The mileage of trails is low, but this is a short drive from Seattle or Bellevue and could make for a quick after work ride. The trails are similar to St. Edwards State Park, but with less mileage of
The mileage of trails is low, but this is a short drive from Seattle or Bellevue and could make for a quick after work ride. The trails are similar to St. Edwards State Park, but with less mileage of trails and less technical. Two of the three sections (NE and SE) are mostly rolling singletrack with some short steep ups and downs, and the other section (NW) is mostly flat. Divided into 3 "quadrants" by intersection.
Dogs are allowed off-leash if under voice command. Horses are allowed on some trails (and all of the SE quadrant) and may be occasionally encountered.
How to Find It
I-90 to Island Crest Way exit:
- Exit 7B if coming from the West (Seattle), exit 7 if coming from the East (Bellevue).
- Take Island Crest Way south 3.2 miles to intersection of SE 68th St (watch for speed traps).
- Go through stop sign at intersection and park in the gravel pull off to the left.
- Trails are found in the three park areas that border the intersection of Island Crest Way and SE 68th St.
Typical Conditions
Usually dry during the summer. Large muddy puddles develop in the wet months, like most other westside trails. Some horse "obstacles" in SE quadrant, especially in summer. Nettles everywhere in summer.
Local Points of Interest
There is a QFC, drugstore, Starbucks, Mexican restaurant less than half a mile from the parking area off of SE 68th St to the west of the intersection of SE 68th St and Island Crest Way.
Advocacy & Stewardship
City park, heavy suburban use. Please be cautious and courteous to other trail users.
Turn by Turn
NW quadrant (by QFC) has flat, easy trails perfect for first time riders. Along perimeter of this quadrant park is a very flat gravel trail which is heavily used. Expect to see many runners, walkers, and dogs on this trail.
The NE quadrant has a several tricky and a few trails that new riders will want to dismount on. Newly made signs mark the "Ravine Trail" which includes three sets of stairs (with ridearounds) and a very rooty off camber drop similar to the one on Tiger Mountain. There is access to East Mercer Way from this trail. When coming up from the bottom of the ravine some new riders may get tired. Engstrom Loop in NE quadrant has a long boardwalk over a swamp. This quadrant also has two small drops, about 1 foot. Easily rollable or can just go around. Be careful for nettles, they are present all summer and very powerful.
SE quadrant is best for biking with hilly trails and a fun descent path. The "Two Jumps" Trail (East side of SE perimeter Trail) has Two Jumps. Watch out for and yield to horses and pedestrians in this quadrant. Wooden drainage features can become very slippery during the wet season and should be approached cautiously.
