Trails and Preserves
Land Trust Owned and Managed Preserves
Shinglemill Creek and Fern Cove
219 preserved acres of forested ravine, estuary, and Vashon Island's second largest creek. The preserve is home to 2.6 miles of trail, lovingly built and stewarded by the Land Trust’s Stewardship Team.
Shinglemill Creek welcomes wildspawning Chum and Coho salmon each fall and is beloved by Island birders.
On-leash dogs are welcome on the Shinglemill Trails. Dogs are not permitted at Fern Cove.
Judd Creek
The Land Trust has been hard at work in Paradise Valley for decades. The Judd Creek Preserve is made up of 160 acres and is the result of years of careful land acquisitions, trail building, and habitat restoration. The trails allow visitors to meander through riparian areas, maintained meadows, and forest land.
On-leash dogs are welcome at the Judd Creek Preserve. Please keep boots and paws out of the creek; salmon live here year-round!
Hiking trails, beach access at Fern Cove.
Fisher Pond
Fisher Pond is Vashon’s largest open-water pond and one of the top island birding spots. It is the headwaters of Shinglemill Creek. The Fisher Pond Preserve consists of 150 acres and boasts a trail system that winds around the pond and extends to Agren Park to the east and Cove Road to the northwest.
Dogs are not permitted on Fisher Pond Preserve trails.
Christensen Creek
Christensen Pond is the headwaters of Christensen Creek. It’s one of the most diverse and wild watersheds on the island. The 81 acres of preserved land are home to some of the last standing old-growth Douglas firs, as well as healthy swaths of Devil’s club.
Christensen Pond is a nursery for our Island amphibians. In the spring, egg masses from Rough-skinned newts and Northwestern salamanders can be found nestled among sturdy plant stalks.
Dogs are not permitted at Christensen Pond.