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 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.