Natural and working lands

Approximately 25,000 acres of King County Parks' 28,000 acres are forested natural areas or working resource lands.

Managed for their ecological value, Parks' natural areas contain a diversity of native vegetation that provides fish and wildlife habitat and embodies the beauty and character of our region's landscape. These lands often support wetlands, riparian areas, small lakes and ponds, and other vulnerable or rare habitats. Low-impact activities, such as hiking, nature observation, and fishing are allowed, where appropriate; horseback riding is also permitted on certain sites.

King County Parks is also responsible for working resource lands, which remain in active forestry. These lands protect areas from development and/or provide a buffer between commercial forestland and adjacent residential development. These lands balance sustainable timber production, conservation, and habitat restoration and offer low-impact recreational activities, such as walking, nature observation, horseback and mountain biking riding, where appropriate.