Informal access to Snoqualmie Valley Trail closed after increase in illegal use, damage

Increases in both vandalism and illegal use have forced the closure of a popular access point to King County’s Snoqualmie Valley Trail in Fall City.

For years, trail users accessed the trail using Southeast 39^th Place in Fall City, which is not an official trail access point. Now, because of increases in vandalism, illegal dumping and use by motorbikes – which are strictly forbidden on the trail – the private landowner has gated the road and posted “no trespassing” signs on the informal access point.

“We are working with the landowner to acquire some level of access to the trail, but this could take several months to resolve. In the meantime, trail users have a couple of different options to reach the trail,” said Robert Foxworthy, King County’s Regional Trails Coordinator. “In addition, we will also be stepping up surveillance of the trail to ensure that unauthorized activities are curtailed.”

Two existing alternative access points are available both north and south of the closed road.

The nearest alternative access to the north is at the Griffin Creek Natural Area at 11^th Street Northeast, off Fall City-Carnation Road. This option offers ample parking near the trail, including room for equestrian trailers, and is about 3.7 miles north of the closed access point.

South of the closed access point, trail enthusiasts can get on the Snoqualmie Valley Trail via 356^th Drive Southeast off Fall City-Snoqualmie Road. While this access point is less than 1.5 miles from the recently closed access point, there is no designated parking and it is not suitable for equestrian trailers.

The Snoqualmie Valley Trail runs for more than 31 miles through beautiful rural King County. Highlights include extraordinary views of the Snoqualmie River Valley and Cascades, travel over the old Tokul railroad trestle, crossing through natural areas and working farms and access to the Cascades via the cross-state John Wayne Pioneer Trail. More information is available at http://www.metrokc.gov/parks/trails/svt.html

King County Parks - Your Big Backyard - offers more than 25,000 acres of parks and natural lands, including such regional treasures as Marymoor Park and Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, 175 miles of regional trails, plus pools and a world-class aquatic center. By cultivating strong relationships with non-profit, corporate and community partners, King County Parks enhances park amenities while reducing costs. Learn more at http://www.metrokc.gov/parks/.

Related Information:

King County Parks and Recreation