FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

SHADOW (Save Habitat and Diversity of Wetlands) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that preserves and restores critical habitat in the area around Shadow Lake. SHADOW offers environmental education and stewardship programs that are available to the community. The Nature Preserve land is privately owned, managed, & funded by SHADOW. SHADOW is not a part of any state, county, or city parks department. 

Update: SHADOW’s trails are open by reservation only. Click Here to schedule your reservation.

Yes, SHADOW Lake Nature Preserve’s trails are open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am – 6 pm. See Visiting the Nature Preserve section for details. Groups of 10 or more need to call the Nature Preserve office or email info@shadowhabitat.org to receive approval before visiting. 

Yes, we have a variety of educational and tour opportunities for classes and groups of all sizes. We offer a sliding scale on pricing because we believe that everyone should have access to the environement and education. Please visit our Education Page for more details and to schedule your trip to the Nature Preserve.

SHADOW Lake Nature Preserve does NOT have public access to Shadow Lake. None of the Nature Preserve’s trails lead to the lake.

You can access the lake at the WA State public boat launch area. SHADOW does not own or operate the public boat launch.

Update: SHADOW’s trails are open by reservation only. Click Here to schedule your reservation.

SHADOW Lake Nature Preserve is open Tuesday – Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. We are closed to the public on Sunday and Monday. 

1. Visitors must make a reservation prior to visiting the Nature Preserve. Click Here to schedule your reservation.

2. Visitors use this land at their own risk. Please call 911 in case of emergency. 

3. You must stay on the trails AT ALL TIMES to protect critical habitat.

4. Carry out all trash and belongings, leave only footprints.

5. Pets are NOT allowed on SHADOW’s trails or grounds.

6. Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian while on the property.

7. Firearms are prohibited at SHADOW. This includes airsoft, paintball, and all such devices.

8. Smoking, vaping, and the use of illegal drugs are prohibited.

9. Collection or harvesting of  ANY natural materials is PROHIBITED. This includes, but is not limited to, sticks, leaves, seeds, berries, animals, animals parts, animal nests, other plant material, rocks, fungi, etc. 

10. Hunting, fishing, trapping, touching, harassing or feeding of wildlife is strictly PROHIBITED!

11. Bicycles, horses, or motorized vehicles are NOT permitted on trails or grounds. 

12. No camping, camp fires or ignite fires.

Update: SHADOW’s trails are open by reservation only. Click Here to schedule your reservation.

Yes, SHADOW allows groups to visit the Nature Preserve but since space and parking is very limited, you must contact our office before your visit with a group of 10 or more. Groups must receive approval before visiting the Nature Preserve. Contact: info@shadowhabitat.org or call (425) 432 – 4914.

SHADOW offers guided, private tours and educational fieldtrips for classes and groups, please go to our Education Page for more information on how to schedule your trip with SHADOW! 

Update: SHADOW’s trails are open by reservation only. Click Here to schedule your reservation.

To access our uplands trail system, you must first make a reservation. This helps to lets us know when visitors are on the grounds. Additionally, parking is minimal in our uplands area and can only accommodate a few vehicles at a time.

The Uplands Entrance is located on the north side of Peter Grubb Rd. SE near 186th Ave SE Renton WA 98058. Parking is available outside the entrance gate, please do not block the gate. 

When visiting our Boardwalk trail you can park in the parking lot located on 21656 184th Avenue SE 98058. If the parking lot is full, you can also park along the shoulder of the 184th Avenue. 

The Uplands Entrance is located on the north side of Peter Grubb Rd. SE near 186th Ave SE Renton WA 98058. Parking is available outside the entrance gate, please do not block the gate.

Harvesting or collecting of natural materials of any kind is strictly PROHIBITED at SHADOW. This includes, but is not limited to, wildlife, wildlife parts, bird nests, plant material, mushrooms, rocks, seeds, berries, pine cones, etc.