Picnic Vista

Mud Mountain Dam Park, located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range in Western Washington, is a fine place to have a family picnic and enjoy various outdoor recreation activities. The Picnic Vista offers unique playground equipment, like a zipline and wading pool, as well as large fields for sports. Over six miles of trail can be accessed from the trailheads in the park and along the entrance road. Many families come to Mud Mountain Dam Park to have a picnic and enjoy the outdoor recreation features. A two-foot-deep wading pool allows children and parents to stay cool in the summer heat, while others play on playground equipment that is hard to find anywhere else. For visitors who are more nature oriented, there are self-led hikes on the Rim and River Trails, where you might catch a glimpse of a bald eagle flying overhead or elk browsing in the forest. Mountain bikers and hikers are welcome to use any of the trails, but horseback riders should limit their rides to the River Trail at the current time. Park rangers are available to offer their knowledge of Mud Mountain Dam and the local area, as well as unique water safety activities and tools. There are two reservable large picnic shelters located within the Picnic Vista. Electricity, grills, restrooms and water are available at these shelters. Gas and grocery stores are available locally in Enumclaw before reaching the park. The park is nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range, providing views of Mount Rainier and other popular focal points. Most of the year, the White River flows naturally through Mud Mountain Dam; during the winter and early spring, visitors may notice a reservoir as water is held back to prevent flooding of areas downstream of the dam. The trails wind through old and new growth forests containing various trees, including maples and evergreens, that tower over visitors and provide habitat for the local wildlife. Visitors can travel further east along State Route 410 to experience the beauty of Federation Forest State Park or the Chinook Pass Scenic Byway. Mount Rainier National Park is an hour away, with the nearest visitor center being Sunrise at 51 miles away. Be sure to stop in Enumclaw to experience the unique art and food that the town has to offer before or after you visit the park.