roots and rocks, and fallen trees. Most of the trails are not marked on google maps, but easy to track yourself back. Not stroller friendly, mossy forest views, multiple creek access points ("swimming" holes)
No facilities are available.
Trailhead: https://goo.gl/maps/bfGYhN35HLzSt1tP6
Parking Pass: None (Parking along the road)
Restaurant: Fred Meyer Deli
Labyrinth | Maple Valley
Right off of the Green to Cedar River Trail, you can find this wonderful Medieval Chartres replica Labyrinth (60 feet in diameter) made out of rocks and bushes, with a bird bath in the middle. It is meant for quiet walks / meditation, but doubles as a perfect way to get some energy out of our littles, by running around to find the middle.
Location: by St. George
Episcopal Church | https://maps.app.goo.gl/VmHBvpreYx1mTQWR9
Parking Pass: None ( you can park at the Church's parking lot or by the Community Center & Walk.)
Painted Tunnels | Maple Valley
There are 2+ painted tunnels along the Cedar to Green River Trail in Maple Valley. The artwork is created by local artists and organized by the Maple Valley Creative Arts Council.
Location of the tunnel in the picture: https://goo.gl/maps/PkysnfD6VFDuaU1A6
Black Diamond & Ravensdale, WA
Kanaskat Palmer State Park | Ravensdale
About 2 miles roundtrip, hilly terrain, the soft trail that follows the river is not stroller friendly, but there is a paved trail a little closer to the road. Beautiful river views with rapids and occasional wild water kayakers. Lot's of berries along the trail in spring and summer.
Bathrooms and covered picnic tables are available at the lower parking lot (no playground).
More info: https://www.parks.wa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1888/Kanaskat-Palmer-State-Park-PDF
Parking Pass: Discover Pass or $10
Camping | Kanaskat-Palmer State Park | Ravensdale
Trails, river access, beautiful forested campground. Bathrooms are available. Sites vary from Standard to Full Hookup.
Book your trip here:
Ravensdale Retreat Trail
3.25miles roundtrip (we turned back way sooner), mostly flat, not stroller friendly, hills & forest view.
Bathrooms, picnic tables, playground available by Ravensdale Park, about a 200 yards away.
More info: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/ravensdale-retreat-natural-area (The map's pin is dropped a few hundred yards too early.)
Parking Pass: None
Ravensdale Park
Few trails at the park, Ravensdale Retreat near by, stroller friendly, forest view.
Bathrooms, picnic tables, playground right by the parking lot.
More info: https://www.facebook.com/ravensdalepark/
Parking Pass: None
Trail to Lake Sawyer Regional Park | Black Diamond
Less than a mile long nice trail from the Lake Sawyer Access and Trails parking lot to the Regional Park, mostly flat till the a big downhill at the end. Stroller friendly, forest & lake views.
Porta potty at the dirt parking lot, picnic table by the lake, no playground.
More info: https://goo.gl/maps/HRWtNadzpEmJ43MMA
Parking Pass: None
Franklin Ghost Town | Black Diamond
Hike this 2-mile total, rather steep in-out trail to a few relics remaining from an old mining town (Franklin). A jogging stroller could be pushed up if really needed, but it is not really stroller friendly.
No facilities are available.
Location: free parking by the Green River Gorge Resort/Springs
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DSs2Z1THyoywWWEW8
or $5 cash right by the trailhead.
Ravensdale Community Meadow & Trail | Ravensdale
Quarter of a mile long loop around a meadow, stroller friendly, hill views. Read about the town's history and coal mining from the signs posted along the trail.
Bathrooms, picnic tables, playground available by the Ravensdale Park, about a 100 yards away.
More info: https://mapcarta.com/W569160471
Parking Pass: None
Historic Downtown | Black Diamond
Spend some time exploring this gem near by! Visit the historical depot museum to learn about life in the 19th century and more. It is a very well curated, exiting exhibit that kept my 2 & 4 y.o. entertained! http://blackdiamondmuseum.org/
There is an antique store right next to is as well as few restaurants and a bakery from 1902! https://www.blackdiamondbakery.com/
Enjoy beautiful views of Mt. Rainier during your adventure!
Black Diamond Natural Area | Black Diamond
Lots of trails to pick from, you can combine them to get the perfect length for your kiddos. We like to take the Main Line - Black Lagoon - Old School - Lake Sawyer RR CO - Main Line circle.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VBw9siTg76m2Kvib8
Parking Pass: None
Cedar River Trail | Ravensdale Access NE
Small gravel parking lot along se 248th street. Beautiful stretch of the trail featuring river, wild flower, rock formations and lush forest views and a bridge.
Compacted gravel, perfect for bikes and strollers. No facilities.
Location: Cedar River Trailhead | 47.378788, -122.008488
Cedar River Trail, Ravensdale, WA 98051 | https://maps.app.goo.gl/tfFtD9yjqQGsyrqdA
Parking Pass: None
Restaurant: Four Corners with many options is just a few minutes away.
Pump Track | Black Diamond
Small dirt bike track with small to medium size jumps, two tabletops and two big berms. Parking is by the Gym, picnic table is available. No bathrooms.
Location: Black Diamond Community Gym | 25511 Lawson St, Black Diamond, WA 98010 | https://maps.app.goo.gl/6LUGA8ij7Pqw6mou8
Parking Pass: None
Landsburg Fish Ladder | Ravensdale
Gravel parking lot off of Landsburg Road across from the Cedar River Trail Access.
Big grassy fields with access to a rocky beach with shallow water to play in. You can walk up-river in the water to explore more. Along the current the water is deep enough to swim in.
Porta potty available.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/axhNZcfH2rX9c3Vu5
Parking Pass: None
Covington & Kent, WA
Covington Community Park | Trails
Over a mile of asphalted, gravel and forest trails, mostly flat, stroller friendly, forest view
Bathrooms, covered picnic tables, playground available by the main parking lot.
More info: https://www.covingtonwa.gov/city_departments/parks/covingtoncommunitypark.php
Parking Pass: None
Soos Creek Trail | Gary Grant Park, Kent
The Soos Creek Trail is part of the King County Trail System in Kent. The 7 mile paved trail travels through wetlands and farmland.
Bathrooms, covered picnic tables, playground available by the Gary Grant Park parking lot.
Location:https://goo.gl/maps/zmVg81Z2vPdnDew4A
Parking Pass: None
Enumclaw & Buckley, WA
1.45 miles loop, hilly terrain, jogging stroller friendly, lake & foothills view
Bathrooms, covered picnic tables, playground available by the parking lot.
WTA: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/nolte-state-park
Parking Pass: Discover Pass or $10
Pinnacle Peak Park
South Trail is 3.4 miles round trip with 1000 ft elevation gain. We only did a short section of it, but saw some nice Mt Rainier and foothills views.
A bathroom is located at the parking lot.
More info: https://www.mountaineers.org/activities/routes-places/pinnacle-peak-park
Parking Pass: None
Laughing Goat Flower Farm | Enumclaw
We attended their Dinos in the garden event in July 2022. It was fun and exciting to wander around their beautiful gardens! They host multiple workshops and events during the year. They do not allow drop-in visits, check their Facebook profile for more info.
Website: https://www.laughinggoatfarm.com/
Blue Dot Blueberry Farm | Enumclaw
Cute family owned U-pick blueberry farm (blueberries are in season btw. July-Sept) with Mt Rainier view.
Call Jeff for reserving a time to pick and to verify ripeness.
Website: http://bluedotfarm.com/
Downtown Buckley & Foothills Trail
Bike/walk along the foothills trail. We used this trailhead and biked towards the bridge: https://goo.gl/maps/FYXMCBHfX8bgBE6v9
Then drive to downtown Buckley to climb rock walls, or play at the playground with breathtaking Mount Rainier views.
You can walk along Buckley's main street and stop for snacks and icecream at Scoop!
Maris Farms | Buckley
Tulips: April/May
Sunflowers: August
Pumpkin Patch: October
$$
More info: https://marisfarms.com/
Mount Rainier view, fun playground and some winding trails around the grassy park. Plenty of shade available and some good stumps to climb on.
Location: Suntop Park
501 Suntop Blvd N, Enumclaw, WA 98022 | https://maps.app.goo.gl/enaMomDRBWe4WJuNA
Parking Pass: None
Restaurants: Downtown Enumclaw is just a few minutes of driving away.
Hobart, Mirrormont & Issaquah WA
Holder Creek Trail | Taylor Mountain -Hobart
3 miles roundtrip, 400 feet elevation gain, not stroller friendly, forest & creek views.
Bathrooms are available at the gravel parking lot.
More info: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/holder-creek
Parking Pass: None
Holder Ridge Trail | Taylor Mountain - Hobart
3 miles roundtrip, 425 feet elevation gain (pretty steep), not stroller friendly, forest views.
Bathrooms are available at the gravel parking lot.
More info: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/taylor-mountain-holder-ridge-trail
Parking Pass: None
Pretzel Tree Trail | Issaquah
0.3 miles hike with 42 feet elevation gain.
This short, easy, year-round trail meanders under the cool, protective trees of Squak Mountain State Park. It is a treat for kids with fun story boards along the way.
Trail info: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/pretzel-tree-trail
Parking Pass: Discover Pass or $10
Squak Valley Park Playground | Issaquah
Fun, 3 story tall playground with a beautiful backdrop.
Bathrooms, picnic tables, and a giant field are right by the big paved parking lot.
More info: https://www.issaquahwa.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/40
Parking Pass: None
Tiger Mountain Trail | Issaquah - Mirrormont
4.2 miles roundtrip, 1000 feet elevation gain (we turned back much sooner), not stroller friendly, beautiful old-growth forest views, lots of Salmon and Huckleberries. Geocaching available (but hidden far off the trail.)
No facilities, parking on wide shoulder along the road.
More info: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/south-tiger-traverse
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yUxTFa4HMu2ArPVW9
Parking Pass: None
Restaurant: Issaquah Downtown not too far.
Mirrormont Park | Mirrormont
Super fun little park with lots of little trails (about 1 mile total), a big field in the middle, signs about plants with info and fun facts, nature playground (fallen trees, stumps, a mini pump track and painted rocks everywhere.) What a gem!
No facilities, parking on wide shoulder along the road.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NGUMVZ2W1gVDryiJ7
Parking Pass: None
Renton, WA
Peterson Lake Trail
1.3 miles roundtrip, 213 feet elevation gain, not really stroller friendly (however one of our fierce mamas made it), forest and minimal lake view.
No bathrooms, no picnic tables, no playground, just a gravel lot along a busy road.
More info: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/peterson-lake-natural-area
Parking Pass: None
Belmondo's Reach | Cedar River
A few trails to get around and explore the beach. River and riverbend views, perfect spot to see Salmon Spawning in the fall.
No facilities, just a small dirt parking lot. Access to Cedar River Trail.
Parking Pass: None
Petrovitsky Park Playground
Fun playground with a section for toddlers and a section for bigger kiddos. Ball fields, ponds, and trails near by.
Bathrooms, covered picnic tables are available at the parking lot.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/1AA1GTw8S3nAcWpp6
Parking Pass: None
Petrovitsky Park Trail
0.75 miles loop trail, hilly terrain, jogging stroller 'friendly', forest views. Follow the paved trail past the picnic tables, until it starts turning right, towards Petrovitsky and look for a white gravel trail to your left, then left at the bottom of the hill and then left again to go back up towards the fields.
Bathrooms, covered picnic tables, really cool playground available at the main parking lot.
https://goo.gl/maps/1AA1GTw8S3nAcWpp6
Parking Pass: None
Echo Mountain | Lake Springs/Lake Desire
About 3 miles roundtrip, 900 feet elevation gain, the first 2/3rd of the trail is doable with a jogging stroller, Mt. Rainier, forest & lake views up top.
No facilities at the parking lot (follow Lake Springs public access on the map to find it)
More info: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/spring-lake-lake-desire-park-echo-mountain
Parking Pass: None at the trailhead (few spots), Discover Pass by the boat launch next to it.
Shadow Lake Nature Preserve | Bog Boardwalk Trail
Short in and out trail on a cute boardwalk, surrounded by a moss "carpet".
No public facilities at the parking area (they have space for 1-2 cars, everyone else has to park along the busy road.
Visits are permitted by reservation only.
More info: https://shadowhabitat.org/visit/
Parking Pass: None
Paved trails with amazing lake, Olympics and Mount Rainier views, a sandy beach, nice new playground and some restaurants on a dock.
Bathrooms and picnic tables are available at multiple locations around the park.
Location: 1201 Lake Washington Blvd N, Renton, WA 98056 | https://maps.app.goo.gl/RZpqP4Qa6emsasyDA
Parking Pass: None
Three Lakes Loop | Lake Springs/Lake Desire
About 1.3 miles loop, minimal elevation gain, the trail is doable with a jogging stroller but you are going to have to lift/push over roots and rocks. Forest & lake views.
No facilities at the parking lot (follow Lake Springs public access on the map to find it)
Location: Location: Spring Lake/ Lake Desire Park | 18415 W Spring Lake Dr SE, Renton, WA 98058 | https://maps.app.goo.gl/upT3A2srnu9VxzhF6
Parking Pass: None at the trailhead (few spots), Discover Pass by the boat launch next to it.
Cedar River Trail by Renton Memorial Stadium
Well maintained, paved trail winding along the Cedar River right before it flows into Lake Washington. Passes by the Boeing factory and the Renton Municipal Airport for constant entertainment. There is a cute playground and nice views along the trail.
No facilities at the parking lot, but there are bathrooms by the playground.
Location: Renton Memorial Stadium Parking Lot | https://maps.app.goo.gl/yesxksGs8cR8fofc8
Parking Pass: None
Auburn, WA
River Trail | Flaming Geyser State Park
Auburn
1.5 miles round trip, hilly terrain, not stroller friendly, river & forest views.
Bathrooms, picnic tables, playground available at the parking lot by Wolf Bauer Lodge. RC Airplane field by the entrance.
More info: https://www.parks.wa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1866/Flaming-Geyser-State-Park-PDF
Parking Pass: Discover Pass or $10
Green River Park | Auburn
Not sure how long this trail is, as we turned back after about a mile, hilly terrain, along the Green River with fun rocky beaches and amazing river-bank views.
Porta potties are available in the dirt lot along the road.
Trailhead: https://goo.gl/maps/RrAdyCVqtUPHcTdn9
Parking Pass: None
Restaurant: Lumber House Brewery (not sure if they are kid friendly...)
Soos Creek Botanical Garden & Heritage Center | Auburn
Extremely well kept, beautifully designed botanical garden with a small aviary. Some of their trails are jogging stroller friendly. You can get to a small creek to play in too.
More info: https://www.sooscreekbotanicalgarden.org/
Parking Pass: None
RC Airplane Field Trail | Auburn
This Field is within the Flaming Geyser State Park.
On not windy, sunny days, you can find hobby and professional remote controlled airplane pilots performing amazing tricks.
If you are done looking at them there is a trail that goes around the field following the Green River (little over a mile long)
Trailhead: https://goo.gl/maps/GLrMDekVjpyW3wXLA
Parking Pass: $10 or Discover Pass
Restaurant: UVA Furem Winery in Black Diamond. (Not sure if thet are kid friendly...)
North Bend, Snoqualmie, Falls City WA
Torguson Park - Pump Track & Playground | North Bend
Torguson Park is an all-ages, all-abilities track, with features that both advanced and novice riders can enjoy together. This park has bathrooms, a playground and breathtaking views of Mount Si in North Bend (only 25min drive from Maple Valley)
More info: https://www.siviewpark.org/torguson-park.phtml
Parking Pass: None
Preston - Snoqualmie Trail | Falls City
We rode a 4 miles total in-out section of the trail to a peek-a-boo Snoqualmie Falls view. Beautiful scenery, views of Snoqualmie Valley mountains on a nicely maintained, paved trail. Highly recommend!
Location: Lake Alice Rd, Fall City, WA 98024 | https://maps.app.goo.gl/x4cLDNtPp7WCJpVU7
Parking Pass: None
Restaurant: We drove a little further to Falls City and ate at the Raging River Coffee and Club. Good food and kind service.
Snoqualmie Community Park & Trails | Snoqualmie
Beautiful park with a fun gravel/paved trail around the neighboring wetland. amazing mountain views (Si, Cascades).
Bathrooms and playground.
Location: 35016 SE Ridge St, Snoqualmie, WA 98065 | https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y5DKVxQuoC21PR2y6
Parking Pass: None
Coffees and restaurants walking distance.
Snoqualmie Old Town & Riverview Park | Snoqualmie
A beautiful Train themed playground and an amazing historic down town to explore. Train depot + museum, small businesses (antique shop, trading post, coffees, restaurants...) Highly recommend!
Location: 39000 SE Park St, Snoqualmie, WA 98065 | https://maps.app.goo.gl/D3LD5ZZASWuJzs9y9
Parking Pass: None
Coffees, Ice cream shop, restaurants walking distance.
Snoqualmie Falls Trail & Viewpoints | Snoqualmie
1.4 miles total, with 250 ft elevation gain trail to the upper viewing deck and back down. Beautiful trail with lots of nursing logs and fun tree stumps to climb... not to mention the breathtaking views of the falls.
Location: Snoqualmie Lower Falls Parking Lot | 37479 SE Fish Hatchery Rd, Fall City, WA 98024 | https://maps.app.goo.gl/wSkSSBbiXD3hPrus9
More info: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/snoqualmie-falls - we did it the opposite way though!
Parking Pass: None
Bellevue & Newcastle, WA
Mercer Slough | Bellevue
Fun trails through wetlands with some boardwalks and river crossings.
Skunk Cabbage blooming: April
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/hUMwtaYHoYcPvt828
Parking Pass: None
Restaurnat: