A Redtailed hawk circles overhead as hikers and joggers pass below. Two miles of comfortable, multi-use trails wind through the Lake Hills Greenbelt, connecting Larsen and Phantom Lakes. The greenbelt is a wetland corridor encompassing over 172 acres of woods, wetlands, and suburbia. Wildlife habitat accommodates an amazing variety of birds and animals such as coyotes, muskrats, and many songbirds. The Lake Hills Ranger Station on SE 16th Street provides a convenient source of information about the greenbelt.
Traveling the trails is a truly diverse experience. There are many opportunities for wildlife observation as well as enjoying evidence of the area’s Asian and Native American cultural heritage. In the early 1900’s, Japanese immigrants farmed the land between the two lakes. Part of this heritage still exists at the Farm Fresh Produce Stand on the corner of 156th and SE 16th, and at the Larsen Lake Blueberry Farm on 148th Avenue SE. Other parts of the trail’s route were originally developed by Native Americans who had a winter encampment near Larsen Lake.
Directions:
Ranger Station/Community Gardens:
From I-90, take 148th Ave SE exit (BCC exit, 11B) north to SE 16th St. Turn right on SE 16th Street to the Community Farms parking lot before 156th Ave intersection.
From I-90, take 148th Ave SE exit (BCC exit, 11B) north. Turn right into parking lot just past SE 8th St.
From I-90, take 148th Ave SE exit (BCC exit, 11B) north. Turn right on SE 16th St. Turn right on 156th Ave SE. Turn left into Phantom Lake parking lot.
Trail Details:
- Lake Hills Greenbelt Trails:
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Community Gardens & Farm Fresh Produce Stand, 15500 SE 16th St
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Lake Hills Ranger Station, 15416 SE 16th St
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Larsen Lake Blueberry Farm & Cabin, 14812 SE 8th St
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Phantom Lake Park, 2005 156th Ave SE
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- 2 miles
- Detailed map of Lake Hills Greenbelt Trails
- Trail Guide information page