It's going to be HOT here in Maple Valley this weekend!
To me, 70's is perfect, 80's is HOT and 90's are intolerable! I was born and raised in the Midwest so it's odd that I consider mid-80's to be HOT, but I've lived here for 21 years and seem to have acclimated to the cooler Northwest Climate. One thing's for sure though, I definitely don't miss the muggy heat of Cincinnati or the gnats....I hated them! (I do miss fireflies though)
When my husband and I moved to the Puget Sound area in the late '80's I was dismayed to find there weren't very many options for outdoor pools for our kids. There were indoor pools, but how fun is that on a hot day? Silly me, I didn't realize that when you live in the Northwest and it gets hot, you head for real water....lakes & rivers!
Over the years, as the Summers have gotten hotter (anyone still claiming global warming is a myth?) more outdoor swimming options have cropped up-most of them geared towards kids & families.
So if you're looking for someplace to cool off in or around Maple Valley, here you go:
Lake Wilderness Park: Close to home, this 117 acre park is located in the center of Maple Valley. The Lake is a popular swimming spot and has life-guards on duty 7 days a week from noon to 7pm. There are many picnic tables, and grassy areas for frisbee & picnics.
Olson Mansion: The current owners of the Links at Taylor Creek, a 9 hole golf course, have added several Family Fun activities including miniature golf, u-fish and an outdoor pool. This one is close to home and good for Moms who want to get the kids out of the house for a few hours.
Gene Coulon Memorial Park; A beautiful park with a public boat launch on the Southern shores of Lake Washington. There are a few restaurants (Ivars & Kidd Valley) or pack a picnic basket. On a nice day, the parking lot can be packed, so bring your patience and or walking shoes.
Henry Moses Aquatic Center: This is the place that makes your kids' eyes light up on a hot day! Located on Hwy 169 right off exit 4 of 405 in Renton, this new swim park is a popular place with kids and families.
Wild Waves: Located in Federal Way, Wild Waves is a combination waterpark, theme park with a rollercoaster and other rides. The aquatic park features a wave pool, massive water slides and an inner -tube river ride. Admission can be pricey and you may want to bring Aqua socks for the pool. It's definitely an all day event but the kids will be wiped out when you get home!
Nolte State Park-a.k.a "Deep Lake": This was a little find for my family in the early '90's. Located in Cumberland it's a bit of a drive but well worth it as the park never seemed too crowded. The lake is a great swimming place however be careful with kids. It's shallow for a short ways and then drops off fairly steeply and there is no lifeguard at this park. I would encourage parents and/or caregivers to make sure they go in the water with their children and keep a close eye on them. Deep Lake is also a popular fishing hole, picnic spot and all around great get-away without having to go too far.
Inner-Tubing on the Cedar River: Another fun thing many do is float the Cedar River on inner-tubes. On hot days you'll find cars parked up and down Hwy 169 (Maple Valley Highway). I've never personally done this, but my kids have and they say it's a blast! Bring your own tube or I think Maple Valley Market still rents them. It sure sounds like a fun way to spend a sunny afternoon, floating downstream under a canopy of green Maple leaves!
If anyone has any other great spots nearby, please post them and I'll add to the list.
Please be careful though, King County has some tips on water safety and drowning prevention tips.
Enjoy the sun!
Be safe!
Colleen Fischesser is the Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Select in Maple Valley, WA. She has been successfully selling and marketing properties all over South King & North Pierce counties since 1990. She may be contacted directly at: 425-432-5400
Copyright 2008, All Rights Reserved Colleen Fischesser
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