King County Parks - Your Big Backyard

Did you know that much of Tolt-MacDonald Park was built to celebrate America's Bicentennial or 200th Anniversary??

The project started with John MacDonald, a Seattle banker and Boy Scout troop leader. His idea? Scouts would develop trails, picnic areas, and campsites on the west bank of Tolt River Park, and the U.S. military reserves would build a 500-foot pedestrian bridge across the river.

With $150,000 from King County in 1976, hundreds of volunteers from local Boy Scout troops gathered over six weekends to build five shelters, two large service centers, forty hike-in campsites, and assembled ten picnic tables.

The beloved suspension bridge was built in-part as a training exercise by Army Reserve’s 409th Engineering Company based out of Everett with assistance from the Marine Corps Reserve and a Canadian Field Engineering Squadron from Vancouver.

John MacDonald passed away from a heart attack before the project was completed and so the community dedicated the park to him. On June 26, 1976, hundreds gathered to celebrate Tolt River-John MacDonald Park with parades, speeches, and a time capsule to be opened in 100 years.

With routine maintenance over the last 50 years, this pedestrian bridge continues to connect the two sides of the park and will for many years into the future. Have you been to Tolt-MacDonald Park? What are your favorite memories there from the last 50 years? Let us know in the comments!

Curious about the history of your favorite park? How long have people been using the land & in what ways? Have a question only an archaeologist could answer?

Join our archaeologist Brandy at an Archaeology in the Park event to hear stories about our region’s past and get a chance to see, touch, and learn about local artifacts found across the region.

No need to sign up — just drop by & follow the signs!

Upcoming events:
July 19 - Marymoor Park from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
July 16 & August 6 - Cougar Mountain from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
July 23 - West Hill Community Center from 12:30 - 2 p.m.
July 30 - Cottage Lake Park from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

With so many people enjoying King County’s parks and trails during the summer, it’s more important than ever that we all do our part to keep these spaces safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone.

Two of the biggest ways you can help? Slow your roll and leash up your pup! Cyclists should remember that there is a speed limit of 15 mph on all King County regional trails.

Learn all about the ways you can make the parks more safe, welcoming, and fun on our blog.

Enjoy King County Parks: Tips for Safe Summer Adventures Discover how to enjoy King County’s parks responsibly this summer! Learn key tips for safe biking and dog walking on the trails.

Summer is in full swing, and there's no shortage of ways to have fun in the sun! July is packed with events happening all across King County Parks. Check out the full list on our website at https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/parks-recreation/king-county-parks/get-involved/parks-events

Image description:

Text-based graphic showing a calendar of the events happening in the month of June. Events are listed as follows:

Timber Outdoor Music Festival | 7/23 - 7/25

Archaeology in the Park | 7/16, 7/19, 7/23, 7/30

Volunteer Events:

Lake Geneva Park | 7/25 at 9am

Marymoor Concerts:

Blue Traveler/Gin Blossoms with Spin Doctors | 7/10 at 6pm

Marcus King Band | 7/12 at 7pm

Young the Giant - Victory Garden Tour | 7/25 at 6pm

Slightly Stoopid - Road Trippin' Summer Tour | 7/31 6pm

Partner Events:

Meet Me at Marymoor Soccer Final Celebration | 7/19 at 10am

Carnation Farmers Market | Every Tuesday at 3pm

DubSea Fish Sticks Baseball Games | Multiple games throughout July

Movies at Marymoor:

Ferris Bueller's Day Off | 7/8 at 9:30pm

Mamma Mia | 7/15 at 9:30pm

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle | 7/22 at 9:20pm

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days | 7/29 at 9:15pm

Thanks to all that came out to celebrate public parks at the 2026 Big Backyard 5K & 10K at Marymoor Park!

This year at total of 792 people (481 new and 311 repeat participants) joined us to enjoy one of King County's most iconic parks. Whether you're a seasoned runner or enjoyed a leisurely stroll, we hope you had fun in the fresh air.

Take some time to scroll through some photos captured at the event!

Air is hot, but water still cold 🥶

There's nothing better than a cool dip on a hot day, but these temps can be seriously dangerous for even the strongest swimmers.

Cold water shock can happen when water temperature is below 70°F (21°C), aka pretty much every body of water in King County right now.

So make sure to wade in slowly, drink plenty of water, and always have a buddy close by. Life preservers are also a great way to stay safe and ease into the summer season.

You can check the water temperatures and water quality levels at most swimming beaches on our website at https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/parks-recreation/king-county-parks/water-recreation/swimming-beach-bacteria-temperature

Join us for our 22nd season of Movies at Marymoor outdoor cinema every week from July - August. Every event includes entertainment, food trucks and big screen movies under the stars.

Here's the full schedule:

July 8: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
July 15: Mamma Mia
July 22: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
July 29: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Aug. 5: Jurassic Park
Aug. 12: Top Gun: Maverick
Aug. 18: The Incredibles
Aug 26: The Princess Bride

How many did you get right? Which movie are you most excited to see?? Learn more and buy your tickets at https://www.epiceap.com/movies-at-marymoor/
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2026 Movies at Marymoor is sponsored by KeyBank and Sasquatch Strength & Nutrition.

King County Parks is building out our new Park Ranger Program, and we’re looking for passionate, community-focused Park Rangers to be part of this exciting initiative! This is your chance to work outdoors, engage with the public, and help create a welcoming, positive and safe environment across our parks, trails, and open spaces.

We are hiring one full-time position on the Park Ranger team. Pay range $37.97 - $48.13/hour. Apply by June 14 to be part of this growing team! https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kingcounty/jobs/5359313/park-ranger

Happy June! We've got a packed month of events happening at parks across King County, so check out the full list on our website at https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/parks-recreation/king-county-parks/get-involved/parks-events

Image description:

Text-based graphic showing a calendar of the events happening in the month of June. Events are listed as follows.

Dockton Marina Community Celebration 6/6 at 11am
Big Backyard 5K/10K Race 6/7 at 9am
Soos Creek Regional Trail Volunteer Event 6/6 at 9am
North Shorewood Park Volunteer Event 6/27 at 9am

Marymoor Concerts Header (the following are all concerts at Marymoor Park)
The Human League 6/8 at 6pm
The Dead South 6/12 at 6:30pm
Iration 6/13 at 6pm
Buju Banton & Stephen Marley 6/17 at 6pm

The following are Partner Events
Carnation Farmers Market every Tuesday from 3-7pm
DubSea Fish Sticks Baseball Games, Multiple Dates and Times
Job Fair & Basketball Tournament at Steve Cox Memorial Park on 6/3 at 3pm
Seattle Run Club Trail Run at Cougar Mountain 6/13 at 9am
Snoqualmie Valley Half Marathon 6/20 at 8am
Eastside Audubon Bird Walk 6/24 at 7am
Marymoor RC Plane Airshow 6/27 at 10am