Two county parks close over tree hazards

Residents of Snohomish County must alter their outdoor plans starting Thursday as two popular parks close due to safety concerns. The county identified an increased risk of falling trees following recent forest health surveys. These closures affect Paradise Valley Conservation Area near Woodinville and Southwest County Park in Edmonds.

At Paradise Valley, advanced laminated root rot has damaged the roots of hundreds of Douglas fir trees. This native fungal disease now affects 64 acres of the conservation area. In Edmonds, the situation involves red alders that have reached the end of their natural lives. The majority of these trees in the 120-acre park are no longer stable.

Sharon Walker, the Snohomish County Parks director, stated that visitor safety is the top priority for the department. She noted that the approach aims to create healthier and more resilient forests for the future. Walker acknowledged that these locations are beloved by the community but emphasized the need to protect those who visit them.

Crews will begin work on a trail reroute at Paradise Valley on Thursday, October 29. The park and the new trail, which connects to the Wetland Plateau Trail, are scheduled to reopen on Friday, October 30. Several specific areas within Paradise Valley will remain closed indefinitely. These include the Cascara Trail, Whispering Firs, Mainline Trail, Lloyd Loop, and the Lloyd family barn.

Southwest County Park remains closed until further notice. The hazard presents no safe alternative route for visitors, requiring the entire park to stay shut. The red alders there were planted approximately 75 years ago. The county is developing a forest mitigation plan but has not set a timeline for reopening. Officials must either remove the trees or verify they have fallen naturally before allowing public access.