Long Description:These are some fun trails. Mountain Biking, hiking, and horseback
riding. 11 miles of trails. Some contain optional technical
features such as boardwalks, teeter-totters, and ramps. Here is
some information from the Snohomish County Parks website, where you
can also find maps.
("http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/Parks/Park_Information/Park_Directory/Regional_Parks/paradisevalley.htm"
target="_blank">visit link)
Park Features
A majority of the site is heavily-timbered and contains a vast
wetland area. The main stem of Bear Creek flows through the eastern
portion of the PVCA, which is the largest undeveloped tract of land
in the headwaters of Bear Creek. A significant portion of the
headwaters of the Bear Creek watershed is located on this site. The
watershed system, which includes the Cottage Lake Creek sub-basin
and many other tributaries, contains one of the most productive
salmon streams in the Sammamish River System.
Description
A 793 acre property located south of SR-522 on Paradise Lake Road,
and adjacent to the Snohomish/King County line.
Park History
The property was homesteaded in 1887 by James and Eliza Lloyd where
they raised cattle and sheep and logged portions of the property.
They pastured their farm animals east of Paradise Lake Road across
from their large log cabin, barns, and equipment storage
buildings.
Several logging roads were created during the years the Lloyds
logged the property. In the early days, a rail line coming up from
Crystal Lake to the west side of the property was used to ship logs
down to Blackstock Lumber in Seattle.
While trees estimated to be 100 years old have been located, no
“old growth” forest areas have been located.
Snohomish County purchased the property from Davey, Jessie and
Elizabeth Lloyd in 2000.
Preserving Nature & Wildlife
The Conservation Area supports a large population of animals, birds
and fish. Wild inhabitants include squirrels, mice, skunk, frogs,
salamanders and deer as well as bear, cougar and coyote. Birds of
prey include bald eagles, hawks and owls. Much of the headwaters of
Bear Creek are located here…home to resident trout, migrating
salmon, brook lamprey, sculpin, dace… and beavers!
As you travel the trails, please enjoy the abundant forest
vegetation. Douglas fir and our State tree, the Western Hemlock,
dominate upland areas along with stands of White Pine. When you get
closer to wetland and stream environments, vegetation will
transition to Western Red Cedar, Cottonwood, Alder, Red Osier
Dogwood and Willow.
Take extra time to look at the diverse forest under-story. In
upland areas you will see low growing plants such as Oregon Grape,
Salal and Sword Fern. As you transition to moist lowlands look for
Salmonberry, Huckleberry, Deer Fern, and False Lilly of the Valley.
Along the way, look for flowers in bloom: Nootka Rose in the upland
areas, Trillium in the deep shade, and, in the very wet areas,
Skunk Cabbage… also called “forest lantern” because of its bright
yellow spring flowers.
Emergencies
A map coordinate system is in place to aid park users and rescue
personnel in locating each other in the event emergency assistance
is needed. In case of an emergency, call 911 and give the operator
the information on the nearest waypoint marker.
Future Plans
Interpretive Trails
Passive Recreation
Wildlife Preserve
Mountain Bike Skills Center
Driving Directions
From Everett, take I-5 south to exit 182 merging onto I-405 S
(Renton-Bellevue). Take SR522/I-405 exit toward SR202
(Monroe-Wenatchee).Take left fork merging onto SR522 E. Turn right
at Paradise Lake Rd. Parking lot is just north of the Lloyd family
farm on the west side of the road.