About Lord Hill Regional Park
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Lord Hill is a steep ridge rising from the Snohomish River Valley floor. The 1,500 acre park site is located in the center of a 4,000 acre ridge. The ridge was created by a large volcanic formation of vertical basalt outcroppings rising from the river along the southwestern edge of the site at elevation of 20 feet to over 600 feet at the ridge tops.

Mitchell Lord purchased 80 acres on the hill in 1879 and homesteaded on 130 acres in 1884, devoting most of his attention to dairying. 100 acres were in cultivation and he also raised horses, sheep and hogs. His home, built on a terraced elevation overlooking the Snohomish River Valley, was one of the most imposing residences in the county.

Some of the earliest logging in Snohomish County occurred on Lord Hill. Old growth timber had been completely logged by the mid-1930s. In the 1980s, the Department of Natural Resources harvested portions of second growth timber. This phased harvesting has created three primary types of vegetative habitats.

Douglas-fir and western hemlock are the main conifer species growing in the second growth forest. Western redcedar, grand fir, red alder and big leaf maple can  also be found.

The most recent clear-cut areas formed the second major vegetation community. These areas had been aerially seeded with Douglas fir.

Vegetation associated with wetland ponds, intermittent streams and river frontage make up the third habitat type. This fragile habitat type is dominated by red alder, a few Douglas fir, western hemlock, big leaf maple and cascara.

Nine small ponds and wetlands are found within the park site. All of the water on the site is either the product of runoff or small springs. Runoff is channeled through the ridges and collects in the low points of the drainage basins.

The park supports a large population of birds, animals and fish. The most evident animal species in the park is the beaver. The forests and wetlands are also inhabited by squirrels, shrews, mice, skunks, deer and occasional bear and bobcat.