Southwest County Olympic View Park

The Hiking loop from Southwest County Olympic View Park offers a serene escape into a 120-acre forested preserve, perfect for a quick nature fix. You will wander through mature second-growth forest, past forested ravines and wetlands where Perrinville Creek flows, all while enjoying a "green blanket" of indigenous plants like salal and large ferns. This easy 3.2-mile (5.2 km) hike involves 260 feet (79 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes, making it ideal for a relaxing stroll with occasional glimpses of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The trails are a mix of gravel paths, well-built sections, and old logging skid roads, with boardwalks over wetter areas. It is a family-friendly route, though you can find steeper sections if you are looking for a bit more challenge.

When planning your visit, know that parking is available at Southwest County Olympic View Park, but amenities are minimal; there are no outhouses, water, or tables. The park is open year-round, offering a consistent option for outdoor activity. Keep in mind that as a Passive/Sensitive Wildlife Preserve, off-road vehicles and bicycles are not allowed on the hiking trails, which helps maintain the peaceful atmosphere and protects the sensitive ecosystem, including Perrinville Creek.

This park is the largest single parcel of open space within Edmonds' city limits, providing a significant natural haven. Its history as a logged area is still visible, with old-growth stumps bearing buckboard notches and interpretive panels explaining the past. It is a great spot for wildlife watching, with squirrels and various birds commonly seen. The preserve plays a crucial role in protecting Perrinville Creek, a vital trout and salmon stream, making it an important ecological site as well as a beautiful place to hike.