Wallace Swamp Creek Park

Location: Kenmore.

Length: About a quarter mile.

Level of difficulty: From the parking lot, a short bark trail leads south through the wetlands (can be wet after rains) to a level, paved trail. A short, paved side loop next to the stream leads up a small hill and then down to casual dirt trails that extend into the wetlands.

Setting: This serene 17-acre park of wetlands and woods straddles Swamp Creek and is tucked away not far from a busy highway. Walk from the parking lot on a bark trail through wetlands that leads up to a paved pedestrian road. The road is lined with a row of tall poplars, hinting at a possible remnant of a farm once located on the site. Just a few weeks ago, the wetlands on the south side of the road were choked with blooming salmonberry thickets and skunk cabbage. Continuing on the paved path, cross a bridge over the stream and then pass through a grassy picnic area shaded by deciduous trees. The trail swoops steeply up to the park's western border on 68th Avenue Northeast.

Highlights: A former King Country park, the site is cared for by the city of Kenmore. The stream is the focus of the park, and this site provides a haven for those who want to bask in the earthy smell and lushness of wetlands. The bridge over the creek offers a good place to watch spawning salmon in the fall. The city of Kenmore held a meeting in March to solicit the public's opinion on a master plan for the park, and plans to do work this summer on wetland restoration.

Facilities: None.

Restrictions: Leash and scoop laws in effect.

Directions: From I-405, take Highway 522 west (Bothell Way Northeast), and in Kenmore, turn right on 73rd Avenue Northeast. Keep left at the fork, and the parking lot for the park is on the left.

Bus: Metro #306 stops by the southwest entrance to the park on 68th Avenue Northeast. 206-553-3000 or transit.metrokc.gov.

Information: 425-398-8900 or www.cityofkenmore.com.