Whispering Firs Trail– While away a winter day on this Paradise Valley trail
Location: Maltby
Land Agency: Snohomish County Parks
Roundtrip: 0.6 mile
Elevation gain: minimal
Contact: Snohomish County Parks; map available on line
Notes: Dogs must be on a leash
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.
Good to Know: kid-friendly, dog-friendly, snow-free winter hiking, spring wildflowers
The days are still short and your time is crunched. You need to get outside and reconnect with nature—breathe in some cool fresh air—witness flitting chickadees and hear a melody from the winter wren. Take time to head off to Paradise Valley, an 800-acre natural preserve just mere minutes from the population centers of southwestern Snohomish County. With over 13.0 miles of trails and more yet to be constructed, there is plenty of ground to explore. And with lots of options and short loops available, Paradise Valley makes for a great winter destination when you just need to get out and get a little hike in.
Officially opened to the public on Earth Day in 2009, Paradise Valley is one of Snohomish County’s newer major parks. Originally homesteaded in the 1880s, Paradise Valley now provides refuge for bear, cougar, deer, and a myriad of other critters. The sprawling park also protects the headwaters of Bear Creek too, an important salmon rearing stream.
The Whispering Fir Trail is a nice little loop starting not too far from the main parking area. Winding through a stand of maturing second growth, this hiker-only trail offers quiet contemplation and an easy walk perfect for hikers of all ages and abilities. And if the sun hasn’t yet set and you’d like to stretch your legs further, extend your hike by taking to the nearby Cascara Trail. This forest weaving path can be taken south for a .3 mile extension or north for an .8 mile addition. Of course feel free to explore any of the other wonderful trails within Paradise Valley this winter, too.
For detailed information on this park and many others in the area, consult my Urban Trails Everett guidebook!
