Tanner Landing Park in North Bend, Washington | River Access, Picnic, Swim, Relaxing Nature Escape

Описание: *Tanner Landing Park* is a scenic *40-acre public park* located on the *south bank of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River* in **North Bend**, Washington. Nestled between Mount Si and the Snoqualmie Valley Trail, the park provides locals and visitors with an accessible outdoor escape that blends riverside tranquility, open space, and recreation.

---

🏛️ History & Land Use

Originally agricultural land and later used as private property, the area was acquired by *King County in 2003* to increase public access to natural riverfront and support regional conservation efforts. As North Bend and the surrounding region grew, the need for public green space along the river led to the development of this low-impact, nature-friendly site.

The park is part of a larger network of protected floodplain areas and links directly to the **Snoqualmie Valley Trail**, which spans more than 30 miles along a historic railway corridor.

---

🌿 Landscape & Ecology

Tanner Landing Park lies in a rich **riparian ecosystem**, where the river's seasonal changes create dynamic habitat for plants and wildlife. The land includes:

*Open meadows* filled with wildflowers in spring and summer.
*Riparian forest* with red alder, black cottonwood, bigleaf maple, and willows.
*Riverbank access* offering views of gravel bars, slow-moving pools, and rocky outcrops.
Native shrubs like salmonberry and red-osier dogwood thrive here, supporting wildlife such as **songbirds, woodpeckers, deer, coyotes, and otters**.

In summer, the meadows attract butterflies, bees, and berry pickers. Birdwatchers can often spot *eagles, herons, and hawks* soaring near Mount Si.

---

🥾 Trails & Walking Paths

The park includes:

A *1-mile loop trail* that meanders through the meadow and forest, connecting with the Snoqualmie Valley Trail.
*Short side trails* to the river’s edge, popular for resting, photography, and stone-skipping.
Flat terrain suitable for **leisure walkers, children, and leashed dogs**.
One **vault toilet**, and limited gravel parking near the trailhead.

This spot is a quieter alternative starting point for those visiting the *Mount Si* or *Little Si* trail systems, especially on weekends when main trailheads are full.

---

🌊 River Access & Recreation

*Informal river entry points* allow for wading, skipping stones, and summer cooling off.
The river here is shallow during dry months, but caution is advised in spring when snowmelt increases flow.
*Fishing and paddling* are possible but limited by water levels.
Future improvements will include *kayak access* and safer launch points, funded through King County Parks initiatives.

---

🎯 Activities

**Walking & nature study**: Ideal for solo hikers, families, and casual strolls.
**Picnicking**: Open grassy areas perfect for picnics, frisbee, or lying out under mountain views.
*Photography**: Wildflowers, riverside scenery, and panoramic views of **Mount Si* make it a favorite for portrait photographers.
**Cycling**: The Snoqualmie Valley Trail is gravel but suitable for mountain or hybrid bikes. Cyclists often stop here for rest.

---

🌄 Scenic Features

The park offers one of the best ground-level views of *Mount Si* in the valley.
*Seasonal wildflowers* bloom throughout late spring and early summer.
Late summer brings ripe *blackberries* in accessible areas off the loop trail.

The simplicity of the landscape and wide-open sky create a peaceful setting for both quiet reflection and low-impact recreation.

---

🛡️ Stewardship & Guidelines

*Dogs must be on leash* at all times.
Fires, alcohol, and camping are prohibited.
Visitors must *pack out trash* to protect the sensitive floodplain environment.
Riverbanks are fragile—use marked paths and avoid trampling vegetation.
Trails may flood in winter or early spring; use caution during and after heavy rain.

---

🧭 Directions & Info

**Location**: Southeast Mount Si Road & Middle Fork Road, North Bend, WA
**From I-90**: Take Exit 34, turn north on 468th Ave SE, then east on SE Mount Si Road.
**Parking**: Free gravel lot (approx. 20 cars); no fee or pass required.
**Hours**: Open daily, dawn to dusk
**Facilities**: Vault toilet, no potable water or services

---

🌟 Summary

*Tanner Landing Park* offers a perfect mix of open meadows, river access, and scenic mountain views. With its gentle trails, link to the **Snoqualmie Valley Trail**, and quiet setting near the river, it’s ideal for a casual afternoon walk, birdwatching, riverside rest, or nature photography. This under-the-radar gem showcases the quiet beauty of the Snoqualmie Valley while supporting conservation and community access.

---