Speelyi Beach Park in Cle Elum (my rating A)

Speelyi Beach Park is about 30 minutes drive further east of Snoqualmie Pass.

Oh, MY!  It is a paradise for people like me who seeks open area by the water yet quiet and secluded.
Or at least all items on my wish list were ticked off on that Sunday after dropping off the kids to Snoqualmie Pass ski area.

The lake is crystal blue and calm and big, the sandy beach is clean and vast, the air is crispy and fresh.

Judging by the sign post, I guess this is a popular spot for the locals in summer.

Tolt-McDonald Park in Carnation (my rating B)

Tolt-McDonald Park is a big park with ample parking spots.  The park offers camping too.

Things can be, and are busy in summer.  That's why my favourite time of the year to visit this beautiful park is Winter and Spring, when it is still a bit too chilly to camp.

The 500-foot suspension foot bridge can be a little challenging and nerve-wracking for dogs, at least Jasper thinks he has to be carried over.

Nature awaits the other side of the foot bridge.  Hiking up the hills, strolling down the meadows,  looking up close of the bushes, listening to the roars of river.  It's quite easy to spend a few hours in the park, forgetting about the time, getting lost in your own thoughts.

BUT, it is a completely different picture in summer.  Campers, Visitors, Wheelbarrows, Bicycles, Adults, Children, Dogs, Tents, the park is full of live and energy.

Here's the link to official webpage:
https://www.kingcounty.gov/services/parks-recreation/parks/parks-and-natural-lands/popular-parks/toltmacdonald.aspx

Cherry Creek Falls trail near Duvall (my rating B-)

The trail itself is a pleasant one,  tree-lined and quite well maintained, creek bubbling in the distance and birds chirping in the air.

However, there are a few things............

There is no designated carpark.  Cars are to park off the road.  There is no sign at the trailhead, the entrance is hidden in a secret path.

If the facts above give you an impression that this trail is secluded, you are wrong, very wrong.

The moment I murmured to myself "looks like it's going to be a busy hike" was when I was looking for a parking spot.  Both sides of the road were occupied by the cars, we parked the closest possible which was half mile away from the entrance.

It proved that I was right.  The trail was popular with hikers.  Not sure if it got to do with school closure, we saw a few groups of teenagers, they chatted loud, carrying portable music player and played music loud.

Well........