Two Trees Trail─Two big pines and plenty of other trees, too!
Quick Facts
Location: Maltby
Land Agency: Snohomish County Parks
Roundtrip: 3.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 75 feet
Special Note: Dogs must be leashed.
Contact: Snohomish County Parks; www1.co.snohomish.wa.us
Access: From SR 522 in Maltby (5.0 miles east of Woodinville; 8.0 miles west of Monroe) head east on Paradise Lake Road for 1.7 miles to trailhead.
Snohomish County Park’s Paradise Valley Conservation Area sits on the edge of the Seattle-Everett Metropolitan area—yet, many area hikers aren’t familiar with this 793-acre park. Mountain bikers have long known about this recreational gem, enjoying miles of good bike trails and a skills center. Hikers have access to over 13 miles of trails within the sprawling greenbelt, and there are more are on the way.
Much of the southern half of the park consists of a low plateau of seasonal wetlands and second and third growth forest. Homesteaded by the Lloyds in the 1880s; they logged much of the property and raised cattle and sheep in the cutover areas. But even though the old growth trees are long gone, a few remnant mature conifers dot the park. On the Two Trees Trail, you’ll pass by a pair (actually a few others, too) of prominent pines. Western White Pines actually—a majestic tree once common in western Washington until the White Pine Blister Rust was accidentally introduced from Europe in 1909. This fungus has been responsible for killing nearly 90% of the Western White Pines in western Washington.
To get to the Two Trees Trail, follow the Mainline Trail 1.1 miles south to an intersection. Here turn right onto the Red Alder Trail and gently climb .3 mile onto a low plateau reaching a junction with the Two Trees Trail. Turn left and follow this quiet trail weaving through forest groves and passing by a small wetland. Look for the big pines. Their soft needles carpeting the trail will alert you of their presence. Return later in spring when hundreds of flowering trilliums brightened up the forest floor with their showy blossoms.
After meandering for 0.8 mile on the Two Trees Trail you‘ll come to a junction with the Mainline Line. Turn left and follow it 1.6 miles back to the trailhead—or pick up a map of the park and consider extending your hike by utilizing some of the other trails. Junctions and trails are well-marked—so have fun exploring!
For information on lodging and other attractions near Paradise Valley County Park visit www.snohomish.org.
