Originally published March 22, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified March 22, 2007 at 2:00 AM
E-mail article
Print view
Share
Walkabout
Moss Lake Natural Area
Location: Carnation. Length: Trail is 1. 6 miles each way; connects to trails on forest land owned by Hancock Timber Forest Group (hiking...
Location: Carnation.
Length: Trail is 1.6 miles each way; connects to trails on forest land owned by Hancock Timber Forest Group (hiking allowed; no motorized vehicles).
Level of difficulty: Level-to-moderate dirt/gravel trail (mucky in areas after rains).
Setting: Whenever you see "natural area" after one of King County's parks, you know you're in for a treat. This ecologically sensitive spot in the eastern reaches of the county is very quiet (except for an area of wetlands near the parking lot currently hosting a happily deafening conference of frogs). This 371-acre gem features about 150 acres of wetlands, which makes it the largest wetland complex in the county system, and includes the 6.5-acre cattail- and spirea-fringed lake.
Highlights: The trail heads southeast past Moss Lake through a conifer forest, and into more open areas of alder and cottonwood. The trail then winds back to northeast of the lake, connecting to a lumber company's trail system (but never coming near the shore of the lake or looping back to the parking lot). Note the dark rich soil — the area was mined for peat moss (an earmark of a bog habitat) from the 1920s through the 1960s. The path is often flanked by thickets of salmonberries, a sign of moisture, as noted last week by the standing pools of water alongside the trail, with occasional rivulets rushing into culverts (bring mosquito repellent in season).
Facilities: Restrooms. Small, nonmotorized boats can be carried a short distance from the parking lot to the lake.
Restrictions: Leash and scoop laws in effect; keep on established trail; no motorized vehicles.
Directions: Take Interstate 90 east and take Exit 22 (eastbound or westbound), and head north on Preston-Fall City Road. In downtown Fall City, follow signs at the main intersection to get on Highway 203 (Carnation-Duvall Road). In 8.8 miles, north of Carnation, turn right on Northeast Stillwater Hill Road (which becomes Kelly Road Northeast). In two miles, bear right on Lake Joy Road Northeast, and at the fork 1.8 miles later, keep left on East Lake Joy Drive Northeast. In .7 mile, turn left on Northeast Moss Lake Road, which ends at the park in .5 mile.
For more information: Call 206-296-8687or visit www.metrokc.gov/parks.
Renton-based freelancer Cathy McDonald, a former geologist, has written about science and nature travel for 20 years. She's a travel guidebook editor at Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door. Contact her: nwwriter@hotmail.com.
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
UPDATE - 11:04 PM
Make sure you have the correct escape cord on your crab pots
Trail Mix: Death-defying dismount a bike move I'd rather forget
Paddler's paradise: South Sound offers quiet and beauty
Winter snowpack melts into waterfalls
Explore suburban Seattle's agricultural heritage on a day trip to Bellevue

2009 fireworks time lapse
With strict parking rules enforced at this year's July 4th celebration on Wallingford Ave North, less cars and more spectators filled the streets.
Entertainment | Top Video | World | Offbeat Video | Sci-Tech
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
Tax tips for new independent professionals
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sports car/coupe? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
nwhomes

Find a new home or condo that fits your lifestyle.
Search New Developments
Builder Directory
- Landmark Smith Tower mostly vacant
- Property taxes: Appeals shoot up in King, Snohomish Counties
- Shooting unveils very different sides of McNair
- Palin links resignation to 'higher calling' and blasts media in Facebook posting
- Former NFL MVP McNair killed
- Hard times for tourist towns means good deals for travelers
- Tukwila residents rally against light-rail noise
- Seattle may allow homeowners to build backyard cottages
- Confessions of an Idol Addict | "American Idols" on tour: Live coverage from opening date
- Quincy Jones remembers "the biggest entertainer on the planet": Michael Jackson
- Seattle Mariners at Boston Red Sox: 07/05 game thread
247 - Palin links resignation to 'higher calling' and blasts media in Facebook posting
181 - Hatred for the NBA runs deep, but don't take it out on the players
138 - Tukwila residents rally against light-rail noise
129 - Former NFL MVP McNair killed
113 - Property taxes: Appeals shoot up is King, Snohomish Counties
109 - Tent City on campus: UW stalls decision
107 - Anti-tax rally in Olympia attracts about 1,500
69 - Mariners did their part, now they need help
46 - Megachurch pastor Rick Warren addresses US Muslims
36
- Property taxes: Appeals shoot up in King, Snohomish Counties
- Hard times for tourist towns means good deals for travelers
- Landmark Smith Tower mostly vacant
- Seattle may allow homeowners to build backyard cottages
- Plasma and LCD beware; OLED screens ready to go mainstream
- The People's Pharmacy | Estrogen mimicker found in sunscreen
- Researchers stunned by inmates' success raising endangered frogs
- Tent City on campus: UW stalls decision
- Toyota's Toyoda scolds execs for emulating U.S. car companies' mistakes
- Tukwila residents rally against light-rail noise








