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Paradise Valley Conservation Area (PVCA)
23210 Paradise Lake Rd
Woodinville
Park Features
A majority of the site is heavily-timbered and contains a vast wetland area. The main stem of Bear Creek flows through the eastern portion of the PVCA, which is the largest undeveloped tract of land in the headwaters of Bear Creek. A significant portion of the headwaters of the Bear Creek watershed is located on this site. The watershed system, which includes the Cottage Lake Creek sub-basin and many other tributaries, contains one of the most productive salmon streams in the Sammamish River System.
Description
A 793 acre property located south of SR-522 on Paradise Lake Road, and adjacent to the Snohomish/King County line.
Park History
The property was homesteaded in 1887 by James and Eliza Lloyd where they raised cattle and sheep and logged portions of the property. They pastured their farm animals east of Paradise Lake Road across from their large log cabin, barns, and equipment storage buildings.
Several logging roads were created during the years the Lloyds logged the property. In the early days, a rail line coming up from Crystal Lake to the west side of the property was used to ship logs down to Blackstock Lumber in Seattle.
While trees estimated to be 100 years old have been located, no “old growth” forest areas have been located.
Snohomish County purchased the property from Davey, Jessie and Elizabeth Lloyd in 2000.
Preserving Nature & Wildlife
The Conservation Area supports a large population of animals, birds and fish. Wild inhabitants include squirrels, mice, skunk, frogs, salamanders and deer as well as bear, cougar and coyote. Birds of prey include bald eagles, hawks and owls. Much of the headwaters of Bear Creek are located here…home to resident trout, migrating salmon, brook lamprey, sculpin, dace… and beavers!
As you travel the trails, please enjoy the abundant forest vegetation. Douglas fir and our State tree, the Western Hemlock, dominate upland areas along with stands of White Pine. When you get closer to wetland and stream environments, vegetation will transition to Western Red Cedar, Cottonwood, Alder, Red Osier Dogwood and Willow.
Take extra time to look at the diverse forest under-story. In upland areas you will see low growing plants such as Oregon Grape, Salal and Sword Fern. As you transition to moist lowlands look for Salmonberry, Huckleberry, Deer Fern, and False Lilly of the Valley. Along the way, look for flowers in bloom: Nootka Rose in the upland areas, Trillium in the deep shade, and, in the very wet areas, Skunk Cabbage… also called “forest lantern” because of its bright yellow spring flowers.
Emergencies
A map coordinate system is in place to aid park users and rescue personnel in locating each other in the event emergency assistance is needed. In case of an emergency, call 911 and give the operator the information on the nearest waypoint marker.
Planning & Site Management
Adaptive Management Plan
An Adaptive Management Plan was developed for PVCA and approved by the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC) in June 2005. Adaptive Management Plan (3.4 MB PDF)
Future Plans
- Interpretive/Historic Center with Expanded Parking
- Phase 2 - Additional Trails and interpretive elements east of Paradise Lake Rd
- Mountain Bike Skills Center
Driving Directions
From Everett, take I-5 south to exit 182 merging onto I-405 S (Renton-Bellevue). Take SR522/I-405 exit toward SR202 (Monroe-Wenatchee).Take left fork merging onto SR522 E. Turn right at Paradise Lake Rd. Parking lot is just north of the Lloyd family farm on the west side of the road.
* Equestrians please note that due to the limited size of current parking facilities, horse trailer parking is NOT allowed at the main trailhead lot. Equestrians are encouraged to visit the new dedicated trailer parking area at Lord Hill Regional Park.
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