Parks and Facilities

Description

Located south of SR-522 on Paradise Lake Rd, this beautiful 793-acre park offers a rich environment with abundant forest areas, wetlands, streams, and more than 13 miles of designated multi-use trails for hikers, bikers, and equestrian riders (motor vehicles are prohibited). Paradise Valley provides refuge for bears, cougar, deer, and other wildlife and the park protects the headwaters of Bear Creek, an important salmon-rearing stream. A majority of the site is wooded with several large wetland areas.
 
There are approximately 7 miles of equestrian trails, 10 miles of mountain bike trails and all trails are open to hikers. Most trails are open for multiple uses, however, several trails are designated for foot traffic only. Dogs are permitted with leash and scoop laws in effect. For information on ebikes, read our Trails page.

Driving Directions (From Everett)

1. Take I-5 south to exit 182 merging onto I-405 South (Renton-Bellevue). 
2. Take SR522/I-405 exit toward SR202 (Monroe-Wenatchee).
3. Take the left fork merging onto SR522 East. 
4. Turn right at Paradise Lake Road.
5. The parking lot is just north of the Lloyd family farm on the west side of the road.

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 weekends and maneuvering space for larger trailers becomes limited. We encourage equestrians to visit the dedicated trailer parking area at Lord Hill Regional Park. 

History

The Paradise Valley Conservation Area (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 is 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 its 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 ongoing 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.

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 habitats along Bear Creek. Public access is currently limited to special use only in this area.

Helpful Links

• Trail Etiquette & Education
• Ebikes
• Parks homepage

Orienteering Course at PVCA

In 2022, Tanner Johnson created a 14-point orienteering course at PVCA for his Eagle Scout Project. Learn more about orienteering and try the course yourself!

• Orienteering Course Introduction
• PVCA Course and Control Descriptions
• Course Map