Headwaters

Do you enjoy winter wildlife, unique plants, and peaceful preserves? Are you craving time outdoors in the midst of our darkest season? If so, allow us to recommend a Wetland Walk!

King County is home to different types of wetlands, including tidal marshes, wet meadows, and swamps. These special ecosystems support plants, animals, and people, and provide wonderful opportunities to get outside and explore.

Wetland Walks in King County Parks

Luckily, more than two dozen King County Parks offer Wetland Walks where visitors can explore by trail, boardwalk, and boat. To celebrate World Wetlands Day, we strolled a section of the Green River Trail to check out Cecil Moses Park and riverine wetlands along the Duwamish River. Check out the video below to learn a little more about wetlands from King County wetland ecologist, Mason Bowles!

How to find a Wetland Walk

If you’re ready to check out a wetland near you, head to the King County Parks Backyard Fun Finder and select the “Wetland Walks” option. You can also search for parks with playgrounds, ballfields, pools, trails, and other features to make the most of your visit. With more than 200 parks and trails in the King County Parks system, there’s something for everyone. Pick your Fun Selectors of choice to get started!

More about World Wetlands Day

World Wetlands Day is celebrated each year on February 2 and serves as a global moment to recognize the value of wetlands and the urgent need to protect them. It marks the anniversary of the Convention on Wetlands, which was adopted as an international treaty in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar. In 2021, the UN General Assembly formally established this date at World Wetlands Day.

People all over the world are learning about, caring for, and celebrating wetlands. The World Wetlands Day photo gallery is a great source of inspiration before you head out on your own Wetland Walk.