Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park is a public park in Kent, Washington, where sculpted landforms and pathways turn water management into landscape art. Its design brings together public art, Mill Creek and a stormwater-retention system.
- Location: 100 Reiten Road, Kent, WA 98030
- Park size: 104.7 acres
- Designed earthwork: 2.5 acres
- Typical hours: Open daily
What Makes Earthworks Park Distinctive
Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks is a public landscape artwork designed to help manage the creek’s changing flow. Bauhaus designer Herbert Bayer conceived its sculpted landforms to guide Mill Creek as it moves from the canyon onto flatter ground.
Constructed in 1982, the Earthworks brings sculpted earth, pathways, water and lawns together as a public park, stormwater-retention facility and work of landscape art. Its designed area uses cones, circles, lines and berms to manage and reveal the creek’s flood-and-drought cycles.
The project became the City of Kent’s first city landmark in April 2008. The larger park covers 104.7 acres, while the designed Earthworks itself covers 2.5 acres.
Walking the Park Landscape
The wider park has nearly two miles of trail winding through the canyon, while a shorter hike offers a defined round-trip route. Washington Trails Association describes that hike as 0.9 mile round trip with 110 feet of elevation gain.
The City of Kent describes walking trails, hiking, wildlife viewing, public art, benches, a drinking fountain, parking and seasonal restrooms as park features. The landscape pairs outdoor paths with sculpted forms and the creek’s natural setting, so a walk can take in both the artwork and the canyon.
If you’re planning time at another Auburn-area park, what to know about Clark Lake Park’s trails and access offers a separate point of comparison.
How do you get to Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park?
The park is in Kent, not Auburn, at 100 Reiten Road. From Royal A Motel, the drive takes about 12 minutes.
You can also reach the park by transit: King County Metro Route 162 serves the Canyon Drive SE and East Titus Street stop next to the park, which is within one mile of a King County Metro bus stop.
Washington Trails Association reports that the parking lot has space for about 18 cars. The City of Kent includes parking among the park’s features. If you’re planning a wider Auburn visit, how Auburn’s neighborhoods and downtown fit into a visit can help you place the park in the area.
Hours, Facilities and Visitor Etiquette
The park’s hours are dawn to dusk. It has a drinking fountain and seasonal restrooms; a toilet is also near the parking lot. Hours and facilities can change, so check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 7 AM–8 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
There is no parking pass or entry fee for the hike. Treat the sculpted landforms as part of the artwork and water-management system, and keep to established paths while walking through the park.
FAQs
Who designed Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks?
Bauhaus designer Herbert Bayer conceived the park’s sculpted landforms.
How long is the hike at the park?
The round-trip hike is 0.9 mile with 110 feet of elevation gain.
Is there an entry fee?
There is no entry fee or parking pass for the hike.
Is Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park in Auburn?
No. The park is in Kent, Washington, although it is a nearby outdoor stop for visitors to the Auburn area.