Falling Tree Hazards Force Closure of Edmonds Park and Woodinville Conservation Area

SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. — Concerns over dangerous trees are prompting major closures at two popular outdoor recreation areas in Snohomish County, as officials work to protect visitors ahead of the winter storm season.

Snohomish County Parks announced that Southwest County Park in Edmonds will remain closed indefinitely after a forest health assessment found widespread problems with aging and declining trees.

The 120-acre park contains numerous red alder trees that are approximately 75 years old. Many have already died or are deteriorating, creating a risk of falling trees throughout the property. Because the danger affects much of the park, officials say there is no safe option for rerouting visitors around the hazardous areas.

Meanwhile, Paradise Valley Conservation Area near Woodinville is also facing significant restrictions.

A forest health survey identified hundreds of Douglas-fir trees across a 64-acre section of the 793-acre conservation area affected by advanced laminated root rot. The disease damages tree roots and can eventually cause infected trees to fall.

The conservation area will be closed to the public on October 29 while crews construct a new trail route. The replacement trail, connecting to the Wetland Plateau Trail in an unaffected section, is scheduled to open October 30.

Several trails and facilities will remain closed, including:

• Cascara Trail
• Whispering Firs
• Mainline Trail
• Lloyd Loop
• Lloyd family barn and associated outbuildings

The county is developing plans to remove hazardous trees and improve forest health. At Paradise Valley, officials hope to remove affected trees in fall 2027 and reopen the impacted area following replanting in late winter 2028.

No reopening date has been established for Southwest County Park.

County officials say visitor safety remains the priority as they work toward restoring the affected areas and improving the long-term health of local forests.