Join King County Water and Land Resources Division staff to hear more about King County’s Mitigation Reserves Program, the mitigation project and Natural Area, and about future conservation and investment efforts in the Issaquah Creek Basin.

King County’s Middle Issaquah Creek Natural Area consists of 41.3 acres of public land along Issaquah Creek including a King County Mitigation Reserves Program Project. By expanding and reconnecting this riverine wetland to Issaquah Creek, the project helps to protect and improve water quality, provide habitat, store floodwaters, and maintain water flow during droughts. Constructed backwater channels and a side channel provide rearing and refuge habitat for juvenile Chinook salmon.

This short walk will include shallow water crossings. Bring your knee-high boots if you don’t want to get your feet wet, or the appropriate water-walking shoes if you do.

Location: Middle Issaquah Creek Natural Area & Mitigation Project
Parking: Parking area on shoulder off SE 156th Street
Distance: ~0.3 miles
Duration: 2 hours
Elevation Gain: relatively flat
Hike Leader: Judy Blanco, Basin Steward – Cedar River & Issaquah Creek Watersheds, King County Parks

What to Bring: Poles optional for water crossing, water shoes or knee-length waterproof boots, polarized sunglasses for possible salmon viewing.