Maple Valley

Maple Valley is a residential city in King County, Washington, featuring a mix of homes, shopping areas, and parks scattered across rolling terrain. Several lakes and creeks run through the landscape, with forested patches separating different neighborhoods.

The area was settled starting in 1879 when trail workers brought their families and named it Vine Maple Valley after the native shrubs covering the landscape. Over time the community grew from an isolated settlement into a suburban town serving commuters.

The Tahoma School District serves the educational needs with one high school, two middle schools, and six elementary schools throughout the city.

The town is easiest to explore by car, with main roads connecting different neighborhoods and commercial areas. Parking is generally available in residential zones, though shopping districts may be more crowded during peak hours.

Lake Wilderness operated as a resort destination in the 1920s with amusement rides and a hotel before the area transitioned to residential development. Echoes of this entertainment past remain in local place names and the lake's recreational use today.

Location: King County

Inception: 1997

Elevation above the sea: 104 m

Website: https://maplevalleywa.gov

GPS coordinates: 47.36611,-122.04472

Latest update: December 12, 2025 03:39