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Paradise Valley Conservation Area (PVCA)
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Features
- Trails
About
Paradise Valley is a 793 acre conservation area located south of SR-522 on Paradise Lake Road. The site is located in the headwaters area of the Bear Creek watershed and plays a vital role in the health of this important salmon stream. A majority of the site is wooded with a several large wetland areas.
The park features a 13 mile natural surface trail system open to hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use (motor vehicles are prohibited). Approximately 7 miles of trail are open to equestrians and 10 miles are open to bike use. All trails are open to foot traffic. Most trails are open to multiple use, however several trails are designated for foot traffic only. Dogs are permitted with leash and scoop laws in effect.
Parking
- No permit is required to park at the trailhead.
- Equestrians: The current parking facilities are small and horse trailer parking at the main trailhead is limited to two 10' x 40' stalls.
- The parking lot frequently reaches capacity on busy weekend days and maneuvering space for larger trailers becomes limited. We encourage equestrians to visit the dedicated trailer parking area at Lord Hill Regional Park.
E-Bikes
Refer to our Trails Page for more information
Park History
The PVCA property was purchased in 2000 from the Lloyd family, who originally homesteaded the property in 1887. The initial purchase of approximately 667 acres was funded by a Washington State Salmon Recovery Grant, Snohomish County’s Conservation Futures funds and grant matching funds from King County and the Martin Miller Fund. The overall purchase price was reduced significantly due to a generous donation made by the Lloyd family. Restrictions, covenants and conditions were negotiated “to ensure that the Lloyd Family Farmstead property be retained forever in its open space and historical condition and to prevent any use of the property that will significantly impair or interfere with the open space, wildlife habitat, and historical values of the property.” To halt ecological degradation caused by inappropriate use, the PVCA was closed to the public shortly after acquisition.
In order to preserve additional habitat and expand space for trail development, Snohomish County acquired an additional 126 acres adjacent to the PVCA in 2008. The land, located on the southwest corner of the PVCA, was purchased using Brightwater Mitigation Funds.
Planning for the facility was completed in 2008 and the park was officially opened on April 22, 2009 (Earth Day). Initial and on-going trail work would not have been possible without extensive volunteer efforts by partner organizations including the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, Water Tenders, Eagle Scouts and many more.
Farmer Frog is operating on the site under a long-term lease agreement with Snohomish County Parks. Farmer Frog has been cleaning and restoring the historic buildings on site, working with an Eagle Scout to restore the milk shed, and with volunteers to remove vegetation and household waste from the original homestead cabin.
Future Plans
- Farmstead interpretive and education facility.
- Expanded Parking
- Phase 2 Trails (east of Paradise Lake Rd.). Trails and interpretive features will be limited in order to protect vital habitat along Bear Creek—public access is currently limited to special use only in this area.
Driving Directions (From Everett)
- Take I-5 south to exit 182 merging onto I-405 South (Renton-Bellevue).
- Take SR522/I-405 exit toward SR202 (Monroe-Wenatchee).
- Take left fork merging onto SR522 East.
- Turn right at Paradise Lake Road.
- Parking lot is just north of the Lloyd family farm on the west side of the road.