Attractions and Places To See around Auburn - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Auburn include a variety of trails, lakes, and natural areas. The region features extensive paved trails along rivers, offering opportunities for cycling and walking through diverse landscapes. Visitors can explore large lakes surrounded by forests, providing settings for family-friendly activities and scenic viewpoints. This area is characterized by its accessible outdoor spaces, connecting urban areas with natural environments.
Best attractions and places to see around Auburn
- The most popular attractions is Soos Creek Trail, a trail that passes through marshes and farmland. This 7-mile paved route connects to the Lake Youngs Track, offering a slightly more challenging dirt trail.
- Another must-see spot is Lake Wilderness, a lake surrounded by forest. It is the largest lake in Maple Valley and features a namesake lodge designated as a King County landmark.
- Visitors also love Green River Trail, a paved trail connecting Seattle to Kent. This trail meanders along the Green River, linking industrial lands to pastoral landscapes and parks.
- Auburn is known for its trails, lakes, and viewpoints. The area offers a variety of attractions for outdoor recreation, including cycling, walking, and enjoying natural scenery.
- The attractions around Auburn are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 10 upvotes and 3 photos contributed by users.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Soos Creek Trail
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Green River Trail
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Lake Wilderness
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Outdoor Fitness Area on the Sumner Link Trail
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Green River Natural Resources Area
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From the trail, especially near Van Doren’s Landing, you’ll see viewing platforms and side paths leading into the heart of the GRNRA. Expect to spot herons, ducks, red-winged blackbirds, and—if you're lucky—bald eagles or osprey. Interpretive signs explain the ecology and the city’s innovative use of the land. It’s also a great stop for a break if you’re riding—plenty of benches and low-traffic paths make it easy to linger. Let me know if you want a good loop or spur trail that includes both the Green River Trail and the GRNRA.
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Tips from the Community
All paved, tons of birds. Just be aware of your surroundings with lots of runners, cyclists, and groups doing different activities along the trail.
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Lake Wilderness is the largest lake in Maple Valley and has a namesake lodge that is designated a King County landmark.
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The Green River Natural Resources Area (GRNRA), just east of Van Doren's Landing Park in Kent, is a hidden gem along the Green River Trail, especially for birders, cyclists, and walkers who enjoy a mix of wetland, prairie, and river views all in one place. Originally developed as a stormwater treatment facility, the area now serves a dual purpose: it filters urban runoff and provides essential habitat for wildlife. The result is a 304-acre patchwork of restored wetlands, ponds, and native plantings that feel far more wild than their suburban surroundings suggest. From the trail, especially near Van Doren’s Landing, you’ll see viewing platforms and side paths leading into the heart of the GRNRA. Expect to spot herons, ducks, red-winged blackbirds, and—if you're lucky—bald eagles or osprey. Interpretive signs explain the ecology and the city’s innovative use of the land. It’s also a great stop for a break if you’re riding—plenty of benches and low-traffic paths make it easy to linger. Let me know if you want a good loop or spur trail that includes both the Green River Trail and the GRNRA.
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Near this spot on the Sumner Link Trail, just south of Tacoma Ave, there are a few picnic tables just off the trail and you're quite close to the White River. This is a nice spot to stop as you ride around the area.
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This is a fantastic trail that follows the Green River, meandering back and forth down the Kent valley. This particular spot has recently been revamped and is a great park!
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The Green River Trail links industrial lands to pastoral landscapes, parks, communities, and river views along the 19-mile paved trail connecting Seattle to Kent.
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The Soos Creek Trail is located in Kent and is part of the King County Trail System. The 7-mile paved route passes through marshes and farmland and connects to the Lake Youngs Track, a 9-mile dirt trail that is slightly more challenging.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best trails for cycling around Auburn?
The Auburn area offers several excellent cycling trails. The Green River Trail is a paved route connecting Seattle to Kent, meandering along the Green River through varied landscapes. Another popular option is the Soos Creek Trail, a 7-mile paved path through marshes and farmland, which connects to the more challenging Lake Youngs Track. For more cycling options, you can explore various routes in the Cycling around Auburn guide.
Are there family-friendly attractions near Auburn?
Yes, several attractions around Auburn are suitable for families. Soos Creek Trail is noted as family-friendly, offering a paved route for easy walks or bike rides. Lake Wilderness, the largest lake in Maple Valley, is surrounded by forest and provides a great setting for family outings. Additionally, the Point Robinson Lighthouse offers a beachfront park with walking trails and picnic areas, perfect for a family day out.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints around Auburn?
For scenic views, consider visiting Lake Wilderness, which offers picturesque forest and lake vistas. The Green River Trail also provides river views as it meanders through the valley. Another excellent spot is Point Robinson Lighthouse, where you can enjoy stunning views of East Passage, Tacoma, and Mount Rainier from its beachfront park.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
Beyond cycling and walking, the area around Auburn offers diverse outdoor activities. You can explore mountain biking trails, with options ranging from easy to difficult, as detailed in the MTB Trails around Auburn guide. Gravel biking is also popular, with routes like the Cedar River Trail and Lake Wilderness loop available, which you can find in the Gravel biking around Auburn guide.
Are there any historical sites or landmarks to visit?
Yes, the Point Robinson Lighthouse is a significant historical site. Operating since 1885, it has provided fog and lighthouse services to ships and is now a beachfront park and marine preserve. Additionally, Lake Wilderness features a namesake lodge that is designated as a King County landmark, reflecting local history.
What are the best places for a leisurely walk or easy hike?
For a leisurely walk, the Soos Creek Trail offers a 7-mile paved, flat route through natural settings. The Green River Trail also provides a paved, accessible path along the river. At Point Robinson Lighthouse, you can enjoy walking trails along the picturesque waterfront and through wooded hills.
Are there any accessible trails or facilities for people with mobility challenges?
The Green River Trail is noted as wheelchair accessible, offering a paved surface suitable for various mobility needs. Many of the paved trails in the area, such as the Soos Creek Trail, are generally flat and well-maintained, making them accessible for a wider range of visitors.
What natural features can I explore around Auburn?
The region around Auburn is rich in natural beauty. You can explore Lake Wilderness, a large lake surrounded by lush forest. The Green River Trail follows the scenic Green River, offering views of riverine landscapes. Additionally, the Point Robinson Lighthouse is situated within a marine preserve with a sandy beach, saltwater marsh, and upland forests.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Auburn?
Visitors particularly enjoy the diverse outdoor opportunities and scenic beauty. The Green River Trail is praised for its fantastic route along the river, with recently revamped park areas. The Point Robinson Lighthouse is a favorite for its beautiful beach scenery, driftwood, and the iconic lighthouse itself, offering great photo opportunities.
Are there places to stop and rest or have a picnic along the trails?
Yes, along the Sumner Link Trail, near the Outdoor Fitness Area, you'll find picnic tables just off the trail, close to the White River, making it a nice spot to stop and relax. Many parks and natural areas associated with these trails also offer designated picnic spots.
Can I find places for outdoor fitness or exercise near Auburn?
Absolutely. The Outdoor Fitness Area on the Sumner Link Trail provides dedicated facilities for exercise. Beyond that, the extensive network of trails, including the Green River Trail and Soos Creek Trail, are perfect for running, walking, and cycling, offering ample opportunities for outdoor workouts.
Most popular routes around Auburn
Most popular attractions around Auburn
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