Kent's topography is characterized by a stark contrast between its flat central valley and the steep hills that border it. The Green River Valley constitutes a broad floodplain at an elevation of about 40 feet above sea level. This flat expanse is highly favorable for the large footprint buildings required for warehousing and manufacturing.
To the west, the land rises sharply to form West Hill (part of the Des Moines/Highline ridge), which separates Kent from the Puget Sound coastline. To the east, the terrain climbs more gradually but extensively up East Hill and the Soos Creek plateau, reaching elevations over 400 feet. The region features numerous small creeks and wetlands, though many of the historic floodplains were filled or channeled during the 20th century to accommodate development.
