Salmon Creek Service Road

Dogs Unknown

Features River/Creek

Salmon Creek Ravine's trails tend to be in poorer condition than others in the area, particularly in the southern section. Trail shoes are recommended but not a necessity.

Because the eastern end of Salmon Creek Service Road leads to a neighborhood with a questionable reputation, it is not recommended to visit these trails at night.

This service road along Salmon Creek Ravine's namesake waterway has little to offer runners. The western end of the trail starts along Shorewood Drive, to the left of a wastewater treatment plant. The initial portion is a singletrack wrapping around the plant fence to the north, paralleling tiny Salmon Creek. Ironically named, the creek is actually unable to be utilized by spawning salmon due to various environmental issues. Rehabilitating it would cost millions.

On the other side of the plant, the trail widens out into an abandoned dirt service road. The creek will continue to be visible at times to the north, and small runoff sections will join it as the road continues to the northeast.

Just before the one third mile point, the service road comes to an intersection with Salmon Creek Ravine, which climbs to the south. Generally, runners should turn here. The creek follows the trail south as well. From here on out, it's just trees and occasional garbage.

The road continues another one third of a mile and then splits. Either direction ends up in the Mount View neighborhood at the southern end of White Center, an area mostly known for its problems with crime. This can be an unpleasant place to run even during daylight hours, but for runners who want to pass through anyway, take the left path, dodging both natural and manmade debris along the way. The right path appears to pass through private property.

The trail ends abruptly at a sidewalk along Ambaum Boulevard. You probably don't want to hang out here for long.