BRIDLE TRAILS STATE PARK
Bridle Trails State Park, a 482-acre day-use park, is well-known for its horse trails and equestrian shows. The forested park is on the northeast edge of the Seattle metropolitan area. Sometimes called "the wilderness in the city," this park is a popular getaway destination for Seattle residents. The park is known for its riding trails and summer weekend horse shows.
Park hours/updates:
Summer: 6:30 a.m. to dusk.Winter: 8 a.m. to dusk.
The park is open year-round for day use only.
The park is a lowland forest, typical of the vegetation which once covered Puget Sound. The woods abound in Douglas-fir and western hemlock, with some western red cedar, big-leaf maple, and alder mixed in.
The park has been under state ownership since the 1880s. By the 1930s, the area was popular as a place for horseback riding, and a trail system had been developed by community riding enthusiasts. Concerned about protecting the land, citizens petitioned the state legislature to make Bridle Trails a state park. The petition was granted, and today local groups, especially those with equestrian interests, work hard to maintain and improve the facility.
The park's two largest horse shows are "C" rated hunter-jumper shows, one the third weekend in May and the other the fourth weekend in June.
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The park provides 30 picnic tables, two stoves, four braziers, water and a restroom. Picnic sites are first-come, first-served.
Horseback riding and horse shows are the two activities most common in the park. Horse trails double as hiking trails, though horses have the right of way. Joggers are asked to "speak up" when overtaking horses on trails. Horses must not be left unattended. The park does not provide a horse rental concession.
Trails
. 28 mi. Hiking Trails
. 28 mi. Horse Trails
Horseback riding and horse shows are the two activities most common in the park. Horse trails double as hiking trails, though horses have the right of way. Joggers are asked to "speak up" when overtaking horses on trails. Horses must not be left unattended. The park does not provide a horse rental concession.
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Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
April 26 Wonderful for barefoot hiking by James
While a few of the trails are gravelled, many are not and a barefoot hike through the forest is delightful. It is often quite muddy, so there is a faucet by the entrance for cleaning up muddy feet.
November 12 great for a before or after work run
the trails get a bit muddy in rain season and bring your old running shoes because of the horse manure. But this gem is so close to my office in Redmond, I run here about 8 months a year, when the days are long enough to run before 730 and after 530.
October 25 serenity in the city by reiner
beautiful manintained trails through mature forest. A natural cathedral with wildlife, mushrooms, and nice people, mostly on horseback
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Located on the outskirts of Bellevue, Wash., a few miles northeast of Seattle, Wash. in King County.
Northbound:Take exit #17 off of I-405. At end of off-ramp, turn right and head south on 116th Ave. NE. At four-way stop, continue straight ahead. The park entrance is located at the first opening in the trees on the left.
Southbound:Take exit #17 off of I-405. At end of off-ramp, turn right and cross over freeway. At the first light, turn right again. Head south on 116th Ave. NE. At the four-way stop, continue straight ahead. The park entrance is located at the first opening in the trees on your left .
