Green River Trail & Natural Resources Area

on the trail

The Green River Trail, managed by King Country Parks & Recreation, is over 19 miles beginning at Cecil Moses Park near Seattle’s south boundary and ending at North Green River Park in south Kent near Auburn. It is paved throughout and bridges the gap between nature and the built environment.

The Green River Natural Resource Area, managed by the Kent Public Works Department, provides habitat to an estimated 165 bird and 53 mammal species, and serves as a nesting, feeding, and brooding area for many species that use the Green River corridor as a travel route. Raptors including Peregrine Falcons and Kestrels and many species of ducks and shorebirds make their home here.

Possible Itineraries

Van Doren's Landing Park to Old Fishing Hole

6-mile loop

Start at Van Doren's Landing Park explore the trails and viewing towers of the Green River Natural Resources Area. Then hike south along the Green River Trail following the river south to the Old Fishing Hole and return by Frager Road and cross a footbridge over the Green River just south of Van Doren's Landing Park to complete the 6 mile loop.

Kent Valley Frog Loop Trail

9-mile loop

Access this loop from downtown Kent or a number of trailheads along the loop including Riverview Park and Van Doren's Landing Park. It's all paved and flat. It includes sections of the Green River Trail, Puget Power Trail and Interurban Trial and can be walked clockwise or counter clockwise.

Van Doren's Landing Park to Three Friends Fishing Hole

5.3 miles round trip

Walk north along the Green River Trail and almost immediately there is an option to take a diversion east onto a loose rock trail through part of the Green River Natural Resources Area. Part of this trail is a bit overgrown in places, so a long sleeve shirt and long pants are recommended. Upon rejoining the mail trail there is an opportunity to climb a 44-step observation tower. Then cross under S 212th Street and continue up the paved Green River Trail to the Three Friends Fishing Hole Park. On the return consider walking along the dirt trail closer to the river if it’s dry to have a break from the pavement. The walkway along the bridge across the rover is narrow, so cross it single file and continue south down Frager Road. Part of Frager Road has vehicle access and there are no sidewalks. Keep to the left (riverside) and cross back over the Green River on a pedestrian bridge just south of the Van Doren's Landing park entrance. Also consider walking a short way east along the Puget Power Trail to visit a second observation tower. There is a third observation tower in Van Doren's Landing Park.

Kent West Hill and Grandview

4.75-mile loop, 330 feet of elevation gain

Take a short tour of some of the new park trails in Van Doren's Landing Park. Then follow the Green River Trail south to the Veterans Drive bridge over the Green River. Walk west up the sidewalk of Veterans Drive to the Grandview Apartments, climb a short flight of steps and tour the Grandview Off-Leash Dogpark trails for amazing views on a fine clear day over the Kent Valley and East Hill to the Issaquah Alps, including through the gap between Cougar and Sqauk Mountains a glimpse of Mount Index, Glacier Peak, and a great unobstructed view of Mount Rainier to the southeast. Next descend north along the sidewalk beside Riverview Blvd S passing Riverview Park and along 40th Ave S to reach the Robert Morris Earthworks Park. Then walk east alongside 40th Place S to return to Riverview Blvd S. Walk through "The Parks” community to reach Frager Road. A short distance south along this traffic-free section of road, cross back over the Green River by a footbridge and return to Van Doren’s Landing Park.

information for leaders

scheduling

Because this is a long trail in an urban setting, multiple may use this route/place on the same date. Please be sure to check the activities already listed to be sure your trip does not conflict with another.

• Suitable Activities: Day Hiking, Urban Walking, Urban Adventure
• Seasons: Year-round
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
• Length: 6.0 mi

• Land Manager: Green River Trail
• Parking Permit Required: None
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 20
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12