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Lewis Creek Park is at the headwaters of Lewis Creek. The creek eventually makes its way to Lake Sammamish. Despite being surrounded by mansion-like homes, the pristine natural area boasts streams, forest and wetlands, and has somehow remained relatively wild. The area is home to numerous wildlife (including bears and cougars, supposedly. At least there were signs explaining the proper way to handle an encounter with bears and cougars). One can also see plenty of waterfowl as well as hawks, eagles and woodpeckers. There are plenty of indications that deer, beavers, raccoons and opossums live in the area.

The park was originally homesteaded by the Peltola family, several generations of which raised cows and riding horses, and grew crops.

The park is used for environmental education and recreation. More than 80 percent of the 55-acre park is preserved in its natural condition. The site includes a visitors center, which is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Trail maps can be found at the center.

An extensive trail system, new play area, basketball court, reservable soccer/baseball fields and restrooms are also available. A relatively new recreational area, Lewis Creek Park is a hub of activity no matter what time of year.

Distance: 3.5 miles

Destination: Loop trail

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation gain: Minimal

Getting there: I-405 South. Merge onto I-90 East via Exit 11 toward Spokane. Take the Lakemont Boulevard SE exit (Exit 13). Turn right on West Lake Sammamish Parkway SE/Lakemont Boulevard SE. Continue on Lakemont Boulevard SE. The park is just past the fire station.

The Trek: After parking in the lot, pick up a map and set out. I chose to go in sort of a large figure-eight. Starting from the playground, proceed right on a paved path. The pavement soon gives way to an elaborate boardwalk that snakes its way through restored wetlands. Ducks frolicked on the brackish waters, taking full advantage of a sunny day.

The boardwalk widens to accommodate a picnic table where visitors can enjoy lunch.

At the end of the boardwalk, pick up a double-wide gravel path. Cross a small bridge spanning one of numerous rivulets that make up Lewis Creek. Hike past several large cedar trees and a blooming cherry tree before reaching an intersection. Continue straight toward the Forest Discovery Trail and the Forest Loop Path. Proceeding left leads back to the learning center, while right leads to the Upland Meadow Trail.

Cross another bridge and enter a section of forest dominated by large cottonwood trees. Just past the enormous cottonwoods, a trail heads to the right. Taking it leads to the Children’s Forest Discovery Trail.

After about 50 feet, another trail branches to the left. This trail leads hikers deeper into a forest that boasts a lush understory of ferns and lichens.

Cross Lewis Creek on a heavy-duty bridge. Skunk cabbage is just beginning to bloom along the more marshy sections of bank.

Reach a small clearing and proceed downhill. Here, the trail becomes tunnel-like as the twisted branches of several trees grow in an arc overhead.

Massive cedar stumps border the trail. Cross another footbridge and reach a rocky, dry stream bed. Crossing the rocks, pick up the trail on the other side. The trail bends to the left and heads uphill before ending at Lakemont Boulevard.

Backtrack to an intersection. Proceed left. Cross another stream and enter a thicket of blackberries and wild roses. Reaching a wide gravel trail, proceed left at the “T.” This leads along a fence line and eventually to Lakemont Boulevard.

Go right and head uphill. A sign states that continuing straight leads to the 164th Street entrance to the park while going right leads to the Upland Meadow Trail.

Proceed right, venturing through a split-rail fence. Enter a hillside meadow. The main portion of the park bustles below with life. Traverse the hillside and come to a “Y.” Going left leads to a viewpoint and the 164th Street trailhead.

Going right, the trail switchbacks down the slope and eventually meets the main trail. One can either go left and retrace the way back across the boardwalk, or go right, continuing around the loop and winding up back at the learning center and the rig.