King County will begin removing a decades-old river structure in Three Forks County Park the week of August 25, eliminating a barrier that has prevented natural river processes for more than 60 years.
The Scott Revetment, built around 1960 on the south bank of the North Fork Snoqualmie River downstream of the 428th Avenue SE bridge, will be completely removed as part of a habitat restoration project. The structure was originally constructed to prevent erosion of privately owned livestock grazing land, but the area is now entirely within the county park system.
Revetments are structures built along riverbanks using rocks, wood and other materials to reduce erosion and limit natural river channel movement. While the Scott Revetment initially served to protect farmland, it now blocks natural processes without safeguarding any critical infrastructure.
King County continues spending public funds to inspect and maintain the 570-linear-foot structure even though it no longer protects farmland, structures, roads or other infrastructure. The removal project aims to eliminate these ongoing maintenance costs while improving habitat and river function.
The project was selected in October 2024 by the King County Flood Control District as a companion to the recently completed Mason Thorson Ells Levee Rehabilitation Project. The levee project’s constraints limited on-site habitat enhancement opportunities, making the revetment removal an ideal complementary restoration effort.
Construction will run from August 25 through September 19, operating Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Work will comply with noise guidelines for unincorporated King County.
The project site will be inaccessible during construction, though water passage will remain open on the north side of the river. Traffic flaggers may be present on 428th Avenue SE, and signs will be posted to warn water users of construction activities.
Several alder trees will be removed for safe revetment removal, though efforts will be made to retain mature cottonwood trees. Approximately two acres of native trees and shrubs will be planted to enhance fish and wildlife habitat, and invasive plants will be removed from the area.
The project aims to restore natural connections between the North Fork Snoqualmie River and its floodplain while improving habitat for fish and wildlife. Removing the revetment will allow the river to naturally reshape the bank over time, creating more diverse aquatic and riparian habitats.
King County considered two alternatives before selecting the approach that allows natural river processes to largely determine the new bank shape, rather than extensive grading to create predetermined slopes. The Snoqualmie Tribe is collaborating on detailed design work.
The area sees regular recreational use, especially during the summer months. While the removal will create a more natural riverbank, it may change where visitors typically access the river. King County plans extensive outreach to inform recreational users and neighbors about construction schedules and long-term changes.
The project location sits where the Middle and North Fork Snoqualmie rivers merge, between the cities of Snoqualmie and North Bend within Three Forks County Park. Educational signage will be installed in partnership with King County Parks to inform visitors about floodplain management and nearby restoration projects.
Residents and river users can sign up for project updates at kingcounty.gov/north-fork-revetment or contact Project Manager Iris Lippert at 206-477-9119 or ilippert@kingcounty.gov with questions or concerns.
[All images courtesy of King County. Featured Image: Revetment removal area is shown in yellow.]
