Friends of Cedar Creek Park

Mature forest with a multi-storied canopy and trees that were as much as 80 years old mark this unique area. Steep hillsides are abundant with small seeps and springs. Wetlands fill a bench at the northern edge of the property that then feeds into one of the largest wetland systems left in King County along Jenkins creek. The forest serves as healthy habitat for a wide variety of wildlife including deer, mt. beaver, flying squirrels, raccoons, coyote, and occasionally elk and black bear. Additionally the wetlands are visited by Heron, Red tailed Hawk, eagles, and Osprey.

The main property has approximately 1.5 miles of old road bed that serves as a connection between Covington and Maple Valley.  It has the potential to become a connecter trail between the Soos Creek trail to the west and the Cedar River trail to the east in the future.

There are also unimproved foot trails that cross the property.  An additional 35 acres to the north of the 84 acres was added in 2005. The city of Covington purchased two properties with a grant from King County Conservation Futures money and a special city fund for park acquisition. The property was sold to the city of Covington by two land owners, the Gardners and Moe Munch. Both landowners wanted to see their property added to the park and waited until funding could be secured to do so.  Covington set up a life estate for the Gardners aging parents who wanted to remain on the property until they could no longer live there. They recently moved from the property. Their love of the property and their legacy will not be forgotten.

The 35 acres is an amazing acquisition. It consists of two branches of Jenkins creek, a salmon bearing creek. An open water pond that river otters and other wildlife frequent. An old house along an open grassy area that could serve as an event center, retreat, or educational space. Also there is over 300 species of rhododendrons that the Burgess planted over the years along with many other species of plants. Mo Munch’s property and the backside of the Burgess property have mature forest and a steeper ravine that one of the branches of Jenkins Creek flows through. The front part of the Burgess property is part of the extensive wetland complex along Jenkins creek.

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In 2016 King County acquired an additional 8 acres of land to the north of the lower 35 that protects wetlands associated with Jenkin's creek.

This is such a unique area to have in public ownership and it is a lasting legacy of natural space for the two communities of Covington and Maple Valley to enjoy. The founders of Middle Green River Coalition spearheaded the effort to save this property because they realized that there were very few places like this left in southeast King County and it protects an important wetland system vital to salmon recovery.  Today community members are continuing the effort by working with King County, Covington, and surrounding homeowners to develop the trails and promote stewardship.

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