PARK SUMMARY:
Cedar Creek Park is between Covington and Maple Valley. The 119 acre park is located between Tall Timbers / Timberlane Housing developments to the west and Cedar Downs and SE 248th to the east.
The main park site consists of 85 acres of mature forest that was originally owned by Department of Natural Resources and was part of the school trust lands. The last time the property was logged was in the 1930s. Mature forest is unusual in Southeast King County since most lands were tree farms and have been logged numerous times.
Mature forest with a multi-storied canopy and trees that were as much as 70 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 feed into one of the large 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.
Additionally the main property has approximately 1.5 miles of old road bed that serves as a connection between Covington and Maple Valley and will become a regional trail connector 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. Also Covington set up a life estate for the aging Burgesses 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 Munches 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.
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. 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.
Cedar Creek Park is currently looking for a Park Ambassador. If you love this park and want to help steward it please contact park liaison: mgrc@mgrc.org
