Kent, WA is a boon to walkers, hikers, and nature lovers. That’s because this large city in the Seattle metropolitan area offers over 70 parks for visitors and residents to enjoy some of the fresh Washington state air. 

The trails of many of these parks are surrounded by trees, hills, streams, creeks, and wildlife. Some of them are short, but others stretch on for miles, which is ideal for walkers and hikers who want to stretch their legs without leaving town. 

But what is the secret behind Kent’s many parks? What makes this city stand out from others when it comes to park and trail upkeep, and nature preservation? 

What Makes The Parks In Kent Special? 
 

The parks and trails in Kent aren’t just special because of how many there are. They’re great places to walk, hike, play, have a picnic, or simply sit and enjoy the outdoors. Here are a few reasons why. 

1.   They’re Clean And Well Kept
 

The Kent city government Parks And Recreation department, in collaboration with King county and the Public Works Department, are dedicated to making sure the parks are clean and well kept. Some of the goals they strive to meet are: cleaning and restocking the public restrooms; maintaining and repairing trails, benches, and playground equipment; and mowing and maintaining the sports fields. 

2.   They Have Good Air Quality
 

The Kent city government promises that their parks are free of tobacco, vape, and smoke. This means that when you or your family visits the park, you don’t have to worry about exposing yourselves to polluted air or vapor that could damage your lungs. 

3.   They’re Safe
 

Another important quality of Kent parks and trails is they are safe. Residents can enjoy all their benefits with the knowledge that they will not be bothered by other people or animals. 

Some of the Kent parks rules include: tobacco, vaping, smoking, and alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited; dogs and other pets must be kept on a leash; and “unauthorized possession” of guns and other weapons are not allowed onto park property. 

4.   They Help Preserve Local Plants And Animals
 

The City of Kent employees periodically host Kent Parks Conservation Events. These events are part of an effort to keep the parks clean and preserve their natural environment. 

If you choose to volunteer at one of the events, you’ll help the employees remove weeds and other plants that are not native to the region; plant shrubs, trees, grasses, and other growths that are native; and spread mulch to help protect the new plants and prevent more weeds from growing. 

5.   The Parks And Rec Department Values Your Opinion
 

If you have a concern or a recommendation, the Parks and Recreation department in Kent values your opinion. They encourage you to leave them feedback about the park or trail you visited at MyKentParks. This is a wonderful way for you to participate in the community and advocate for changes such as repairs and additions that would make walking and playing in the parks an even more fulfilling experience.

Top Walking Trails In Kent
 

Below is a list of the top 6 walking trails in Kent, WA.

1.   Green River Trail
 

The Green River Trail runs 10.46 miles alongside the Green River. It passes through 9 different parks, and you can access it from any one of these points. The length of it makes it easily adaptable for walkers and hikers. Just find the park and section that works best for your location and the level of intensity that you’re comfortable with. 

The variety of the Green River Trail’s scenery will keep you engaged for the whole length of your walk. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, different types of plants, and the views of Mount Rainier. And of course, the Green River’s rushing, glittering surface will always be a lovely backdrop to any hike. 

2.   Kent Valley Loop Trails
 

The Kent Valley Loop Trails system, or KVLT, is designed not just to give you plenty of paved walking, hiking, and bicycling space. It also keeps you connected to several points of interest in the city by looping around and tying the Interurban and the Green River trails together. You can follow the KLVT to go downtown, visit different parks, and enjoy views of the Green River, Mount Rainier, and the Green River Valley. 

3.   Interurban Trail
 

The Interurban Trail is a former railroad track that runs through several different Seattle-Tacoma area cities. It’s been converted into a trail and runs 6.10 miles through Kent. It passes through several parks along the way and is also part of the Kent Valley Loop Trails System, which we mentioned above. 

4.   Lake Youngs Trail
 

The Lake Youngs Trail is perfect for walkers who like to travel down the well-beaten path. It winds through 9 miles of varied landscape, from suburban streets to fields to forests. The path is not paved, but it’s clearly marked, and ranges from wide enough for a vehicle to small and narrow. Experience the more rural and nature-oriented side of Kent on this trail.

5.   Puget Power Trail
 

The Puget Power Trail is a paved path that is only 1.1 miles long. It’s short in comparison to the other trails we’ve covered so far, but that just means it’s built for more intensive exercise. Challenge yourself to completing this trail in a certain time limit or maintaining a constant speed to bump up the difficulty of your exercise. 

6.   Soos Creek Trail
 

The Soos Creek Trail allows you to choose your flavor of exercise with both a soft path and a paved path. Each one will take you on a 6-mile-long trek, but cyclists may enjoy the paved portion more. Hikers and walkers, on the other hand, will appreciate the more rugged, natural feel of the soft path. Either route will take you through wetlands, forests, and other rustic environs so you can experience the pre-industrialized landscape of the Kent area. 

There is a trail for everyone in Kent, WA. Choose the one that suits you best - natural or urban, paved or soft - and see what wonderful sights and sounds you can discover along the way.

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